Day 1
GR+8
God is Great!

Today’s Medallion
Number 1
Bible passage
Paul in a City of False Gods
Acts 17:16–34
ANIMAL PAL
Camo the Chameleon
Lesson Focus
God is GREAT! He is the one and only God, the awe-inspiring Creator.
Apologetics Focus
There’s only one God as revealed in the Bible—you can’t make up a god of your own choosing.
Treasured Verse
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable. Psalm 145:3

Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Introduce it!
Day 1 Mystery Clue
Option 1—Hide Map in the Room
Option 2—Mystery Riddle to Find Map
Teach it!
Part 1: Acts 17
Option 1—Puppet Version of Passage
Option 2—Reading from the Bible
Option 3—Live Monologue
Part 2: Puppet Pal—One and Only One God
Part 3: Small Group Time
Part 4: Review Game
Option 1—Hang Ten
Option 2—Lightning Round
Apply It!
Part 1: Treasured Verses
Part 2: Go and Do
Just for Fun Song—“Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelujah”
Preparing for the Lesson
Read Acts 17:16–34 several times. 
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials as mentioned in the brown Pre-prep text.
Visit AnswersVBS.com/mifaq for more information on there being only one God—the God of the Bible. 
Pray.

Devotion 1 God Is Great
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. Proverbs 9:10
At Mystery Island, we’re encouraging our kids to discover the one true God. But . . . how do we know the one true God even exists? It’s a question that has crossed the mind of every believer at some point—sure, I believe in God, but how do I know the God I love and serve is truly the one true God?
Before we answer that question, let’s go a bit further by asking another question: how can we know anything? How do we even know to question the surety of God’s existence? Here’s the answer: apart from the perfect, truthful, unchanging, eternal God of the Bible, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3) and from whom come knowledge and understanding (Proverbs 9:10), we cannot know anything.
Think about it.
If, as some suggest, there is no god—no ultimate standard of truth and knowledge—and we are simply the product of random processes operating on chemicals over time, then the thoughts in our brains are nothing more than the product of random chemical interactions. How could we know anything?
If, as others suggest, our universe is ruled by a god who is not eternal (Mormonism, History of the Church, vol. 6, ch. 14, p. 305–6) or who is deceptive (Islam, Koran 3:54, 8:30), how could we be sure that what we know is true today will still be true tomorrow?
The one true God of the Bible has created each person in his image and given us the ability to think rationally, to question thoughtfully, to know truth fully. And he has revealed himself to everyone so that no one is without excuse (Romans 1:18–21). Those who deny his existence or seek to change him into a false version of himself are willfully ignorant, suppressing the truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18).
We can know the one true God exists because we have the ability to know in the first place. And we can praise him that he freely gives wisdom to those who ask for it (James 1:5). This week, let’s be quick to seek wisdom from the one true God as we teach our children to know the one true God and embrace him fully.
May we be thankful as the Puritans were, not only that we can know things, but also that the one true God has enabled us to know him.
Glorious God,
I bless thee that I know thee.
I once lived in the world, but was ignorant of its Creator,
was partaker of thy providences, but knew not the Provider,
was blind while enjoying the sunlight,
was deaf to all things spiritual, with voices all around me,
understood many things, but had no knowledge of thy ways,
saw the world, but did not see Jesus only.
O happy day, when in thy love’s sovereignty
thou didst look on me, and call me by grace.
Grant that I may always weep to the praise of mercy found,
and tell to others as long as I live,
that thou art a sin-pardoning God,
taking up the blasphemer and the ungodly,
and washing them from their deepest stain.
—(Excerpt from “The Great Discovery” 
in The Valley of Vision)

Gospel Note: Although the gospel is presented in detail during Day 4, each lesson provides opportunities to share the gospel. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as to which of these opportunities to use.
Introduce It!
Treasure Map Poster, preferably laminated
Day 1 Large Medallion, preferably laminated
Day 1 Animal Pal Poster 
Bible or children’s Bible
Costumes for teachers (see #8 on page 5)
Mounting putty or tape for hanging posters
Treasure chest (see page 10 for directions)
You may want to adopt a fun name like Surfin’ Sarah, Captain Karl, Luau Lindsey, or Flip Flop Frank.
Be familiar with the lesson, but don’t memorize it. Place it on a clipboard to use as a reference. You can decorate the back of your clipboard (the side the kids see) with beachy stickers.
The Bible and mounting putty are usually listed just once a day, but are used throughout the lesson.
Day 1 Mystery Clue (5–10 minutes)
Pre-prep: Gather your tropical island costumes, which you’ll wear all week. Either buy a fake treasure chest or make one out of a foam cooler as directed on page 10 and put the Bible in it, bookmarked at Acts 17. Cut out and laminate the Day 1 large medallion and place it in the treasure chest. Laminate and hide the treasure map poster according to the directions for either Option 1 or Option 2 below.
Greet the islanders at the door as they come in. Once they are settled, begin with the following.
Teacher 1: Aloha, islanders, and welcome to Lighthouse Lessons. I’m ____, the lighthouse keeper, and this is my assistant, ____. Have you ever seen a lighthouse? Take answers. Lighthouses are important because they have a big light that shines so ships and sailors won’t lose their way or run into land while they’re out at sea. And keepers of the lighthouse have a huge job. They keep the light always going, and they sometimes rescue stranded people in the water. 
Teacher 2 (or Teaching Assistant): Here at Mystery Island, we want to keep the light of God’s Word shining brightly so you can know the way through life. With that in mind, let’s dive right in with an activity called First Word. We’ll say a word, then you shout out what the first thing is that comes to mind. Ready? Here’s the first one: tropical island. Take answers, then continue with the following: lizard, sun, sand, pirate, ocean.
Teacher 1: Okay, here’s the last one. For this one, don’t shout out your answer, but just think of it inside your head. What’s the first thing that comes into your mind when you think of the word God? Give them a few seconds to think of it silently, then ask volunteers to share what they thought of. 
Teacher 2: Some people think of God as the big guy upstairs who is like a casual friend, or as a cosmic cop who’s going to catch you breaking the law and hit you with a lightning bolt, or like a genie in a bottle who’s ready to serve you and grant your wishes. But we can’t make the one true God into who we want him to be. He is who he is. We’ll be tracking down the truth about him all week in our Bibles to find out what he’s really like. It matters more than anything, because what you believe about God is the most important thing about you. What you think about God matters more than how smart or good at sports you are, what you like to do, who you live with, what you look like, or anything else, because it determines how you live your life, and it determines your eternity! 
Teacher 1: I’m so excited to talk about this, because God is more important to me than anyone or anything else in the whole wide world! He’s wonderful! And if you’re going to be right about anything in your life, it needs to be understanding who God is, so each day, we’ll start our Lighthouse Lessons by finding a clue about God. 
Teacher 2: We’ll need a treasure map to do so, so let’s find one now! 
Option 1—Hide Map in the Room
Before class, hide the treasure map poster in the room, in sight but barely. Without moving, the kids search with their eyes to find the map. When they’ve spotted it, have someone retrieve it and the teacher can hang it up for all to see. 
Option 2—Mystery Riddle to Find Map
Share a clue such as the following. Adjust to fit your situation.
Time to start. Time to think. Find the map where you get a drink.

The answer is the closest water fountain, where you have placed the treasure map poster ahead of time. The students go to the water fountain and carefully bring the map back. Choose a location near the classroom so this doesn’t take long. The teacher hangs the map so all can see it.
Remember to take off the large medallion and rehide and/or rehang the poster before the next rotation starts.
Continue after completing Option 1 or 2.
Teacher 2: Now that we have the map, let’s find the start of the trail on the map. Do so. Now, watching my finger, let’s follow it from the start to the first stop. Do so. Where did I stop? Take answers—Chameleon Cave. Hmm . . . I wonder what we might find out about God at Chameleon Cave? Let me pull something out of this treasure chest to give us another clue. Open the treasure chest, and pull out the Day 1 large medallion that goes on the treasure map poster. Show them what it is and ask what they think the number one has to do with God. Place the medallion on the map in the Day 1 circle, using mounting putty (so it can be taken off for the next rotation). Then ask them to look carefully at Chameleon Cave and see if they can find a hidden clue there. They should see the number one hidden on the cave. 
Teacher 1: Yes, the number 1 means there’s only one God—the God of the Bible. A lot of people have wrong views of God, but we can find out who he truly is by searching the Bible. Show the Day 1 animal pal poster. See if they can find the hidden number 1 on it. Camo the chameleon here is always changing, but the God of the Bible doesn’t change. He was and is and always will be the same.
Teacher 2: We know God is completely true and can’t lie (Titus 1:2), so since God is trustworthy and true, and the Bible is from him, then we know every word of the Bible is completely trustworthy and true, too. Let’s pray, and then we’ll open the treasure chest and get out our trustworthy Bible, which is the greatest treasure on earth. Pray, and then pull out the Bible with care. Open to Acts 17, and share either Option 1, 2, or 3 below.
Teach It!
Paul in Athens Poster 
Supplies for the Paul monologue (see Pre-prep)
Optional: Pictures of ancient Greece and Greek gods
Part 1: Acts 17 (5 minutes)
Pre-prep: Choose which option you will do for the telling of Acts 17, and prepare accordingly. All three of these options can use pictures of ancient Greece and ancient Greek gods to enhance the telling of the account. Search online for images, and make sure to use images of Greek gods that are modestly dressed. Someone (the second teacher perhaps) can hold the pictures up at the appropriate time as they are mentioned in the puppet show or live monologue, or as you are reading/paraphrasing from the Bible. Besides the pictures mentioned above, Option 1 needs a Paul puppet, the Paul in athens SCRIPT—audio version, found on the Digital Resources, and a player for the audio script. Option 2 needs just a Bible. Option 3 needs a willing actor in a Bible-time costume and the paul in athens sCRIPT that follows.
Option 1—Puppet Version of Passage
Cue the paul in athens SCRIPT—audio version and play it for the islanders while working the Paul puppet.
Option 2—Reading from the Bible
Open your Bible to Acts 17, and read or paraphrase the Acts 17:16–34 account. Read or tell it with emotion and interest.
Option 3—Live Monologue
Find someone to play Paul. Have him expressively share the Acts account, using the paul in athens script that follows, which is written as a first-person narrative. 
Before he begins, show the islanders where this account is found in Scripture.

PAUL IN ATHENS SCRIPT 
Grace and peace to you! I’m Paul, a servant of the Lord here in ancient times. I’ve been traveling around, starting churches and telling people about our amazing God and what Jesus, the Son of God, did for us on the cross.
This is where you may want to show pictures of ancient Greece.
In my travels, I arrived in a city called Athens, which is in Greece. I decided to walk around the city, and as I did, I started to feel very upset inside because everywhere I went, I saw idols. Do you know what an idol is? Take answers.
An idol is an image or statue of a false god—a pretend god. The Greeks have many false gods that are made by the people. Sadly, the people worship these idols instead of the one true God. Listen as I tell you about a few of them. 
This is where you may want to show pictures of Greek gods.
One is called Cronos. He is said to have hurt his father and swallowed his own children so they wouldn’t become too powerful and take his throne away from him.
Another is Zeus. He is said to be king of the Greek gods. His symbol is the lightning bolt, because he supposedly throws them down to earth in fits of anger. He’s supposed to be the most powerful of the Greek gods.
Next is Nike. She is said to be the goddess of victory. She wants to win so much she’s willing to be unfair and cheat.
And let’s not forget Poseidon. He is said to be the god of the sea. He sinks ships or drowns people on a whim if he wants to. He’s moody and unpredictable. You never know when he’s going to whip up a storm because he’s upset.
Some estimate up to 30,000 different gods were represented in Athens.
The Areopagus was a rocky spot high above the city, and was also the name given to the court of judges, kind of like their Supreme Court. Paul may have been brought before this court.
These are just a few of the many Greek gods I hear about here. 
Seeing all these idols upset me, because there’s only one true God, and I want everyone to know him! So I decided to go to the synagogue, which is like the church Jewish people go to, and talk to them about the one true God.
Show the paul in athens poster. One day, some of the scholars of Athens asked me to come to this rocky spot high up in the city where they have their court. It’s called the Areopagus (air-ee-OP-a-gus). They wanted to know what I’d been telling everybody.
So I said to them: Men of Athens, I see that you’re very religious. For as I passed along, I saw your idols, and even found an altar that said: To the unknown god. Well, what you’re worshipping as unknown, I want to tell you about, because God can be known! He doesn’t live in temples, and he isn’t a statue of gold or silver or stone, but he is God, the Maker of the world! He made it, and he owns it. 
And the awesome thing is that if we seek the one true God, we’ll find he’s not far from us, but wants to have a relationship with us. God sent his Son, Jesus, who lived and died and was raised from the dead, so we can have that relationship if we turn from our sins and seek him. 
When I finished telling the men this, how do you think they responded? Take answers.
Some made fun of me, some said they’d like to hear more, and some came with me right then and there because they realized I was right—there really is only one true God!
You know, many people consider God a mystery, but he can be known, and he wants to be known. Of course, we’ll never know everything about God—he’s too big and great—but we can know him enough to understand who he is and to have a personal relationship with him. This week, I hope you will not only get to know about God, but also get to know God.
Well, thanks for having me in. Shalom! 
Teacher: Wow, that was cool hearing from Paul! Let’s take a minute and see what we can remember about what he said. Show the paul in athens poster again. Why was Paul feeling upset? What did the people there believe? How many true gods are there? Take answers and review. Remind them there’s only one true God and he is great.

Part 2: Puppet Pal—One and Only One God (5 minutes)
Day 1 Animal Pal Poster
Day 1 Puppet Script (2 copies) 
Puppet (girl or boy) in costume
Clipboard
Pre-prep: Check Decorating Decisions for details about how to make the puppet stage. Tape one Puppet script inside the puppet stage, and place the other on the clipboard. Dress the puppet in a mini VBS T-shirt, a tropical shirt, or a lei. You may want to add a visor or sunglasses.
Each day, the puppet pal will be used to teach or reinforce the lesson. It's always a favorite, so include it even if you have to cut something else. 
If you don’t have a teaching assistant or co-teacher, enlist someone (a group guide or other volunteer) ahead of time to work the puppet each day. If you’re alone, have the puppet come up from behind a suitcase with the lid flipped up, or just stand and work the puppet. 
You can use either a boy or a girl puppet. 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. 
One teacher should be in front of the puppet stage, and one behind it, working the puppet. When the puppet comes up, 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.
Teacher: Now let’s see if we can meet our puppet pal, Sunny. On the count of three, let’s all call to him (her). Ready? 1, 2, 3—Sunny!
Puppet: Come up. Aloha! Welcome to Mystery Island!
Teacher: Thanks! This is an awesome place. What do you like to do here?
Puppet: Well, one of my favorite things to do is to hang ten.
Teacher: Hang ten? What’s that mean?
Puppet: Ever surfed before?
Teacher: Nope.
Puppet: Well, surfers like to have their 10 toes hang over the front of their surfboard while they’re riding the waves. It’s cool. 
Teacher: Pretend to surf. That would be amazing! But there’s a different number I’m thinking about besides 10. 
Puppet: Oh yeah? What is it?
Teacher: One. 
Puppet: Say dramatically. The number 1. Numero uno. One and only. The big O-un. O-n-e. 
Teacher: I think we get the idea. Number 1. 
Puppet: It sure wouldn’t work to hang one. Can you imagine having just my big toe hanging over a surfboard? Flip over backwards and laugh uproariously. Or maybe my pinkie toe. Now that would be a trick.
Teacher: Sunny, I wasn’t talking about toes. 
Puppet: Well, then, what are you talking about?
Teacher: God.
Puppet: God? What does God have to do with the number 1?

Teacher: Maybe the boys and girls out here can help us with that. Boys and girls, do you remember what the number 1 has to do with God? Take answers—there’s only one God. 
Puppet: But wait a minute. I have a friend who believes in lots of gods.
Teacher: There’s only one true God, but people throughout time have often believed in lots of false gods. 
Puppet: What do you mean?
Teacher: Well, sometimes people make up gods in their minds, like the people during the Apostle Paul’s time. They made up all kinds of gods, like Zeus, Cronos, and Nike.
Puppet: Were they real gods?
Teacher: No. Remember we said there’s only one true God. You can’t just make up a god of your own choosing. Nowadays, people may not make a statue of gold and call it a god, but they get ideas in their minds about God that are wrong. Wrong ideas about God are kind of like making up your own god. Maybe someone says his god wants everybody to be rich. Or his god is up in heaven and doesn’t care about us down here on earth. Or people may think they have to be “good” so God will allow them into heaven.
Puppet: Well, I don’t want to have wrong thoughts about God, so where do I go to get the truth about who he is and what he’s like?
Teacher: You go to the Bible. It’s the only perfect book in the world, written by God himself. So if the Bible says it, that settles it. It shows us who God is and what he’s really like.
Puppet: What is God really like? Can he curl his tongue into a tube shape? My friend Herbert can do that. Start to talk with your tongue curled, saying you have tried, but it’s hard to do.
Teacher: Well, it’s fun to try that, but there’s a big difference between God and us. There are qualities of God that people don’t have.  
Puppet: Like what? 
Teacher: First of all, he can never make a mistake. Ever. We sure make mistakes, but God never does.
Puppet: You mean he’s perfect? 
Teacher: Forever perfect!
Puppet: Wow, that would come in handy when I’m doing my math homework. It’s so hard to remember the addition facts. 
Teacher: God invented math, so he knows everything about math and everything else! Another thing about God is he can never lie.
Puppet: You mean he always tells the truth? 
Teacher: Always.
Puppet: When my friend Johnny came over, he told me he was going to give me his surfboard to keep, but he didn’t. Man, I really liked his surfboard. 
Teacher: People sometimes let you down, Sunny, but you can count on God to always tell the truth and keep his word. And God never changes. Camo the chameleon changes colors a lot, doesn’t he? Point to the day 1 animal pal poster. 
Puppet: Yeah, I like to watch the chameleons that live on the island. They’re green one minute, then change to blue or orange or a mixture. 

Teacher: Well, God is invisible, so when I say he doesn’t change, I’m not talking about his looks changing. But I do mean what he’s like always stays the same. He is forever kind, good, loving, truthful, and perfect. That will never change. And he made everything and everyone. He’s the Creator, and he cares about you!
Puppet: He sounds great!
Teacher: God is great! He’s amazing! He’s wonderful! He’s better than you can even imagine. He’s more important than anybody else you’ll ever know—by far—and I can’t wait to share more about him with you this week!
Puppet: Thanks for sharing about the great One. Now I’m going to go and hang ten!
Teacher: You do that, Sunny, and we’ll see you tomorrow! Boys and girls, as Sunny goes, let’s see if you can remember what Sunny had to say. Review for a minute as Sunny leaves. 
Gospel Opportunity
If you don’t plan to do small group time, share your personal testimony and excitement about God as outlined in small group time question 4 now.
Part 3: Small Group Time (5–10 minutes)
Day 1 Discussion Sheets, 1 per small group leader
If small groups aren’t feasible, lead a discussion on these questions as a large group, or print off the Discussion Sheets and give them to the group guides who can lead a discussion during snack time each day. These are good to fit in at some point in the VBS day. 
Divide into small groups of 4–6 islanders with a group guide in each group. Adjust depending on how many guides and kids you have. Discuss some or all of the following questions from the discussion sheet. Any day a Bible passage is mentioned, help them look it up and read it together, or have it bookmarked and read it to them.
When we asked a little while ago what comes into your mind when you think of God, what did you think of? Take responses.
How do you think you got that idea about God? Take responses. Where should we go to learn about who God really is? Take responses, and remind them we can’t make God into who we want him to be, but we learn of who he truly is in the Bible.
What is something you’ve learned so far today about God? Take responses.
Gospel Opportunity
Does God seem exciting to you? Worth knowing? Take responses, and tell them how excited you are to share more this week about your awesome God. You may want to share your testimony here. Your enthusiasm about God will be inspiring.
Part 4: Review Game (5–10 minutes)
OPTION 1: Several “surfboards” (see Pre-prep), timer
OPTION 2: Timer
Pre-prep: Choose an option below. Option 1 needs 2x3 boards that are 8 feet long. Cut the boards into three pieces of 32 inches each. These will act as each team’s “surfboard.” One 8-ft. long board will be enough for three teams. If you have more teams than that, cut more boards. Option 2 needs just a timer. 
Games will be a big hit with this age group! The test church kids enjoyed all the various games throughout the week.
Option 1—Hang Ten
To play: First, explain that surfers use the phrase “hang ten” to describe how their 10 toes hang over the front of the surfboard when they’re riding a wave. We’re going to play “Hang Ten” by trying to get all 10 questions right while balancing on our “surfboards” for 10 seconds. 
Divide into teams of 3–5 players per team. Each team answers every question. Ask the question, have teams quietly confer (so the other teams don’t hear), and say the answer on the count of three. If they get it right, give them a point and let someone from the team try to “hang ten.” In our version, they have to balance on their surfboard (the wooden board) for 10 seconds without falling off. If they do so successfully, their team gets another point. To add fun, have them stand in different ways on their boards after each question—crouching, 
standing on one foot, standing on the other foot, feet crossed on the board, etc. The team with the most points at the end of the time wins.
Option 2—Lightning Round
This version is quick and requires only a timer. It works any day you need an easy, speedy choice. 
To play: Put 2 minutes (120 seconds) on the timer. Quickly read a question and have everyone shout out their answer as soon as you finish reading the question. As soon as you hear someone say the right answer, affirm that answer, share the comments, and move to the next question. The group as a whole wins if they get through all the questions in the time allotted. Today, they will receive 2 minutes. Days 2–4 will be progressively more challenging, with less time than the day before. Day 5 has a slightly different timing format.
Questions
Who is today’s animal pal and how does he remind us of God?
Answer: Camo the chameleon. Camo changes, but God doesn’t change. He is the same forever.
Who went to visit Athens and found himself getting upset?
Answer: Paul.
Why was Paul upset?
Answer: He was upset because the people there had false gods called idols.
Name one of the false Greek gods.
Answer: Cronos, Zeus, Nike, or Poseidon.
What is an idol?
Answer: An idol is a statue or image that represents a false god. We can also worship an idol if we have a false view of the one true God. An idol can even be anything that is more important to us or that we care more about than God, such as sports or hobbies.
Paul tells the people of Athens that God is the Creator. Name three things God has created.  
Answers will vary.
Yes or no: Do you think this view of God is correct? God is mean.
Answer: No. God is perfect, so he can only be always good and right.
Where do we go to find out who God truly is and what he’s like?
Answer: The Bible. That’s where we find out about the one true God.
What is one true character quality you know about God? Here’s one to help you get started: God is love.
Answers will vary.
Our theme verse from Psalm 145 is: “I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever.” Extol means “enthusiastically praise.” What is one thing you can think of to enthusiastically praise God for? Here’s one to help you get started: I praise you, God, because you made our brains way more amazing than the greatest computer. 
Answers will vary.
Apply It!
Day 1 Student Guides, 1 per child
Trail Guides, 1 per child
Stamp for Trail Guides
In the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. You won’t have time to do all of them, but these ideas are also on the back of the Student Guides. Send the guides home each day as a fun review and also encourage the islanders to do the practical ideas (the Go and Do sections) that apply the lesson to real life. They’re important!

Put a stamp in the Trail Guides, or have the group guides do so as the kids first arrive at VBS. 
Part 1: Treasured Verses
Theme Verse Poster and Day 1 Memory Verse Poster 
Memory Verse Music CD and player
Footprints in the Sand supplies for each group of 3–5 kids: 15 footprint cutouts from card stock or construction paper (preferably laminated), plus more if doing other verses, and (optional) tape
Pre-prep: For Footprints in the Sand, prepare the materials as described below in the Challenge section. Do the same for tomorrow’s verse and the theme verse if you think you’ll have time. Cue the memory verse song. Hang up the Day 1 Memory Verse Poster and the Theme Verse Poster.
Today’s Verse: Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable. Psalm 145:3  
Practice the verse several times by playing the appropriate song from the Memory Verse CD and using the day 1 memory Verse poster as a reference. Then try the Challenge.
Challenge: Footprints in the Sand—Make 15 footprint cutouts from paper with a word from the verse on each. Put them down in a path in order. (You may want to tape them down.) Move from one footprint to the next, saying a word as you step on each new footprint. Keep trying until you can go from the first to the last without a mistake. Provide one set per group of 3–5 kids, with kids lined up and taking turns.
Tomorrow’s Verse: Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me? Jeremiah 32:27
Try the Challenge again, this time saying tomorrow’s verse. You may also want to practice the week’s theme verse, using the Theme Verse poster as a reference.
End each day’s Lighthouse Lesson time with prayer!
Part 2: Go and Do
Look up Psalm 145:8–9, 17–18 and read it out loud. Find at least five great things this says about God. Then read Psalm 115:3–9. Find at least five things about idols that show idols aren’t God.
Pray and tell God how great he is and why you think so! Use Psalm 145 to guide you as you pray.
Psalm 145 ends by saying that your mouth will speak the praise of the Lord. Find someone and tell them something about God’s greatness that you learned today at VBS.
Ask your parent or guardian to tell you the first thing that comes to mind when they think of God. 
Check AnswersVBS.com/mikids for more fun information!
Ask yourself this question: Why is my view of God important?
Just for Fun Song: “Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelujah”
“Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelujah” song 
MP3 or CD player
Also available on Simple Songs CD (11-8-141)
Before singing, explain that “hallelujah” means (basically) “Praise the Lord.” In this song, one group stands and sings “Hallelujah” while the other sits. Then the other group stands and answers back “Praise ye the Lord.” Traditionally, kids like singing as loud as they can.
Verse
Hallelu, hallelu, hallelu, hallelujah
(Half the kids stand up and sing.)
Praise ye the Lord 
(Other half stand up and sing.)
Hallelu, hallelu, hallelu, hallelujah
(Half the kids stand up and sing.)
Praise ye the Lord 
(Other half stand up and sing.)
Stand at the door and say goodbye as the islanders leave.
Chorus
Praise ye the Lord 
(“Praise ye” group stay standing and sing.)
Hallelujah 
(“Hallelujah” group stand up and sing. Repeat those two lines two more times.)
Praise ye the Lord 
(Everyone stand and sing together.)

Day 2
ALL+MY+T
God is ALMIGHTY!

Today’s Medallion
Letter O
Bible passageS
Jonah and God Almighty
Book of Jonah; Psalm 139
Animal Pal
Flip the Flapjack Octopus
LessON FOCUS
God is ALMIGHTY! He is all knowing, all powerful, and all present.
Apologetics Focus
Nothing is too hard for God.
Treasured Verse
Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me? Jeremiah 32:27

Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Introduce It!
Day 2 Mystery Clue
Option 1—Hidden Os
Option 2—Mystery Riddle
Teach It!
Part 1: Jonah
Part 2:  Puppet Pal—Super Power
Part 3: Omni Stations
Part 4: Review Game
Option 1—Octopus Eight
Option 2—Lightning Round
Apply It!
Part 1: Treasured Verses
Part 2: Go and Do
Just for Fun Song: “Jonah and the Fish”
Preparing for the Lesson
Read the book of Jonah and Psalm 139 several times.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials as outlined in the brown Pre-prep text.
For more information on God’s omniscience, omnipotence, and omnipresence, visit AnswersVBS.com/mifaq.
Pray.

Devotion 2 God Is Almighty
Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, but you are the same, and your years have no end. Psalm 102:25–27
Almighty (Genesis 35:11); Beautiful (Psalm 27:4); Comforter (Isaiah 66:13); Defender (Psalm 68:5); Everywhere (omnipresent, Psalm 139:7–12); Father (Matthew 6:9); Great (Psalm 48:1); Healer (Malachi 4:2); Incomprehensible (Romans 11:33); Just (Deuteronomy 32:4); Kind (Ephesians 2:7); Love (1 John 4:8); Mighty (Psalm 50:1); Never-ending (Isaiah 9:6); Omnipotent (all-powerful, Jeremiah 32:27); Provider (Genesis 22:9–14); Quiet (1 Kings 19:11–13); Righteous (Psalm 7:17); Sovereign (Psalm 97); Trinity (Matthew 3:16–17); Unparalleled (Jeremiah 10:7); Victor (1 Chronicles 29:11); Wonderful (Isaiah 9:6); Excellent (Psalm 150:2); Yes (2 Corinthians 1:20); Zealous (Isaiah 9:7).
The Great I AM.
These are just a few of the many attributes of our one true God. In fact, someone once said that because God is infinite, his attributes are infinite. Imagine spending all of eternity discovering more and more about our amazing Creator, only to find out you still haven’t uncovered everything about him and need the rest of eternity to find out even more reasons to love him!
Today, you have the great privilege of imparting a deeper understanding of the one true God to your students, focusing on his omnipotence, omnipresence, and omniscience. As with every other aspect of the one true God, Satan twists these into lies. One we’re all familiar with is the lie of “Mother Nature.”
Think about it.
The one true God is omnipresent—he is present everywhere in the universe all the time (Psalm 139:7–12). He is not part of his creation; but he sees it all, all the time (Deuteronomy 4:39). How easy is it to morph this into the idea that god is in all and all of creation is god? An episode of Sesame Street (watched by many children) featured a survival guy who discussed all the ways “Nature” gives us what we need—food, water, clothing, shelter. Even Christians carelessly use the term “Mother Nature” in such ways as, “Boy, Mother Nature really packed a wallop with that storm!” When we do this, we point others to a false view of God and encourage them to worship and serve created things rather than the Creator (Romans 1:22–25).
Let’s make sure we consistently point our children to the one true God and talk about his attributes in real, true ways that help us make sense of the world around us. The one true God is the almighty Creator of the universe—not us and not the creation itself. May we expand our vision of God’s sovereignty and power over all with this prayer: 
King of glory, Divine Majesty,
every perfection adorns thy nature and sustains thy throne;
The heavens and earth are thine,
The world is thine and its fullness.
Thy power created the universe from nothing;
Thy wisdom has managed all its multiple concerns,
presiding over nations, families, individuals.
Thy goodness is boundless;
all creatures wait on thee
are supplied by thee,
are satisfied in thee.
How precious are the thoughts of thy mercy and grace!
How excellent thy lovingkindness that draws men to thee!
We are weary, give us rest,
knowing that thou hast said,
‘I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.’
Blessed be thy name!
—(Excerpt from “Fourth Day Evening: God All-Sufficient” from The Valley of Vision)

Introduce It!
Treasure Map Poster
Day 2 Large Medallion, preferably laminated
Puzzle Card 1
Omni Word Signs 
Bible or children’s Bible
Costumes for teachers
Mounting putty or tape
Treasure chest
OPTION 1: White crayon, white copy paper, small bowl of water, child’s watercolor paint set, paintbrush 
OPTION 2: Big O out of poster board 
Day 2 Mystery Clue (5–10 minutes)
Pre-prep: Choose an option below and prepare the materials. For Option 1, use a white crayon to write 3 big Os on white copy paper. When it’s time to reveal the hidden Os, dip a paintbrush in a small bowl of water and then in a child’s watercolor paint set, and paint over the paper. Make sure you make enough so you have one for each rotation. It’s a good idea to practice once beforehand to make sure it’s working well. For Option 2, make a large letter O out of a piece of poster board, and hide it somewhere in the room so it can be partially seen. Cut out and laminate the Day 2 large medallion and put it and the Bible in the treasure chest.
Teacher 1: Welcome back to Lighthouse Lessons, islanders! Yesterday we said that God is ___. Have them answer as you hold up the Puzzle card 1. Right, great! 
Teacher 2: And our number 1 medallion reminds us of what? Take answers. Right, he’s the one and only God. We can’t make up a god of our own choosing.
Teacher 1: Well, we’ve got another mystery clue to figure out, so let’s get started.  
Option 1—Hidden Os
This option takes a little longer than Option 2. Gather everyone around the paper with the hidden Os. Paint over it or have a volunteer or volunteers paint over it and watch the hidden Os appear.
Explain that the Os stand for our three big words of the day that all start with “omni.” Show each OMNI WORD SIGN as you talk about the following. Omni means “all.” The first word is omniscient (God knows all), then omnipotent (God is all powerful), and finally omnipresent (God is all present, meaning he is everywhere, at the same time, all the time). Pull out the Day 2 large medallion from the treasure chest—an O for “omni.” Put it on the Treasure Map poster at the Octopus Inlet. See if they can find the hidden O at Octopus Inlet.
Teacher 2: Now, let’s pray then get our Bible from the treasure chest and find out more about these three big words! Pray, then get the Bible out, bookmarked at Jonah 1. 
Option 2—Mystery Riddle
This option goes faster than Option 1. Share a clue such as the following. Adjust to fit your situation.
Look up, look down, look all around, until a great big O is found.
Without moving, have the kids look for the big letter O that is partially hidden. Once found, pull it out and explain that the O stands for our three big words of the day that all start with “omni.” Show each OMNI WORD SIGN as you talk about the following. Omni means “all.” The first word is omniscient (God knows all), then omnipotent (God is all powerful), and finally omnipresent (God is all present, meaning he is everywhere, at the same time, all the time). Pull out the Day 2 large medallion from the treasure chest—an O for “omni.” Put it on the Treasure Map poster at the Octopus Inlet. See if they can find the hidden O at Octopus Inlet.
Teacher 2: Now, let’s pray then get our Bible from the treasure chest and find out more about these three big words! Pray, then get the Bible out, bookmarked at Jonah 1. 
Teach It!
Jonah Poster
"Boat" and optional props (see Pre-prep)
Slime ingredients
Liquid fish sauce in a bottle
Part 1: Jonah (5–10 minutes)
If you are pressed for time, do a quick telling of the Jonah account rather than acting it out as written and then move on to the puppet (Part 2) and the Omni Stations (Part 3). To further save time, do the Omni Stations all together rather than rotating through in small groups. 

Pre-prep: Search online for slime recipes, which can be made a day or more ahead of time. The day of the lesson, add in part of a bottle of fish sauce (found at the grocery store in the Asian food aisle) to give it a strong fish smell. Make a boat outline on the floor using painter’s tape that all the kids can fit in or put down beach towels. Or, use large sheets of corrugated cardboard to fashion the boat so it has sides, again making it big enough for the class to sit inside. You may want to add pool noodle “oars” and a large sheet of blue material for the water.  
Teacher 1: Our Bible account starts with God telling Jonah to go to a place called Nineveh. Let’s point over here to Nineveh. Have everyone point in one direction. God wanted Jonah to go there because it was a bad city and the people didn’t know about the one true God. So Jonah was supposed to go and tell them God’s judgment was coming. 
Teacher 2: But Jonah didn’t want to go there. He didn’t like the people there. So Jonah decided to go in the other direction. Let’s point over here toward Tarshish. Have everyone point in the other direction. Jonah went over here, paid some money, and got on a boat to go out to sea. Let’s go over there and get on that boat. Do so. 
Teacher 1: Well, the boat started out. Let’s pretend we’re rowing the boat to get it out to sea. Do so.
Teacher 2: But the Lord sent a big wind and storm on the sea. Let’s make wind and storm noises and pretend the boat is rocking. Do so.
Teacher 1: The sailors were really afraid. They thought the boat might break into pieces because the storm was so bad. Let’s look like we’re really afraid. Do so.
Teacher 2: They started throwing all the supplies off the ship to lighten the load. Let’s pretend to throw the supplies off the ship. Do so.
Teacher 1: During this whole time, guess what Jonah was doing. He was sleeping! The captain went and got him up and told him to call on God. You see, the sailors had figured out the storm had come about because Jonah was trying to get away from God. 
Teacher 2: Jonah knew God had sent the storm because Jonah was trying to run away from God. But you can’t run away from God, can you? He always knows where you are. So Jonah told the sailors to throw him overboard and then God would stop the storm. Let’s pretend to throw Jonah overboard. Do so.
Teacher 1: As soon as Jonah was thrown overboard, the storm stopped. Let’s make loud storm noises, and then when I say, “Stop!” everyone get completely quiet right away. Do so.
Teacher 2: Guess what happened to Jonah when he fell in the sea? God sent a big fish to swallow him. Show the Jonah poster. Can you imagine being in the belly of a big fish for three days and three nights? That’s where Jonah was. Pass around the slime and have them smell it. They don’t need to touch it. Do you think God knew Jonah was there? Take responses. Yes, God knew, because God knows everything at all times. He knows where we are, and he’s even with each person all the time. If you’re hiding under your bed, God knows and is there. If you’re hiking in the woods, God knows and is there. If you’re at school, God knows and is there. If you’re playing hide-and-seek, God knows and is there. Wherever you are, God knows and is there.
Teacher 1: So God knew where Jonah was and God was with him, even though Jonah thought he was dying. But then he prayed to God, and God heard his prayer and commanded the big fish to vomit up Jonah onto the shore. God is so powerful that a fish does what he tells it to! God can start and stop a storm, God can cause a fish to swallow Jonah, and God can command it to throw him back up.
Teacher 2: Let’s go back to our seats now. Do so. I’ve got a question for you. Do you think anything is too hard for God? Take responses. Absolutely nothing is too hard for God, as the Bible tells us. He can do anything he wants to do. Do you think it’s hard for God to make a star or a planet? Pause for responses.  

Teacher 1: Is it too hard for God to see in the dark? Pause for responses. 
Teacher 2: Is it too hard for God to be at the bottom of the ocean and on top of the highest mountain at the same time? Pause for responses. 
Teacher 1: Is it too hard for God to make a person? Pause for responses. 
Teacher 2: Is it too hard for God to stop a storm or put a rainbow in the sky? Pause for responses. 
Teacher 1: Is it too hard for God to bring Jesus back to life? Pause for responses. 
Teacher 2: God is almighty! He has all the power! He is our amazing, all knowing, all powerful, always present God. And the great news is, he’s also kind and loving and cares about us, so he always uses his power for our good. Can you imagine if he was the powerful king of the universe, but he wasn’t good and kind? That would be scary! But he is good and kind, and the king of everything. Let’s call on Sunny and hear a little more about this.
Part 2: Puppet Pal—Super Power (5 minutes)
Day 2 Animal Pal Poster
Day 2 Puppet Script (2 copies) 
Puppet and clipboard
Puppet-sized superhero shirt or prop (see text)
Pre-prep: Photocopy the Puppet Script and tape one inside the puppet stage, and place the other on the clipboard. Gather a superhero shirt, shield, or prop. 
Teacher: On the count of three, let’s stand up and call our puppet pal. Ready? 1, 2, 3—Sunny!
Puppet: Come up with a superhero shirt, shield, or other superhero prop.
Teacher: What in the world are you wearing (holding)?
Puppet: This is my superhero costume. I’m pretending to be ____ (name of the superhero you are using). 
Teacher: What are you pretending you can do? 
Possible pretend superhero powers could be super strength, super speed, super stretchy, x-ray vision, or ability to leap high.
Puppet: I have the power to stop a speeding train with my bare hands, or ____(make up a superhero power).
Teacher: It’s fun to pretend, but you don’t think you really have super powers, do you?
Puppet: No, I don’t. But ___ (name of a superhero) sure does! Have you seen how he ___ (ability of that superhero)?
Teacher: Well, guess what? That’s just pretend, too! The superheroes you see on TV and in the movies and in your computer games are just make believe. They aren’t real.
Puppet: Awww . . . so there’s nobody who has super powers for real?
Teacher: Yes, there is. There is one. Only one.
Puppet: Who? I bet it’s ___ (name of a superhero).
Teacher: Nope.
Puppet: Maybe ___ (name of a superhero). 
Teacher: No. Remember, those are just pretend, but the one with true super powers is God. God isn’t like anyone else. God can do anything. 
Puppet: Like what?
Teacher: Well, for one, he knows everything. He’s never had to go to school to learn anything. He has known everything forever. 
Puppet: You mean God has never learned anything new?
Teacher: That’s right! We’re learning new stuff all our lives, and even then, we only know a bit of all there is to know. But God always has known everything. He knows how many drops of water come to earth in each rainstorm. He knows where each bird is and how many feathers it has. He knows when an ear of corn is picked on 
the other side of the world. The Bible says he even knows when you sit down and when you get up in the morning—every day. He knows when you go to bed. He knows what you’re going to say before you say it. He even knew you before you were born, because he made you!  
Puppet: What a mighty God! 
Teacher: Yes! And God not only knows everything, but he also has the power to do anything he wants to. He’s loving and kind, so of course everything he does is for a good reason.
Puppet: What kind of power does he have?
Teacher: He has power over the weather. He has the power to make it rain or stop raining, to send a rainbow, or to make a beautiful, sunny day. He has the power to make plants grow, to hold the planets in place, to heal our scrapes and sicknesses and diseases, and to create an animal.
Puppet: Incredible!
Teacher: Another amazing ability is that God is everywhere at the same time.  
Puppet: You mean God is here and God is across the world with the boys and girls there, too?
Teacher: Yep! The Bible tells us if we go to the highest spot, the lowest spot, the farthest spot across the world, or anywhere, God is there. Show the day 2 animal pal poster. He can even go deep, deep down in the sea where Flip the flapjack octopus lives. It is pitch black down there, but God knows where every creature is, including Flip.
Puppet: It’s really great news that God is always with us. That’s something to remember when I get scared and feel alone.
Teacher: Remember that you’re never alone. You can’t see God, but he’s there, loving you and watching over you.
Puppet: God is great. God is good.
Teacher: Yes. He’s both great and good, all the time. If we’re his children, we can know he’s our kind and loving Father who is always with us and knows all about us. That’s awesome!
Puppet: That’s so awesome! I’m gonna go sit in the dark for a minute and remember God is with me. 
Teacher: Okay, Sunny, you do that, and we’ll see you tomorrow. Let’s say goodbye to Sunny, everyone! Do so.
Part 3: Omni Stations (20 minutes)
Divide the kids into three groups and have one group go to Station 1, one to Station 2, and one to Station 3. Allow about seven minutes at each station, then rotate to the next one. No small group time is written following these stations because there is discussion time within the stations. You may want to skip the review game today and spend more time on the Omni Stations. 
If stations aren’t possible in your setting, just do them as a large group. It goes faster that way.
Pre-prep: For Station 1, practice ahead of time making the corn starch and water mixture (sometimes called Oobleck). Use 1 part water to 1 1/2–2 parts corn starch. Put the water in first and slowly add in the corn starch, stirring until it’s a gooey consistency. 
Station 1—Omniscient (All Knowing)
Corn starch, water, small bowls, and spoons (enough for each rotation); wet wipes for cleanup
Timer
When you are done, throw the corn starch and water mixture in the trash, not in the sink. It will clog the pipes.
Teacher 1: Let’s make a little concoction here in this bowl with corn starch and water. What do you think will happen when we mix them together? Take responses, then 
put the water in, then slowly add the corn starch and stir until gooey. Show them how it goes from liquid to solid and back to liquid. Roll into a ball, and then watch it melt back.
Note: All the kids will want to touch this. It’s messy, but they love it. Have wipes ready for cleanup.
Do you think God knew exactly what would happen when we mixed those? Pause. Does he know why it works like that? Pause. Yes, because he created the corn and water, and he made the scientific laws the mixture follows, right? God knows everything and how everything works. He knows exactly how long, to the second, it takes light to reach from each star to earth. He knows how many eyelashes each person has. He knows which bunnies, zebras, fish, and puppies are going to be born today.
One test church divided the class in two. Half went with Teacher 1 for Station 1, and half with Teacher 2 for Station 2, and then the kids switched. Finally, they did Station 3 as a large group all together.
He knows how many blades of grass are in your backyard. And in your whole neighborhood. And in the whole country. And in the whole world.
He knows how many drops of rain it has rained in all of history. He knows when and where the next snowstorm will be, and what every unique snowflake looks like. He knows when a bug gets smooshed, and when a lion in Africa is thirsty. He knows when a volcano is churning underground. God knows everything past, present, and future.  
Nothing surprises God—ever. And God never needs to learn anything new. He’s always known everything about everything forever. 
That includes God knowing about every person. Listen to what it says in Psalm 139 and think about what blows you away the most of all the things said. Read Psalm 139:1–6, 17–18, and have them share their thoughts on what they think is amazing in that passage. 
So let me repeat this WOW FACT once more and let it sink in—God never learns anything or thinks of anything new! Forever he has known exactly what a tarantula will be like, and a dragonfly, and an iguana, and the stars and planets, and a palm tree, and a coconut. He knows when every person will be born, what they’re going to say before they say it, and everything else. God knows everything, and God is almighty!
If you have time, have the kids brainstorm ideas about what God knows—for instance, God knows how many grains of sand there are and how much belly button lint each person has. Then ask how that makes them feel, knowing God knows everything, including everything about them. This is an important activity to get them thinking about God.
Station 2—Omnipresent (All Present)
Hidden Animals Poster
Day 2 Animal Pal Poster
Teacher 2: Check out these pictures and let’s see if you can find the hidden animal in each one. Show the Hidden animals poster and have them try to find them. 
Octopuses are masters at hiding. Can you find the octopuses and the hidden O in this picture? Show the Day 2 animal pal poster and have them try to find them.
Flip the flapjack octopus reminds us that we can think we’re hiding, but there’s nowhere we can go that God is not. Flapjack octopuses are mysteries of the deep. They are down at the bottom of the sea in the darkest black, and not much is known about them. But God sees them and knows right where they are! Nothing is hidden from God, including a flapjack octopus. God is everywhere, at the same time, all the time. Let that mind blowing thought sink in! He’s everywhere, at the same time, all the time. 
He’s everywhere in the deepest part of the ocean, with every creature that lives down there in the dark. He’s in the highest heavens, where every star exists that’s billions of light years away. He’s with every ant in the whole world at the same time. He’s with every eagle in its nest, and every microscopic organism. And he’s with you!
There’s absolutely nowhere you can be that’s away from God. Listen to what Psalm 139 says. Read Psalm 139:7–12.  
Gospel Opportunity
How does that make you feel, knowing you can never, ever be somewhere God isn’t? Discuss this. You may want to include the gospel here to share that for those who are God’s children, this is very comforting. But for those who aren’t, this can be a troubling thought. God 
is with you and sees all your sin. Have them pause to think how they feel when considering this reality and why they feel that way. What action/response do they want to pursue based on that? 
If time, have them think of places where God is. Think of as many places as possible—high, low, near, far, crazy, and fun spots. 
So, God is everywhere at the same time all the time. God is almighty!
Station 3—Omnipotent (All Powerful)
God’s Power Poster
Group Guide: I’m going to say something God has done, and you can tell me how it shows his power. First, he told the wind and waves to be still, and they obeyed. See Mark 4:37–39. That shows he has power over what? Take responses. Yes, he has power over nature. With Jonah, we see God caused the storm to stir up, and in this situation, he stilled the storm. Only God has that power. There’s no such thing as Mother Nature. Only the one true God has power over nature.
He healed many sick people. See Matthew 8:2–3. That shows he has power over what? Take responses. Yes, he has power over sickness and disease. God has given people, like doctors and nurses, the ability to use medicine and operations to help sick people. And he has given scientists the talents to develop those medicines and procedures. But only God has the power to heal people on his own according to his will.
God told a dead person to get up, and he did. See Luke 7:12–15. Note that Scripture records a number of times Jesus raised people from the dead. That shows he has power over what? Take responses. Yes, he has power over death. Who else can bring a dead person back to life? Nobody! Only God has that power.
Jesus told someone his sins were forgiven. See Mark 2:3–5. That shows he has power over what? Take responses. Yes, he has power to forgive sins. Only God has that power.
Now how about this, in Psalm 139? What does this show he has the power to do? Read Psalm 139:13–16 and take responses. Yes, he has power to create from nothing. No one else can make something from absolutely nothing. Only God has that power. Show the god’s power poster. 
Gospel Opportunity
Every bird shows God’s power. Every time someone gets well, you can see God’s power. Every thunderstorm shows God’s power. Every time someone becomes a child of God, you are seeing God’s power. You may want to share the gospel here by reminding them that Jesus showed his power over death when he came back to life. Only God has that power, and only God has the power to transform us from children of darkness to children of light. 
If time, have them think of displays of God’s power.
God is all powerful, and God is almighty! 
Part 4: Review Game 
OPTION 1: Paper and writing utensils, 1 of each per child, plus sample drawing of octopus head (see Pre-prep)
OPTION 2: Timer
Pre-prep: Choose an option below. Option 1 needs to have the supplies gathered and a sample octopus drawn with just its head—no limbs. Option 2 needs just a timer. 
Option 1—Octopus Eight
To speed this up, make the octopus head pattern ahead of time, and make a copy for each child rather than having them draw it themselves.
To play: Have everyone draw an octopus head on a piece of paper. Hold up a sample picture. Make sure they don’t draw the limbs. Ask a review question. On the count of three, have each person shout out his answer. Anyone who answers correctly (this is on the honor system) draws one octopus limb. The goal is to get all eight limbs drawn before the questions are up.
Option 2—Lightning Round
To play: Put 110 seconds on the timer. This is 10 seconds less than yesterday, which you can make a big deal about. Quickly read a question and have everyone shout out their answers as soon as you finish reading the question. As soon as you hear someone say the right answer, affirm that answer, share the comments, and move to the next question. The group as a whole wins if they get through all the questions in the time allotted.

Questions
Who is our animal pal today and what does she remind us of about God?
Answer: Flip the flapjack octopus. She is deep in the mysterious, dark bottom of the ocean, but God knows exactly what she’s doing and where she is. We cannot hide from God. 
Who tried to run away from God and why?
Answer: Jonah. He didn’t want to go to Nineveh because he didn’t love the people there.
What did the sailors do with Jonah? 
Answer: They threw him overboard.
What happened to the storm when they threw him overboard?
Answer: God stopped the storm.
What does the word omniscient mean?
Answer: All knowing. God has never learned anything. He’s always known everything.
What does the word omnipresent mean? 
Answer: All present. God is present everywhere at the same time, all the time. He’s here right now, even though we can’t see him. 
What does the word omnipotent mean? 
Answer: All powerful. God can do anything he chooses, except anything evil or wrong, because he’s perfect.
True or false: God can handle every problem I have.
Answer: True. We don’t need to be anxious because God is much greater and better than we think. He is in control of our lives.
How does it make you feel to know God is with you all the time?
Answers will vary.
Can you think of an example of God’s power or presence or knowledge? 
Answers will vary.
Apply It!
Day 2 Student Guides, 1 per child
Trail Guides, 1 per child
Stamp for Trail Guides
In the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class.
Put a stamp in the Trail Guides, or group guides can do so as the kids first arrive at VBS.
Part 1: Treasured Verses
Day 2 Memory Verse Poster
Memory Verse Music CD and player
Disappearing Verse supplies—dry erase board, chalkboard, or piece of paper, plus writing utensil and (optional) sticky notes
Pre-prep: For Disappearing Verse, prepare the materials as described below in the Challenge section. Hang the day 2 memory verse poster and cue the memory verse song.
Today’s Verse: Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me? Jeremiah 32:27
Practice the verse several times by playing the appropriate song from the Memory Verse CD and using the day 2 memory Verse poster as a reference. Then try the Challenge.
Challenge: Disappearing Verse—Write the verse on a dry erase board, chalkboard, or piece of paper. If using paper, you’ll need something to cover each word, like sticky notes. Say the whole verse, then erase or cover one word and say it again. Continue like this, having words “disappear” until they’re all gone and you can say the verse without any words.
Tomorrow’s Verse: And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” Isaiah 6:3 
Try the Challenge again, this time saying tomorrow’s verse. 

Part 2: Go and Do
Look up Psalm 139:1–18 and read it out loud. Can you find five amazing statements that show God is all knowing, all present, or all powerful? 
Pray to God and praise him for knowing you and being with you. Use Psalm 139:1–18 to guide you as you pray. 
Check out AnswersForKids.org. Read about some of the animals God has created and marvel that he has always known about them, has the power to make them, and is with them all the time.
Ask a parent or guardian what he thinks is amazing about God. It can be something God created, a display of God’s power, or a way he’s seen God work in his own life. 
Check AnswersVBS.com/mikids for more fun information!
Ask yourself this question: When I’m outside, am I amazed at the plants and animals and sky and people God has made? 
Just for Fun Song: “Jonah and the Fish”
“Jonah and the Fish” song 
MP3 or CD player
Sing this song to the tune of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat.”
Verse 1
Row, row, row your boat (Pretend to row.)
On the stormy sea (Pretend to be tossed about on the sea.)
Jonah is thrown overboard (Jump sideways to the right.)
This is not a dream (Hold the sides of your head and move it back and forth.)
Verse 2
Row, row, row your boat (Pretend to row.)
Now the storm is still (Sweep your hand from left to right.)
Jonah’s in the great big fish (Hold your arms wide open to make a big mouth, then close the “mouth.”)
God is with him still (Point up, then hug yourself.)
Verse 3
Row, row, row your boat (Pretend to row.)
Now he’s on the shore (Jump sideways to the left.)
Jonah learns the Lord is near (Put arms up to heaven and down to your heart.)
With him evermore (Keep hands on your heart and sway from side to side.)

Day 3
RUE+LEARN-N
God is RULER!

Today’s Medallion
Crown
Bible passages
Isaiah’s Vision of God
Isaiah 6:1–3; Psalm 8
Animal Pal
Clark the Great White Shark
Lesson Focus
God is RULER! He is the majestic king who is holy and perfect.
Apologetics Focus
God is the same in the Old Testament as he is in the New Testament. He was and is and always will be in charge. 
Treasured Verse
And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” Isaiah 6:3

Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Introduce It!
Day 3 Mystery Clue
Option 1—Mystery Bag
Option 2—Mystery Riddle
Teach It!
Part 1: Isaiah 6
Part 2: Isaiah 6 Continued
Option 1—Puppet Pal—Ruler of All
Option 2—Our Response
Part 3: Small Group Time
Part 4: Review Game
Option 1—Beach Tic-Tac-Toe
Option 2—Lightning Round
Apply It!
Part 1: Treasured Verses
Part 2: Go and Do
Just for Fun Song: “What a Mighty God We Serve”
Preparing for the Lesson
Read Isaiah 6:1–3 and Psalm 8 a couple times.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials as outlined in the brown Pre-prep text.
For more information on the holiness, perfection, and sovereignty of God, visit AnswersVBS.com/mifaq.
Pray.

Devotion 3 God Is Ruler
For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. Psalm 95:3
Throughout the Old Testament, the revealed God of the Bible is contrasted to the gods worshipped in the ancient Near East. The point of these passages is to reveal the sovereignty of our God over all creation and to discredit the gods of other peoples as impotent and worthless and to direct mankind to the one true God.
Think about it. 
What separates the God of the Bible from the gods of this world? After God delivered the Israelites from the Egyptians at the Red Sea, Moses wrote, “Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?” (Exodus 15:11). 
The emphasis of accounts like these is that when we compare other so-called gods (e.g., their creative acts, motives, and eternality) to the Lord, we find they are bankrupt in majesty and power. In addition, the morality of the false gods is vastly different from the one true God, as our Bible account about Isaiah shows. 
In the myths, gods are depicted as selfish, arrogant, sadistic, lustful, drunken, vain, or hateful. In other words, they mirror humanity. These gods are just powerful mortals with the same desires, character flaws, sins, and objectives as their lesser-powered creations. 
For example, in the Egyptian mythologies, which Isaiah would have been familiar with, there was war between Seth and Osiris. Seth slew and dismembered his older brother Osiris and ruled Egypt in his stead. When Osiris’ son Horus claimed the throne, Seth fought with him as well. Eventually a tribunal of gods decided the dispute over who should rule Egypt. After much politicking and quarreling, Horus was granted the throne and Seth was given the position of thunder god. 
Unlike these wicked gods, the one true God has no sin in him (Habakkuk 1:13; James 1:17). He is perfect, holy, and righteous. He never changes or reneges on his promises. In this context, we can think of Isaiah’s description: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” We see this refrain echoed throughout the New Testament, as well. Jesus Christ is holy and without sin (Hebrews 4:15; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Revelation 3:7).
In fact, it is precisely because of the holy nature of the biblical God that we have a basis for morality. He is the ultimate lawgiver and has given us standards by which we are to live. Apart from the good God of the Bible, we have no logical basis upon which to claim, for example, that murder is wrong, while helping others is right. Take a look again at the character and nature of the gods mentioned above—are any of them capable of dispensing a logical system of morality, where good is defined by their very nature? Their followers, acting consistently with their belief in their gods, show that their moral code left something to be desired—human sacrifice, murder, adultery, continual war, lying, scheming, and the like were all the norm, rather than sinful behavior to be punished.
What we do not see in Scripture is an ultra-powerful mortal bully. We see a transcendent God who is infinitely wiser and higher than man, yet visits us in order that we might know him (Psalm 8:3–4).
The God of the Bible is not merely one of a plethora of gods from which we may pick and choose to worship; nor is he to be put on par with other supposed deities. He is the omnipotent Creator and Redeemer of mankind. Truly we worship a great God, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, and a great King above all gods.
In the end, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord of all, to the glory of God the Father. Today, let’s point our kids to the one true God, holy and sovereign over all, and their Savior. 

Introduce It!
Treasure Map Poster
Day 3 Large Medallion, preferably laminated
Puzzle Card 2 
Bible or children’s Bible
Costumes for teachers
Mounting putty or tape
Treasure chest
OPTIONS 1 and 2: Mystery bag with pictures of nature items, animals, and people, plus the words “God the Father” written on a piece of paper
Day 3 Mystery Clue (5 minutes)
This day is very full, so keep it moving! You may not make it to small group time or review, and that’s okay.
Pre-prep: Cut out and laminate the day 3 large medallion and put it and the Bible in the treasure chest, with the Bible bookmarked at Isaiah 6 and Psalm 8. If doing Option 1, put pictures of animals, other nature items, and people in the mystery bag. Also, write the words “God the Father” on a paper, but don’t put it in the bag. For Option 2, do the same as above, but hide the mystery bag.
Teacher 1: Welcome back to Lighthouse Lessons, islanders. Remember that on our first day, our medallion had a number 1. Who remembers why? Take answers. And yesterday’s was a big O. Why? Take answers. Show them the Puzzle card 2 and have them figure it out. Yes, we said God is almighty! He knows everything, he’s everywhere, and he’s all powerful. Let’s dive right in and try to figure out today’s clue. 
Option 1—Mystery Bag
One of the test churches made this into a slide show with animals, nature, and people pictures, with the words “God the Father” as the last slide.
Call volunteers up to draw a picture from the mystery bag. The class must decide if the picture goes in the animal category, the other nature category, or the people category. After doing them all, show the words “God the Father.” Ask what category he goes in. Discuss that God is in a category entirely of his own. Nobody or nothing is like God. Read Isaiah 55:8–9.
Direct their attention to the treasure map poster and follow the trail to the next location: the Great White Gulf. Pull the day 3 large medallion from the treasure chest and put it on  the treasure map poster. Discuss what a crown has to do with God being in a category all by himself. He is the king of everything. He rules everything and everybody. See if they can find the hidden crown at the Great White Gulf.
Teacher 2: Now, let’s pray, and then we’ll turn to the book of Isaiah and hear about a vision, like a dream, that God gave Isaiah about a king. Get the Bible out of the treasure chest.  
Option 2—Mystery Riddle
Share a clue such as the following. Adjust to fit your situation.
Check the ceiling. Check the floor. Now it’s time to check the door.
Near the door, hide a bag with pictures of animals, other nature items, and people. Also, write the words “God the Father” on a paper, but don’t put it in the bag. Show the pictures, and have the islanders divide the pictures into one of three categories: animals, other nature, or people. After they’re done, show the words “God the Father” and ask what category he fits in. Discuss that God is in a category entirely of his own. Read Isaiah 55:8–9.
Direct their attention to the treasure map poster and follow the trail to the next location: the Great White Gulf. Pull out the day 3 large medallion from the treasure chest and put it on the treasure map poster. Discuss what a crown has to do with God being in a category all by himself. He is the king of everything. See if they can find the hidden crown at the Great White Gulf.
Teacher 2: Now, let’s pray, and then we’ll turn to the book of Isaiah and hear about a vision, like a dream, that God gave Isaiah about a king. Get the Bible out of the treasure chest.
Teach It!
Part 1: Isaiah 6 (10–15 minutes)
Isaiah 6 Poster, laminated, with each picture covered (see Pre-prep), plus dry erase marker
Thrones Poster
Robes Poster
Isaiah 6 Sheet with Words, 1 per child
Sovereign Sheet, 1 per rotation
Drawing utensils, 1 per child
Pre-prep: Print the isaiah 6 sheet with words, 1 per child, and gather a drawing utensil for each person. Cover the isaiah 6 poster with six separate sheets, one over each drawing, so 
they work as a lift-the-flap activity. Remember to reset the isaiah 6 poster after each rotation. Print the sovereign sheet, 1 per rotation.
Pass out the Isaiah 6 sheet WITH WORDS and drawing utensils, 1 of each per child. (Or, if short on time, give each child the sheet at the end of class for them to take home as a review.)
The Isaiah 6 Sheet with Words already has the blanks filled in so there are no words to write and partial drawings.
1: King Uzziah died. God is _____!
Teacher 1: Read Isaiah 6:1a. Our Bible account starts with a real king who lived a long time ago. Let’s read our first rhyme to learn his name and figure out the missing word. Do so. The missing word is “alive.” They may realize they already have this word on their papers, which is okay. It will help them figure it out. The teacher writes the word on the Isaiah 6 poster. 
Teacher 2: So who was King Uzziah? He was a famous king of God’s chosen people. He had ruled the people well for 52 years.
Teacher 1: Now, since it said King Uzziah died, let’s draw him in his bed, having died, like this. Uncover the first drawing, and have them do so while you continue on.
Teacher 2: You know, human kings all die, don’t they? It doesn’t matter how famous they are, they still die. If they’re good kings who rule well, they die. If they’re bad kings who are wicked, they die. Every human king’s reign eventually ends. But God doesn’t die. He is eternal. He is always king of everything.
You may want to add motions to each phrase, such as: King Uzziah died (bow head), God is alive (jump up and point to heaven). With each new section, start back at the beginning with King Uzziah died, building the rhyme. 
Teacher 1: Let’s say the first rhyme again, remembering the picture as we do. King Uzziah died. God is alive!
2: Looked heavenward. Throne of the _____.
Teacher 2: On to space 2. Let’s read the words together and try to figure out the missing word. Looked heavenward. Throne of the _____. The answer is “Lord.” The teacher writes that in space 2. Say the rhyme together again.
Teacher 1: So in the vision Isaiah was given by God, he looked heavenward (up to heaven), and guess what he saw? Pause. Yes, a throne. But not just any throne. Let me read again what it says in the book of Isaiah. Read the first half of the verse (Isaiah 6:1a), stopping before the part about his robe.
Teacher 2: Let’s draw a throne. Lift the flap on picture 2, and have them draw a throne while you continue on. Rulers sit on thrones, don’t they? For instance, here are some pictures of kings’ thrones. Show the thrones poster. But God’s throne was super special. It was the greatest throne ever, and it was high and lifted up.
  Teacher 1: Let’s say the rhyme pictures together, starting with number 1. King Uzziah died. God is alive! Looked heavenward. Throne of the Lord.
3: Temple with robe. Could fill the _____.
Teacher 2: The next thing Isaiah saw will blow you away! Let’s say our third rhyme and try to figure out the missing word. Temple with robe. Could fill the _____. The answer is “globe.” The teacher writes that in space 3. Say the rhyme together again.
Teacher 1: This is incredible, because years ago, a king’s robe showed how important he was. The longer the robe, the more important the king. Here are some pictures of kings’ robes. Show the robes poster.
  Teacher 2: Let’s read how long God’s robe was. Read all of Isaiah 6:1. How long was God’s robe? Take answers. Yes, it filled the whole temple! Let’s draw a robe. Lift the flap on picture 3, and have them draw while you continue on. Imagine if a king were here in this building with a robe on, and it filled the entire building. Not just the front part, or down the stairs, but over the whole entire building! This shows that God is important in a different way than anyone else. He’s a ruler in a category all his own! His robe could have filled the whole globe if he wanted it to. He is God, he is great, and he can do whatever he wants! He doesn’t answer to anyone. A big word 
that means God is in charge and is the ruler of everything is sovereign. Hold up the sovereign sheet. Do you see a smaller word at the end of the word sovereign? Take answers, and circle the word “reign.” Yes, reign. Countries that have kings as their leaders sometimes call them their sovereign because they reign, or rule, over that country. But God is sovereign like none other. He reigns over every one and every thing!
Teacher 1: And the good news is, he’s not just a powerful king, he’s good. Can you imagine if he was powerful but mean? Or good but not powerful? Thankfully, he is perfect in power and perfect in goodness. Now, let’s say the whole rhyme together from the beginning. Do so. 
4: Seraphim fly. Covered their _____.
Teacher 2: Let’s see if we can figure out the missing word in the next rhyme as we say it together. Seraphim fly. Covered their _____. The answer is “eyes.” The teacher writes that in space 4. Say the rhyme together again.
Teacher 1: You may be saying to yourself: What are seraphim? Good question! Seraphim are a type of angel. They are only mentioned here—nowhere else in the Bible. 
Teacher 2: Let’s draw our version of one now as I read this incredible description of them. Lift the flap on picture 4, and read Isaiah 6:2 as they begin to draw in space 4. Of course, nobody on earth but Isaiah really knows what they looked like, but we’ll use our imaginations based on the description in the Bible, realizing they would have been much more majestic and incredible than our drawing could ever show.
Teacher 1: Now, let’s say the whole rhyme together from the beginning. Do so.  
5: Holy was heard. Super important _____.
Teacher 2: On to the next thing. So far, Isaiah has been seeing some amazing things. Now he’s going to hear something amazing. Let’s read our rhyme and try to put in the missing word. Holy was heard. Super important _____. The answer is “word.” The teacher writes that in space 5. Read Isaiah 6:3a (stop right before “the whole earth is full of his glory”), and say the rhyme together again. 
Teacher 1: Let’s write the word “holy” three times. Lift the flap on picture 5 and have them do so. The word “holy” doesn’t mean full of holes. What do you think it means? Take answers. It means to be set apart. God is set apart. He’s not like anyone else. He’s pure and perfect, never doing or thinking anything wrong. There’s not one bad thing in God. It’s impossible for him to think even one bad thought ever. He’s all things good and perfect, and he’s the source of every single good thing ever. Every good thing you’ve ever experienced—every mouthful of food, every night’s sleep in a warm bed, every person who loves you—is from God. See James 1:17. 
Teacher 2: This is the only time in the Bible an attribute of God is repeated three times in a row. This repetition shows it’s important for us to understand God is holy, holy, holy. And interestingly enough, the Bible also commands us to be holy as God is holy. Of course, we can never be perfectly holy like God—not even close! But God does want us to live pure lives that reflect him well. We can only do this if we are children of God, because we need him to help us. We can’t become truly holy on our own. You may want to explain the gospel here.
Gospel Opportunity
Teacher 1: Now, let’s say the whole rhyme together from the beginning. Do so.
6: Tell your story about God’s _____.
Teacher 2: We’re on our last rhyme now. Let’s say it together and try to figure out the missing word. Tell your story about God’s _____. The answer is “glory.” The teacher writes that in space 6. Say the rhyme together again.
Teacher 1: Here’s more of what Isaiah heard. Read Isaiah 6:3–4, emphasizing the line about the whole earth being full of his glory. First we learned about the word “holy.” 
Now here’s another big word: “glory.” What do you think it means? Take answers. The glory of God shows how great and almighty he is. The whole earth shouts out the greatness and fame of God. That doesn’t mean it’s actually shouting out, but that God’s amazingness is on display. The waterfalls show us his powerful glory. The sunrise shows us his beautiful glory. The birds singing in the trees show us his creative glory. 
 Teacher 2: This says the whole earth is full of his glory. This means every single thing God has created shows us how amazing God is in some way. For example, have you ever looked up at the sky at night and been amazed to see all the stars? Take answers, then read Psalm 8:1, 3–4. Or have you ever stood by the ocean, so huge and beautiful? The ocean shows God’s glory. Or have you watched an amazing little critter? Or marveled at an animal at a zoo? Or watched a snowflake fall? Or thought about how amazing it is that Jesus came to earth? All of these and so many more things cry out and show God’s glory. Even you were created to bring God glory! In fact, that’s the whole point of why you’re alive. He made you to bring him glory and enjoy him forever!   
Teacher 1: Try to think of something you’ve seen that shows God’s glory, and draw it in space 6. Do so.  
Teacher 2: Let’s share some of the things we drew in the last space. Do so.
Teacher 1: Now, let’s say the whole rhyme together from the beginning. Do so, then say the following if doing the puppet option next. I think Sunny may want to chime in about this, so let’s call him (her) now. Do so. 
Part 2: Isaiah 6 Continued
Day 3 Animal Pal Poster 
Day 3 Puppet Script (2 copies)
Puppet and clipboard
Pre-prep: For Option 1, tape one puppet script inside the puppet stage, and place the other on the clipboard. For Option 2, follow the Pre-prep directions listed there.
Option 1: Puppet Pal—Ruler of All (5 minutes) 
This option is a little faster than Option 2.
Puppet: Pop up. Oh, hi! I was just watching ____ (name of a children’s movie with a king in it, such as Cinderella).  
Teacher: Was it good?
Puppet: Yeah! I like seeing movies with kings and queens and princes and princesses. In fact, I like to play kings and queens with my friends.
Teacher: You know, we’ve been talking about a king who isn’t like any other king. This king is perfect and good and rules the whole universe. He’s alive forever! 
Puppet: Do you mean God? 
Teacher: Yep! He’s the King of kings and the Lord of lords.
Puppet: That reminds me of a song. It’s called _____. (Choose a favorite kids’ song or chorus of a song and insert the name. Two possibilities are “He Is the King of Kings,” or “All Creatures of Our God and King.” Check YouTube for help, and plan to sing it as noted below.)
Teacher: Hey, I like that song! Let’s sing it with the boys and girls! Do so. 
Puppet: That’s fun to sing to God! 
Teacher: It sure is! Singing praises is a great way to show how great and wonderful and loving we think God is! 
Puppet: I’m going to try to sing to God every day. How about this one? Sing a silly, made up song that has nothing to do with God.
Teacher: Well, that’s a fun song, but it doesn’t have anything to do with God. You may want to sing songs about God to God. And besides singing, another way to show how much we honor and worship him is to praise him as we pray to him. 

Puppet: What does praise mean?
Teacher: It’s kind of like bragging about God. It’s telling him how amazing he is. We can do this as we pray to him.
Puppet: How do we pray to God?
Teacher: We just talk to him. We can’t see him, but he’s listening! 
Puppet: Cool beans! Shout heavenward. God, I think you’re an amazing ruler and king! Look back at the teacher. Did he hear that?
Teacher: He sure did! But you don’t have to shout up to heaven. Just talk in your normal voice, and he’ll hear you. You can even think praises to God. He knows what you’re thinking! And you know what else we should want to do when we find out how great God is? 
Puppet: Do the chicken dance? I love the chicken dance. Hum the first stanza and have everyone clap. Check YouTube for lyrics and melody.
Teacher: No, silly, I’m not talking about doing the chicken dance. Instead, we should want to tell others about God and his wonders!
Puppet: Oh, right! God is the incredible ruler of the universe!
Teacher: He sure is! Show the Day 3 Animal Pal poster. You know, Clark the shark here is nicknamed the ruler of the sea. That’s pretty cool, but that’s nothing compared to being the ruler of everything! God made everything and is in charge of it all. Can you think of something God has made that you think is fabulous?
Puppet: Yeah, yeah. I know something . . . ear wax. You know, that gooey yellow stuff that’s in your ears. Now I think that’s fabulous.
Teacher: Sunny, be serious.
Puppet: I am being serious! Did you know ear wax protects your ears from getting bad germs and water in them? God was really smart to create that. I think it’s wonderful! 
Teacher: I guess you have a point there.
Puppet: And how about our eyelashes? They help to protect our eyes from getting things like sand or dust in them.
Teacher: Okay, I think we hear what you’re saying. God made those and so much more! We can talk to other people about our amazing God and never run out of great things to say about him! 
Puppet: That’s for sure! I think I’m going to tell my mom how amazing God is to have created ear wax. 
Teacher: Okay, Sunny, go for it, and we’ll plan to see you tomorrow! Let’s say goodbye to Sunny, everyone. Do so.
Option 2: Our Response
Day 1 and Day 3 Animal Pal Posters
King’s Crown Sheet, 1 per child
6–8 small gem stickers per child
Crayons or markers, 1 per child (preferably in silver, grey, gold, or yellow for coloring a crown)
Paper clips, 1 per child
Pre-prep: Photocopy the King’s Crown Sheet, 1 per child, and clip the gem stickers to each sheet. Gather crayons or markers. 
Teacher 1: Wow, I don’t know about you, but I’m blown away when I think about how incredible God is. The whole world is shouting out his glory! He really is ruler of the universe.
Teacher 2: He always has been and always will be. From the very beginning of time, which is recorded in the Old Testament, we find that God is the creator and ruler. And in the New Testament, which records the time when Jesus was on earth and how we are to live, we find that God is the ruler. Even today, God is the ruler of all. 
He is the same throughout time because he never changes. Show the day 1 animal pal poster. Remember how Camo the chameleon reminded us of that? Camo changes, but God never changes. God was the ruler of the universe during the time of Isaiah, and he’s still the ruler of the universe now. He was in charge then, and he’s in charge now. The Bible is consistent in everything it says. Some people say that God is different in the Old Testament than in the New Testament. They might say he is more holy in the Old Testament and more loving in the New Testament. But God can’t change and is the same at all times in every way—in his love, his kindness, his goodness, his holiness, his rule. 
See if they can find the hidden crown on the animal pal poster.  
Teacher 1: Show the day 3 animal pal poster. People call great white sharks, like Clark the shark, the ruler of the sea, or the ruler of the ocean. Why do you think that is? Take responses. The sea is big and grand, but it’s very small compared to the whole universe. Can you imagine being the ruler of the whole universe? Well, God is! 
Teacher 2: To remind us that he’s the king, we’re going to give everyone a crown to color, and then on each point of the crown, you’re going to put a gem. You can color it and put the gems on in whatever order you want. As we do, we’ll talk about some of the responses we may have to this awe-inspiring God. These are not every possible response—in fact, we’ll be talking about Isaiah’s response to his vision of God tomorrow. But here are some responses that will bring praise to God. Pass out the supplies and make the crowns. They can color while you’re talking through each of the following responses, reminding them again that these are just some possible responses, not every possibility.
Responses That Bring Praise to God
Kids may know it’s important to read their Bible and pray. Encourage the kids to think about every part of their day that can also bring praise to God.
SHOW GOD HONOR—This means you should have a deep respect for God and value him greatly. As the ruler, God knows the best way for us to live. He shows us how to live in the Bible. You show him how special and amazing you think he is by how you live your life, how much you obey him, how you talk about him, how you think about him. Think, “How can I honor you today, God?”
SING SONGS—The Bible commands us often to sing praises to the Lord, such as in Psalm 92:1, Psalm 95:1–3, and Psalm 96:1–2. It’s a way to help us remember who he is and what he’s done, so singing songs to him is a great response. Think, “What songs of praise can I sing to you today, God?”
PRAY PRAISES—It’s also important to pray to God and praise him. Praising means to tell God how amazing he is! Start your prayers with praises rather than requests. You can begin your prayers by telling God, “Father, you are great and almighty. I know you are good and holy.” What do you think is amazing about him? What can you thank him for? He wants to hear it, and it’s good to remind yourself of the amazing God you are serving! A great way to do this is to pray some psalms to God, such as Psalm 145, 8, 93, 98, 111, 115 (about idols), 148, or 150. Think, “What can I praise you for today, God?”
TELL WONDERS—Another response when faced with God’s greatness is you want to tell others about God—what he’s like and what he’s done. If you see a beautiful sunset, say, “God sure made a beautiful sunset tonight!” If you see a rainbow, say, “God is the one who thought up rainbows!” If God has answered a prayer, big or small, tell others of his kindness to you. Look for his wonders (they aren’t hard to spot!) and tell others. Think, “Who can I tell about a wonder of yours today, God?”
Part 3: Small Group Time (5–10 minutes)
Day 3 Discussion Sheets, 1 per small group leader
Divide into groups of 4–6 islanders, with a group guide or teacher in each group. Adjust depending on how many group guides and kids you have. Discuss some or all of the following questions.
Give the Discussion sheets to the guides to do later if you don’t have time during class.

Can you think of any movies you’ve seen with a king sitting on a throne, wearing a robe? What do you picture God’s robe to look like that is mentioned in Isaiah?
What is something about God you’re amazed about today?
Do you ever sing songs to God? Do you like to? The Bible often tells us to sing our praises to God. Do you have any favorite songs you like to sing to God?
Let’s try “popcorn prayers,” which are short one-sentence prayers that “pop” up around the circle. Someone starts and praises God, “I praise you, God, for being loving.” Then another person says one thing he praises God for, and another person says something she praises God for, and on and on. 
Part 4: Review Game (5–10 minutes)
OPTION 1: Rope or painter’s tape to make a jumbo tic-tac-toe board on the floor, 5 items of 1 kind (representing Os) and 5 of another (representing Xs)
OPTION 2: Timer
Pre-prep: Choose an option below. For Option 1, put the rope or painter’s tape on the floor to make a jumbo tic-tac-toe board. Decide what you want to use as items to represent Os and Xs. This can be five red flip flops and five blue flip flops, or five pictures of manta rays and five pictures of deep sea turtles. Option 2 requires no Pre-prep except gathering the timer.
Option 1—Beach Tic-Tac-Toe
To play: Divide into two teams. Half will be whatever you picked to represent the Os and the other half will be the Xs. Ask a review question and have Team 1 decide on their answer. If correct, choose someone to hold a picture or the item that represents the Os and go stand in a spot on the tic-tac-toe board. Now it’s Team 2’s turn. Do the same thing, having the person hold whatever item represents the Xs. Continue until someone gets three in a row vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. Play again if time.
Option 2—Lightning Round
To play: Put 100 seconds on the timer. This is 10 seconds less than yesterday and 20 seconds less than the first day. Make a big deal about that. Quickly read a question and have everyone shout out their answers as soon as you finish reading the question. As soon as you hear someone say the right answer, affirm that answer, share the comments, and move to the next question. The group as a whole wins if they get through all the questions in the time allotted.
Questions
Who is today’s animal pal and how does he remind us of God?
Answer: Clark the great white shark. He’s the ruler of the sea, but God is the ruler of the universe.
What does the word “holy” mean? 
Answer: Set apart. God is pure and perfect and above everyone. He is not like anyone else but is in a category all of his own. 
Who was the king who died? His name starts with the “oooo” sound.
Answer: Uzziah.
Who was the prophet who had a vision from God? His name starts with an I.
Answer: Isaiah.
Whom did Isaiah see seated on a throne?
Answer: God.
What was God wearing as he sat on the throne?
Answer: He was wearing a long robe that filled the temple. This shows how important God is.
The angels were saying that the whole earth is full of God’s ___?  
Answer: Glory.

Can you think of an example of something in the earth that shows God’s glory?
Answers will vary.
What is a response we can have to God that brings him glory?
Answers will vary.
Apply It!
Day 3 Student Guides, 1 per child
Trail Guides, 1 per child
Stamp for Trail Guides
In the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class.
Put a stamp in the Trail Guides, or have group guides do so as the kids first arrive at VBS.
Part 1: Treasured Verses
Pre-prep: For Bat the Beach Ball, get a beach ball. Hang the day 3 memory verse poster and cue the memory verse song.
Day 3 Memory Verse Poster
Memory Verse Music CD and player
Bat the Beach Ball supplies—beach ball or other lightweight ball
Today’s Verse: And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” Isaiah 6:3
Practice the verse several times by playing the appropriate song from the Memory Verse CD and using the Day 3 memory Verse poster as a reference. Then try the Challenge.
Challenge: Bat the Beach Ball—Bat a beach ball around as you say the verse. Can you keep it in the air until you’ve said the whole verse from memory?
Tomorrow’s Verse: But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
Try the Challenge again, this time saying tomorrow’s verse.  
Part 2: Go and Do
Check out Psalm 95:1–6 and Isaiah 55:8–9. What do these verses teach us about God?
Talk to God and praise him for being the King of kings. What words can you use to tell him how great he is? Use Psalm 47 to guide your prayer. 
Sing a praise song to God. 
Talk to your parent or guardian, and ask what qualities she thinks would make a good king.
Check AnswersVBS.com/mikids for more fun information!
Ask yourself this question: How can I honor you today, God? 
Just for Fun Song: “What a Mighty God We Serve”
“What a Mighty God We Serve” song 
MP3 or CD player
Sing again one of the songs suggested in the puppet script (“He Is the King of Kings,” or “All Creatures of our God and King”), or try this one.
What a mighty God we serve (Clap with the beat. Then repeat that line.)
Angels bow before him (Bow.)
Heaven and earth adore him (Make a big circle with your arms for “earth.”)
What a mighty God we serve (Clap with the beat.)

Day 4
E+MAN+YOU+L
God is Emmanuel!

Today’s Medallion
Heart
Bible passage
God Comes to Earth
Gospel Presentation—Select Scriptures
Animal Pal
Jam the Immortal Jellyfish
Lesson Focus
God is EMMANUEL! He is the loving and good Savior who came to earth.
Apologetics Focus
God is three-in-one—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Even though there is mystery in this, God is knowable.
Treasured Verse
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Introduce It!
Day 4 Mystery Clue
Option 1—I Spy
Option 2—Mystery Riddle
Teach It!
Part 1: Gospel Presentation
Option 1—Treasure Hunt
Option 2—Clues
Part 2: Small Group Time
Part 3: Review
Option 1—Puppet Pal
Option 2—Lightning Round
Apply It!
Part 1: Treasured Verses
Part 2: Go and Do
Just for Fun Song: “God Is So Good”
Preparing for the Lesson
Read “Leading a Child to Christ” found on the inside back cover of this guide.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials as mentioned in the brown Pre-prep text.
Visit AnswersVBS.com/mifaq for more information on the mystery of the Trinity.
Pray.

Devotion 4 God Is Emmanuel
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:14
From the beginning, the enemy of our souls has known there is only one true God. Even his henchmen believe in the one true God—and shudder (James 2:19). And over the years, he has used his knowledge to distort and deny this truth and draw people away from the one true God.
One of the more insidious lies he has told—and that even some Christians believe—is that all monotheistic religions believe in the same God; he just goes by different names. The god of Islam (Allah), Mormonism, and Jehovah’s Witnesses (Jehovah) is the same as the one true God of the Bible, right? 
 The doctrine of the Trinity helps us separate the one true God from the fakes. The one true God exists in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), the Holy Spirit. Each is fully God and manifests all the attributes of the one true God. For example, in the Bible, each is called the Creator (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1–3; Job 33:4); each is unchanging and eternal (Psalm 90:2; Hebrews 13:8; Hebrews 9:14); and each is called God (Philippians 2:11; Titus 2:13; Acts 5:3–4).
If a religion denies that any member of the Trinity is God, then its “god” is a fake and is based on a lie from the devil himself. It’s that simple.
Islam teaches that Jesus was a man, not God nor the Son of God. Mormonism teaches that Jesus is a created being who became a god. Those in the Jehovah’s Witness cult also believe that Jesus was created and thus is not infinite or eternal.
Think about it.
According to the Bible, Jesus suffered the punishment of death that human beings deserve as a result of their sin against a holy God. Because God is infinite, his punishment of sin is infinite. Can a created being—one that is not infinite—endure the infinite punishment from an eternal God and satisfy—eternally—God’s wrath on our sin? Of course not. This is why the blood of bulls and goats could never take away all sin (Hebrews 9:13–15).
In order to spend eternity in the presence of the holy and righteous God, we need a perfect infinite sacrifice to take the punishment we deserve. Those religions that deny that Jesus is God (and thus, that he is eternal) offer a limited sacrifice for sin that does nothing to satisfy the infinite wrath of God and is no better than a sheep.
The Jesus described in the Bible is infinite and is God. The infinite Son, in his death on the cross, suffered the infinite punishment that we deserve from the infinite Father and infinitely satisfied the wrath of God on sin. A “created Jesus” could never do such a thing.
As you teach that God is Emmanuel to the children today, think about the vital importance—with infinite ramifications—of embracing the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit as the triune God, the one true God of the Bible.
May we rejoice, as the Puritans did, in the way each member of the Trinity works to bring about our salvation.
THREE IN ONE, ONE IN THREE,
GOD OF MY SALVATION,
Heavenly Father, blessed Son, eternal Spirit,
I adore thee as one Being, one Essence,
one God in three distinct Persons,
for bringing sinners to thy knowledge and to thy kingdom.
O Father, thou hast loved me and sent Jesus to redeem me;
O Jesus, thou hast loved me and assumed my nature,
shed thine own blood to wash away my sins,
wrought righteousness to cover my unworthiness;
O Holy Spirit, thou hast loved me and entered my
heart, implanted there eternal life,
revealed to me the glories of Jesus.
Three Persons and one God, I bless and praise thee,
for love so unmerited, so unspeakable, so wondrous,
so mighty to save the lost and raise them to glory.
O Triune God, who commandeth the universe,
thou hast commanded me to ask for those things
that concern thy kingdom and my soul.
Let me live and pray as one baptized into the threefold Name.
—(Excerpt from “The Trinity” in The Valley of Vision)

Introduce It!
Treasure Map Poster
Day 4 Large Medallion, preferably laminated 
Puzzle Card 3
Bible or children’s Bible
Costumes for teachers
Mounting putty or tape
Treasure chest
OPTION 1: 10 hearts and timer
OPTION 2: No supplies
Day 4 Mystery Clue (10 minutes)
Pre-prep: Cut out and laminate the day 4 large medallion and put it and the Bible in the treasure chest, with the Bible bookmarked at the appropriate passages. For Option 1, cut out 10 hearts and hide them around the room before each rotation. Option 2 needs no supplies. 
Teacher 1: Aloha, islanders! As we get started today, let’s see if we can remember our three past medallions and what they stand for. Take answers, then show the Puzzle card 3 and have them solve it. Remind them that God is the ruler of the universe—the king of everything.
Teacher 2: Now let’s discover today’s mystery clue!
Option 1—I Spy
Give the kids 20–30 seconds while seated to look (not move) and keep track on their fingers of how many hearts they have found. Don’t tell them how many there are. Then ask how many they found and show where they all are.
Now, direct their attention to the treasure map poster and follow the trail to the next location. It will be the Jellyfish Lagoon. Pull out the day 4 large medallion from the treasure chest, and ask what they think a heart has to do with God as you put it on the poster. See if they can find the hidden heart at Jellyfish Lagoon.
Teacher 1: God is not just loving—God is love. Pull the Bible out of the treasure chest and read 1 John 4:8. He is 100 percent love. Let’s pray, and then we’ll ____ (either go on a Treasure Hunt or play a game of Clues, depending on which option you choose) to hear more about this.  
Option 2—Mystery Riddle
Share a clue such as the following. Adjust to fit your situation.
I’m inside your body, below your head. Sometimes I’m sad, and I’m red. 
The answer to the riddle is a heart.
Now, direct their attention to the treasure map poster and follow the trail to the next location: Jellyfish Lagoon. Pull out the day 4 large medallion from the treasure chest, and ask what they think a heart has to do with God as you put it on the poster. See if they can find the hidden heart at Jellyfish Lagoon.
Teacher 1: God is not just loving—God is love. Pull the Bible out of the treasure chest and read 1 John 4:8. He is 100 percent love. Let’s pray, and then we’ll ____ (either go on a Treasure Hunt or play a game of Clues, depending on which option you choose) to hear more about this.  
Teach It!
Part 1: Gospel Presentation (10–15 minutes) 
Gospel Jewel Posters 
ABFR Poster (in a plastic bottle, like a note in a bottle)
Day 4 Animal Pal Poster
Tri-fold Clues 1–6 
Pre-prep: Decide if you are doing Option 1 or Option 2 and follow the pre-prep directions as noted there. Option 1 takes a little less time. 
Option 1: Treasure Hunt
Pre-prep: Have the Tri-fold clues 1–6 ready for the teacher to open and read, and put the abfr poster in the plastic bottle. Cut out the gospel jewel posters and hang them up so they are visible but not obvious. Hide the bottle so it is still partially visible. Bookmark the appropriate Bible passages.

Teacher 1: We’re going on a treasure hunt around the room to find jewels of various colors. We’ll read you a clue, and then you hunt with your eyes and see if you can find a jewel in that color hanging somewhere. Don’t get up, but just point to it if you see it.
Clue 1—Green
Think of the color of grass and trees 
And look for a jewel in that color, please 
Teacher 2: You were looking for a jewel the color of plants and trees. What color is that? Pause for responses, and point to the green gospel jewel poster. Yes, green! The Bible tells us right here (point to Genesis 1) that God made the world, and in the world, he planted a green tropical paradise called the garden of Eden. Then he placed the first two people there to live. Do you know what their names were? Pause for responses. Yes, Adam and Eve.
Teacher 1: Everything was very good in the garden of Eden. It was beautiful and nothing bad had happened. But let’s listen to our next clue and find our next jewel so we can hear what happened next.
Clue 2—Dark
Jewel number 2 is the color of night  
Find one that’s dark, not light
Teacher 2: You were looking for a jewel the color of night. What color was that? Pause for responses, and point to the dark gospel jewel poster. Yes, it was a dark color because it’s dark at night. Our dark color reminds us that something happened in the garden of Eden that wasn’t so beautiful. You see, a serpent came along and played a bad trick on Eve. He told her to eat a piece of fruit God told her not to eat.
Teacher 1: Eve ate a bite, and then so did Adam. And guess what? The beautiful world changed. They didn’t obey God, and this is called sin. Sin is when we say or do something God commands us in the Bible not to do, or when we don’t do something he tells us to do. 
Teacher 2: Well, this was very sad. Adam and Eve sinned first, and the children they had sinned, and their children sinned, and on and on, until our time. Guess what? Because we are part of Adam and Eve’s family, we sin, too. Read Romans 3:23. And the punishment for sin is death and eternal separation from God’s goodness forever.
Teacher 1: If you think you’ve never sinned against God, think about this. God says to be kind. Nod your head if you’ve ever gotten in a fight with a brother or sister or friend. Pause for responses. God says to obey your parents. Have you ever not obeyed your mom or dad when they asked you to do something? Pause for responses. Was there ever a time you didn’t pick up your toys right away when your parents asked you to? Pause for responses. God says to do all things without grumbling and complaining. Have you ever complained about the food you’ve been given? Pause for responses. All these, and many more, are examples of sin.
Teacher 2: Our sin created a problem because God is perfect, so we can’t be with God because he can’t allow sin in his presence. So none of us could be with God forever. When we die, we’ll go to a terrible place called hell. But God loves us and wants us to be with him someday, so he did something amazing. Let’s find our next jewel and see what happened next. 
Clue 3—Blue
What color does a baby boy wear?
Find that jewel over there (point in the vicinity of where it’s hidden.)
Teacher 1: You were looking for a jewel the color of baby boy clothes. What color is that? Pause for responses, and point to the blue gospel jewel poster. Yes, blue.

Teacher 2: According to the Bible, God sent his Son, Jesus, from heaven to earth, as a little baby boy. That’s what we celebrate at Christmas! God didn’t stay in heaven and leave us here on earth and in trouble. He sent Jesus to be with us. Jesus is God and one of his names is Emmanuel. Emmanuel means “God with us.”
Teacher 1: Jesus was born on earth and lived a perfect life. He was loving and kind and good, and he always obeyed his Father, God.  
Teacher 2: Okay, let’s hear the next clue so we can find out what happened next.
Clue 4—Red
Now it’s time to look around
Until the color of a heart is found
Teacher 1: You were looking for a jewel the color of a heart. What color is that? Pause for responses, and point to the red gospel jewel poster. Yes, red. Hearts remind us of love, and what I’m about to tell you shows how much God loves us. You see, God sent Jesus because he loves us so much and wants us to be part of his family and live with him in heaven someday. Because we’re sinners, we aren’t part of God’s family. But Jesus did something that has given us the opportunity to be part of God’s family. Does anyone know what Jesus did at the end of his life here on earth? Take responses.
Teacher 2: Yes, Jesus died on a cross. He didn’t deserve to, but you know why he did? Take responses. Because he loves us and wanted to take the punishment we deserve for the sins we commit. 
Teacher 1: Have you ever gotten in trouble for doing something? Pause for responses. Did your mom or dad punish you? Pause for responses. Well, Jesus died on the cross and shed his red blood so we wouldn’t have to take the punishment we deserve. Isn’t that so kind and loving of Jesus?
Teacher 2: Because Jesus is God, he was able to do something only God can do. He came back to life! He didn’t stay dead! Isn’t that amazing? Now let’s hear the next clue so we can find out what happens next. It’s exciting!
Clue 5—Yellow
Hope you’re having lots of fun 
Look for a jewel the color of the sun
Teacher 1: You were looking for a jewel the color of the sun. What color is that? Pause for responses, and point to the yellow gospel jewel poster. Yes, yellow. Yellow reminds us of the new heavens and earth with streets of gold, where there won’t be anything sad or bad. It will be a beautiful and perfect place like the garden of Eden was. And all the children of God will live there forever. The best part of all is that God himself will live there and all his children will get to be with him forever! Show the day 4 animal pal poster. Jam the immortal jellyfish reminds us of how great it is to live forever! Immortal means forever!  
Teacher 2: Getting to be his child and live with him forever is worth more than anything else. This is the ultimate treasure and better news than any other news we will ever receive. In fact, it’s the most important thing in your life. Let’s listen for the next clue and find out how we can become part of God’s family. This one is not a colorful jewel you will look for, but some letters.
Clue 6—Admit, Believe, Forever Receive
To end our hunt, look for ABFR 
Find those letters on a paper in a jar
Teacher 1: You were looking for a jar with the letters ABFR in them, and here it is! It’s a note in a bottle! Isn’t that cool? Let’s solve the mystery of what these letters stand for.

Teacher 2: First, the A. Stand up if you can think of a word that starts with A. Have them share words that start with A, then tell them your word—admit. A stands for admit. If you admit you sin, that means you tell God you know you haven’t obeyed him. You feel sorry for those sins and want to repent, or turn from, doing those sins.
Teacher 1: That doesn’t mean you never sin again. Only God is perfect and doesn’t sin. But it means you want to please God, obey him, and not keep sinning. You want to love him more than you love your sin.
Teacher 2: The next letter is B. Stand up if you can think of a word that starts with B. Have them share words that start with B, then tell them your word—believe. B stands for believe. To become a child of God, you must believe God sent his Son, Jesus, to die on the cross and then rose from the dead to save you from sin.
Teacher 1: The next two letters are F and R. Stand up if you can think of a word that starts with F. Have them share words that start with F, then tell them your word—forever. F stands for forever and the R stands for receive. Forever receive. If you are sorry for your sin and trust in Jesus for eternal life, you can become a child of God forever. You can forever receive the gift of eternal life. 
Teacher 2: If any of you are interested in learning more about this, make sure you talk to your parents, your leaders, or me today. We’d love to tell you more about it. It’s the most important thing ever.
Teacher 1: So true! Now let’s move to our next activity. Skip Option 2 and go to the next activity.
Option 2: Clues
Clues Poster, laminated
Day 4 Animal Pal Poster
Day 4 Memory Verse Poster
Clues Sheet, 1 per child
Rebus Cards 1, 2, and 3
Writing utensils, 1 per child
Dry erase marker
4x6-inch sticky notes
Pre-prep: Laminate the clues poster and cover each block with a sticky note. Copy the clues sheet, 1 per child, and the rebus cards. Gather the writing utensils.   
Pass out the clues sheets and writing utensils.
Section 1—Who?
Teacher 1: Because God loves us, he wants to have a relationship with each of us so we can know him and live with him forever. Even though God is so great and holy and majestic, he hasn’t forgotten about us. He knows each one of us, and he cares about each of us, loves us, and wants us to be his children. But you may have wondered how we can be his children and get to heaven someday. Do you think it’s by being really good? Take responses. No, it isn’t. Just one sin is enough to separate us from our pure and holy God. So let’s track down some clues about how you can live with God forever. Our clues have to do with who, what, and where.
Teacher 2: First, Who? Let’s look at a line-up of suspects and see who was against God. We’ll give you a clue, and you write down your answer. Don’t say your answer out loud or show it to anyone else, because you don’t want anyone to see your clues sheet. Spelling doesn’t count.
Teacher 1: Okay, first we have two suspects who lived a long time ago—about 6,000 years ago. They were the first people and they lived in a beautiful garden. Write down (or draw, which takes more time) their names in this box (point to the right spot) if you think you know who they were. Do so.
Teacher 2: Our next suspect was known as the most famous pirate of all time. He had a beard and it’s said that he would light his hair on fire to make it smoke under his hat so he would appear especially fierce to those he was going to rob. His name starts with a B. Remember, he has a beard. Have them write down/draw their guess in the next box. 
Teacher 1: Our next suspect was a prophet. He’s the prophet we talked about two days ago who ended up in the belly of a big fish. Have them write down/draw their guess in the next box.

Teacher 2: Our next suspect was also a prophet—the one we talked about yesterday who saw the vision of God on the throne. His name starts with an I. Have them write down/draw their guess in the next box.
Teacher 1: There’s one more box. We’re going to leave that blank for right now and come back to it. Now we’re going to show you the answers to the first four. Draw a star next to each one you have correctly identified. 
Teacher 2: Uncover each one on the poster as you say the following. Box 1 was Adam and Eve. Box 2 was Blackbeard the Pirate. Box 3 was Jonah. Box 4 was Isaiah.
Section 2—What?
Teacher 1: Now we’re going to try to answer the question of What? What did they do wrong against God? 
Teacher 2: Let’s go back to our first suspects—Adam and Eve, the first two people on earth. If you think you know what they did wrong against God, draw a quick sketch  of the item it has to do with in this box. Point to the first box in this section, and have them make their sketch.
Teacher 1: Our next suspect is Blackbeard the Pirate. What did pirates do wrong? Draw a quick sketch or write a couple words of something they did wrong. Do so.
Teacher 2: The next suspect was Jonah, the prophet who ended up in the belly of the fish. What do you think he did wrong? Draw a quick sketch or write a couple words to describe it. Do so in the next box.
Teacher 1: The next suspect was Isaiah, the prophet who saw God on the throne in the vision. Let me read from the Bible what his response was after he saw the vision of God on the throne, and then you can draw a quick sketch or write a couple words to tell what you think he did wrong. Read Isaiah 6:3–5, and have them sketch what part of his body he mentioned that he had sinned with in the next box.
Teacher 2: And that brings us to the last box in this section. Let’s leave it blank for right now, but let’s see if you figured out what deed each one committed against God. Draw a star next to each one you got right. Uncover the answers as you share the following. Box 1, with Adam and Eve as the suspects, was eating forbidden fruit. Box 2, with Blackbeard as the suspect, was stealing stuff. Box 3, with Jonah as the suspect, was running away from God. And Box 4, with Isaiah as the suspect, was having unclean lips—meaning he said things he shouldn’t have. 
Section 3—Where?
Teacher 1: The last question we’re trying to answer is Where? Where did they do their wrong deeds against God? 
Teacher 2: In the first box, write/draw where Adam and Eve lived. That’s where they committed their wrong deed. Do so.
Teacher 1: In the second box, write/draw where Blackbeard the Pirate did his stealing. Do so.
Teacher 2: In the third box, write/draw the interesting, slimy place Jonah ended up when he disobeyed God and ran away. Do so.
Teacher 1: In the fourth box, write/draw what building Isaiah saw in his vision. Do so.
Teacher 2: And leave the fifth box blank for now.
Teacher 1: Here are the answers. Draw a star next to each one you got right. Uncover the answers as you share the following. In the first box, you should have said the garden of Eden. That’s where Adam and Eve lived when they disobeyed God and ate the forbidden fruit.

Teacher 2: In the second box, you should have said a ship at sea stealing something.
Teacher 1: In the third box, you should have said in the belly of the big fish. That’s where Jonah ended up when he ran away from God.
Teacher 2: In the fourth box, you should have said a temple. Isaiah’s vision took place in a temple, and he realized he was a man of unclean lips, saying things he shouldn’t.
Gospel Presentation
Teacher 1: We’re trying to figure out how to get to heaven from these clues, so let’s look at each suspect and what they did wrong to see who was against God.
Teacher 2: To begin, let’s look at our first box in each row. We’ve got Adam and Eve, with the fruit, in the garden of Eden, as described in Genesis 1–3. Can anyone fill in the details and tell us more of what happened there? Take responses.
Teacher 1: Do you think Adam and Eve acted against God by eating that fruit? Take responses. Yes, that was an act of disobedience because God specifically told them not to do that. Any time we disobey God it’s called sin.
Teacher 2: Now let’s look at the second set of boxes. We’ve got Blackbeard the Pirate with stolen stuff in a pirate ship. Do you think Blackbeard acted against God by stealing stuff? Take responses. 
Teacher 1: Yes, stealing is forbidden in the Bible (Exodus 20:15), so that’s an act of disobedience, or sin. God is kind and cares for us, so he wants us to be kind to others too, not go around taking things that don’t belong to us. The Bible tells us to work so we can provide for ourselves, our families, and others. See Colossians 3:23 and 1 Timothy 5:8.
Teacher 2: Now let’s look at the third set of boxes. We’ve got Jonah running away and ending up in the sea. Do you think he acted against God? Take responses.
Teacher 1: God told him to go to Nineveh, but he went the other way, so that was sin because he didn’t obey God. See Deuteronomy 11:1.
Teacher 2: And now let’s look at the fourth set of boxes. We’ve got Isaiah with unclean lips at the temple. Do you think he sinned? Take responses.
Teacher 1: Yes, speaking things with your lips that aren’t pleasing to God is a sin. We don’t know what Isaiah is referring to when he said his lips were unclean, but there are many ways we can sin with the words we say from our lips. See Psalm 5:9, Proverbs 6:17, Proverbs 11:13, Proverbs 18:8, Proverbs 25:23, Matthew 12:36–37, and Ephesians 4:29 for examples. God is always truthful and never lies, but perhaps Isaiah lied. God is always kind, but perhaps Isaiah said something mean. All these and many more are ways we sin with our lips. 
Teacher 2: So we’ve established that all our suspects sinned, or disobeyed God’s commands. But did you know the Bible tells us in Romans 3:23 that we all sin? Every one of us. Read Romans 3:23. That means that even you need to be placed in that line-up of suspects, because you, too, sin. So in that last box in the Who? section, write your name and draw your face. Do so. 
Teacher 1: Okay, now here’s a question: Of the five suspects, including you, whose sin seems the worst? Take a minute to discuss which one they think is the worst. Circle any you think sinned so bad that they can’t go to heaven. Do so, then discuss what they circled and why. 
Teacher 2: The answer is they all sinned at least one time in their lives, so they all can’t go to heaven on their own works. You see, since God is holy and perfect, he can’t allow even one sin in heaven. Someone who sins by lying has the same problem as someone who sins by stealing. One sin is enough to separate us from God. It doesn’t matter if it’s Blackbeard the Pirate or you—each person has sinned against God. 
And each sin is a big deal because it goes against God’s holiness. This is a serious situation! 
Teacher 1: From the beginning, when Adam and Eve sinned against God, until today, each of us disobeys God. We may take something that doesn’t belong to us, like Blackbeard, Or we may say something against God, like a lie or something unkind, like Isaiah. Or maybe we hide from our parents or go the other way when they call us, like Jonah did with God. The Bible tells us in Ephesians that children are to obey their parents, so if you don’t obey right away, all the way, and with a happy heart, that’s sin.
Teacher 2: Think about a sin you’ve done at some point in your life, and draw a quick sketch or write a few words about it in the last box in the What? section. Maybe it’s making fun of someone, or punching your brother, or complaining about something. Do so. 
Teacher 1: Now, in the bottom box, draw where you were when you committed that sin. Do so. 
Teacher 2: Our sin causes a huge problem for us because God is holy and always must punish sin. The Bible tells us in Romans 6:23 the wages—or payment—of sin is death. Sin separates us from God for all of eternity. Those who stay in their sins are not part of God’s family and won’t go to heaven when they die but will instead go to a terrible place called hell. But because God loves us so much, he sent his Son from heaven to come and rescue us from this predicament about 2,000 years ago.
Direct them to draw a baby in a manger in the bottom left box on the Clues sheet  while you say the following.
Teacher 1: The amazing, almighty God who is so much greater and better than we can ever imagine sent God the Son to earth in the form of a baby. His name on earth was Jesus. Jesus is God and was on earth with people. One of Jesus’s names is Emmanuel, which means “God with us”! Jesus is God, God the Son. This is a mystery, but it’s true, and it’s great news, because it means the mighty God can be known. God didn’t just leave us to our sinful selves. He sent his Son so we can know him personally and be saved from our sins.
Direct them to draw a cross in the bottom middle box on the Clues sheet  while you say the following.
Teacher 2: When Jesus came to earth, he lived a perfect life, never sinning even once. He’s the only one who has ever done that. Every other person sins. At the end of his life, some wicked men put him to death on a cross. This was a very painful death. Jesus willingly died so he could take the punishment for sin that we deserved. Let’s say our memory verse together to remember this. Do so. Use the Day 4 memory verse poster as a reference.  
Teacher 1: Let’s pretend that I’m a pirate who stole someone’s money, but instead of me going to jail for the crime, someone else took the blame and went to jail in place of me. Wouldn’t that be amazingly kind of the innocent man? Well, that’s like what Jesus did for us. None of us is innocent. We all sin against God and deserve to be punished. Jesus died on the cross to take the punishment we deserve so we can be forgiven and become children of God if we trust in what Jesus did for us rather than trying to earn God’s kindness.
Direct them to write “He’s alive!” in the bottom right box on the Clues sheet while you say the following.
Teacher 2: After Jesus died, something amazing happened. He came back to life! Of course, we know nothing is too hard for God (Jeremiah 32:27), even coming back to life! That shows us that Jesus is God.

Teacher 1: So it’s amazing to think that God in heaven loves us so much he sent his only Son to earth to die for us and take the punishment we deserved! And all so we can become his children. But you aren’t automatically his child—only if you sincerely trust him.
Teacher 2: This is how we can become a child of God. First, what do you think this word is? Show rebus card 1. This word is admit. You need to first admit to God that you’re a sinner and you’re sorry for disobeying his commands. When you see your sin against a holy God, you should turn away from your sin (repent) and turn toward God.
Teacher 1: Next, what is this word? Show rebus card 2. Yes, believe. You must believe that Jesus is God and he came to earth, lived a perfect life, died a terrible death on the cross to take the punishment for your sin, and then came back to life.
Teacher 2: Admit, believe, and here’s the third set of words. Show rebus card 3. Yes, forever receive.
Teacher 1: When you admit you’re a sinner, want to turn away from your sin (repent), and believe Jesus died and came back to life to take the punishment for your sin, you can become a child of God. If you sincerely trust in Jesus for eternal life, you will forever receive him into your life and be his for all eternity. This is the most important and wonderful thing that can ever happen to you. It’s better than finding a treasure worth a billion dollars. It’s better than anything, because it means you will one day get to live forever in the new heavens and earth with the most amazing one ever—God. Show the day 4 animal pal poster. Jam the immortal jellyfish reminds us of this. Immortal means to live forever. Anyone who has trusted in Jesus alone for eternal life can be God’s child and will live forever with God! 
Teacher 2: And there’s more wonderful news. After Jesus died, rose from the dead, and went back to heaven, God promised he would never leave us or forsake us. In fact, God himself lives with every believer in the person of the Holy Spirit. God is the one and only God, but he is three Persons in one—God the Father, God the Son—who is Jesus, and God the Holy Spirit. God the Holy Spirit lives with you and acts as a comforter, a helper, and a counselor. See John 14:26, Romans 8:26, and 1 Corinthians 12:7.
Make sure salvation counseling happens in a safe spot that is quiet, but not out of sight of other people.
Teacher 1: If you want to hear more about how you can become a child of God, or if you have questions about this, let’s have you go with _____ (teachers, group guides, pastors) now. The rest of us are going to move on to our next activity.
Part 2: Small Group Time (5–10 minutes)
Day 4 Discussion Sheets, 1 per small group leader
Divide into groups of 4–6 islanders, with a group guide or teacher in each group. Adjust depending on how many group guides and kids you have. Discuss some or all of the following questions.
Give the Discussion Sheets to the guides to do later if you don’t have time during class.
Do you like to watch or read mysteries? Which ones? Have you ever read or watched a mystery where they were trying to figure out who the guilty party was? 
For those who did the Clues option, did it surprise you to have to put yourself in the line-up of people who are guilty of sin? Do you understand why that’s true? 
Have you ever considered just how amazing it is that the wonderful, loving God came to earth for sinners like you, to rescue his loved ones from sin’s punishment? Do you understand that you need to repent of your sins and trust in Jesus to have eternal life?
Gospel Opportunity
Have you ever admitted your sin to Jesus, believed in him, and forever received him as your Savior and Lord? Can you tell us about it? Take kids’ testimonies here, or share your own. 
Part 3: Review (10–15 minutes)
OPTION 1: Puppet supplies
OPTION 2: Timer
Choose an option below. Option 1 is the puppet asking review questions and requires just the normal puppet supplies. Option 2 is a quick game that needs no pre-prep except gathering a timer.

 Option 1—Puppet Pal
Pre-prep: Tape one Puppet script inside the puppet stage, and place the other on the clipboard.
Teacher: Hey! What have you been up to?
Puppet: I was just playing a game. I love games!
Teacher: I do, too! They’re so much fun. Would you like to play a game with the kids?
Puppet: I sure would! How do we play?
Teacher: I’ll ask a question and you decide on two possible answers. Then the kids will have to figure out which one is right.
Puppet: Oh, that sounds fun! Let’s try it.
Teacher: Okay, the first question is this: God made the world a beautiful and perfect place and put the first two people in a garden called what?
Puppet: Let’s see, it was either the garden of eating or the garden of Eden. 
Teacher: Boys and girls, which do you think it was? The garden of eating or the garden of Eden? Take answers and tell them it’s the garden of Eden. You can keep score and give them a point for each right answer or just skip keeping score. 
Teacher: Question 2: The first people, Adam and Eve, ate something God told them not to. What was it?
Puppet: I think it was either a piece of fruit or a pepperoni pizza. Boy, do I love pepperoni pizza.
Teacher: Boys and girls, do you think it was fruit or pizza? Take answers and tell them it was fruit.
Teacher: Question 3: When you don’t obey God, it’s called what?
Puppet: It’s called either sin or smiles. Pretend to pose for a picture. CHEESE!  
Teacher: Calm down over there, Sunny. Anyway, do you think it’s called sin or smiles when you don’t obey God? Take answers and tell them it is sin.
Teacher: Okay, here’s the next question: God’s Son, Jesus, came to earth to save sinners. Jesus is called Emmanuel, which means what?
Puppet: It means either God with us or man with us.
Teacher: Boys and girls, which do you think? Take answers and tell them it’s God with us.
Teacher: Okay, here’s our last question: We talked about A standing for Admit. We admit we sinned. What does B stand for?
Puppet: It means either be good or believe.
Teacher: Boys and girls, do you think the B in ABFR stands for be good or believe? Take answers and tell them it’s believe. 
Puppet: Well, this sure was fun to play our game.
Teacher: Yep! And I hope all our boys and girls know God loves them and wants them to be a child of God. Well, we’ll see you tomorrow, Sunny. Thanks for playing with us! 
Puppet: You bet! I’m gonna go surfing now. See you later. 
Option 2—Lightning Round
To play: Put 90 seconds on the timer. This is the least amount of time yet, which you should tell the kids. Quickly read a question, and have everyone shout out their answers as soon as you finish reading the question. As soon as you hear someone say the right answer, affirm that answer, share the comments, and move to the next question. The group as a whole wins if they get through all the questions in the time allotted.

Questions
Who is today’s animal pal and how does she remind us of God?
Answer: Jam the immortal jellyfish. Immortal means to live forever. We can live forever with God if we ask to be in his family.
What is sin?
Answer: Disobeying God. 
How many people sin?
Answer: Every person—”for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
Who is Jesus and why did he come to earth?
Answer: Jesus is God the Son. He came to earth to take the punishment for the sin we have committed so we have a way to be saved from that punishment and to live forever with God.
Yes or no: God is love, and God loves me.
Answer: Yes, he loves you and wants you to be his child.
What does it mean that we need to admit to God that we sin?
Answer: They have sinned against God. They have disobeyed his commands and need to confess (tell) their sin to God and repent (turn) from their sin.
What does it mean to believe in Jesus for eternal life?
Answer: They believe that Jesus is God who came and lived a perfect life, died on the cross, and rose again. They trust in Jesus Christ for salvation from sin.
What does it mean to forever receive eternal life?
Answer: To receive Jesus is to welcome him into your life as your Savior from sin and the Lord you will follow.
What is something amazing you’ve discovered about God so far this week?
Answers will vary.
Apply It!
Optional: Gospel bookmarks, 1 per child
Day 4 Sudent Guides, 1 per child
Trail Guides, 1 per child
Stamp for Trail Guides
In the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. 
Put a stamp in the Trail Guides, or group guides can do so as the kids first arrive at VBS. Give them the gospel bookmarks if doing so, one per child.
Part 1: Treasured Verses
Day 4 Memory Verse Poster
Memory Verse Music CD and player
Decode the Scrambled Verse supplies—pieces of paper or orange “sun” circle cutouts, plus a marker
Pre-prep: For Decode the Scrambled Verse, prepare the materials as described below in the Challenge section. Hang the day 4 memory verse poster and cue the memory verse song.
Today’s Verse: But God shows his love to us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 
Practice the verse several times by playing the appropriate song from the Memory Verse CD and using the day 4 memory Verse poster as a reference. Then try the Challenge.
Challenge: Decode the Scrambled Verse—Write each word of the verse on a piece of paper or  orange “sun” circle cutout. Mix them up and flip them over so you can’t see the words. Pick up one at a time, read the word, and decide where it goes in the verse. Can you get them in order?
Tomorrow’s Verse: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5–6
Try the Challenge again, this time saying tomorrow’s verse. 

Part 2: Go and Do
Read Daniel 9:9, Psalm 71:2, Psalm 103:12, Psalm 145:8–9, and Colossians 1:13–14. What do these verses teach us about God as our Savior?
Pray and thank God for sending his Son, Jesus. Use Ephesians 2:4–10 to guide your prayer. Thank him for his love and goodness, and for his willingness to forgive those who ask to be his child. 
With an adult, take a prayer walk around your neighborhood, and pray for those who may not know Jesus as their Savior.
Ask an adult if he has ever turned from his sin (repented) and trusted in Jesus for eternal life.
Check AnswersVBS.com/mikids for more fun information!
Ask yourself this question: Am I a child of God? 
Just for Fun Song: “God Is So Good”
“God Is So Good” song 
MP3 or CD player
God is so good (Point up, then make the sign for “good” by placing the fingers of your right hand against your mouth, then moving them into the upright palm of your left hand.)
God is so good (Repeat motions.)
God is so good (Repeat motions.)
He’s so good to me 
(Repeat, and point to yourself on “me.”)
He loves me so (Point up, then cross your arms over your heart, then fan arms out.)
He loves me so (Repeat motions.)
He loves me so (Repeat motions.)
He’s so good to me 
(Repeat previous verse’s last motion.)
He died for me (Make a cross with your wrists crossing each other.)
He died for me (Repeat motions.)
He died for me (Repeat motions.)
He’s so good to me 
(Repeat first verse’s last motion.)
God is so good (Point up, then make the sign for “good” by placing the fingers of your right hand against your mouth, then moving them into the upright palm of your left hand.)
God is so good (Repeat motions.)
God is so good (Repeat motions.)
He’s so good to me 
(Repeat, and point to yourself on “me.”)

Day 5
TRUSTY-Y+WORD-D+THEE
God is TRUSTWORTHY!

Today’s Medallion
Diamond
Bible passage
David Trusts God
1 Samuel 17
Animal Pal
Trusty the Macaw
Lesson Focus
God is TRUSTWORTHY! He is our rock. We should praise, thank, adore, worship, and live for him.
Apologetics Focus
God is bigger and greater than all our unanswered questions. We can trust him.
Treasured Verse
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5–6

Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Introduce It!
Day 5 Mystery Clue
Option 1—Decipher the Cipher
Option 2—Mystery Riddle
Teach It! 
Part 1: David and Goliath
Part 2: Bible Treasure Hunt
Part 3: Puppet Pal—Trust Fall
Part 4: Review Game
Option 1—“Leaf” It
Option 2—Lightning Round
Apply It!
Part 1: Treasured Verse
Part 2: Go and Do
Just for Fun Song: “If You Trust God and You Know It”
Preparing for the Lesson
Read 1 Samuel 17 and some psalms of David a couple times.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials as outlined in the brown Pre-prep text.
For more information on how we know we can trust God, visit AnswersVBS.com/mifaq.
Pray.
Devotion 5 God Is Trustworthy
And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10
Today, as we examine the account of David and Goliath, consider that David was likely in his late teens when he went against the giant. Not too much older than some of the kids in your classes. Perhaps the age of the teen volunteers on your crew. Yet, even by that age, David had learned so much about the one true God that his trust in his God was firm. He knew that God was living and active (1 Samuel 17:26), he was the ruler over all (v. 45), and he was mighty to save (vv. 46–47). He had experienced God’s massive power throughout his life (v. 37), and he was confident enough to confront those who didn’t believe (vv. 26–30). 
Throughout the rest of his life, David would write of his trust in God based on what he knew to be true about his Creator. Consider all the attributes of God that David included in just one psalm (25): God is deliverer, truth, salvation, merciful, loving, good, eternal, upright, faithful, a friend, gracious, forgiving, the Redeemer. He proclaims, “O my God, in you I trust” (Psalm 25:2). Take a glance through David’s psalms, and notice how often he rehearses God’s attributes to himself and how often he reminds himself to trust in God, no matter his circumstances. In times of trouble or times of ease, David trusted God. Because he knew the Word of God, he knew who God is and trusted him because of it.  
Think about it.
How well do you know the one true God? Do you know enough about him and his attributes to trust him completely with your life? Do you rehearse God’s attributes to yourself (and your family and the children in your care)? 
Consider what we’ve studied about God this week: he is great, almighty, ruler, Emmanuel, and trustworthy. How does embracing and clinging to these attributes change your perspective on your job, your relationships, your bank account, your home, your family, your life? What fears keep you from trusting God more fully? Is there one attribute that you need to meditate on to help you overcome those fears? Are there other attributes you need to remind yourself of or uncover through Bible study? 
Today, let’s make sure our hearts are firmly trusting in the one true God as we encourage the children toward trusting God. May we pray with the Puritans:
Thou art all my good in times of peace,
my only support in days of trouble,
my one sufficiency when life shall end.
Help me to see how good thy will is in all,
and even when it crosses mine
teach me to be pleased with it.
Grant me to feel thee in fire, and food and every providence,
and to see that thy many gifts and creatures
are but thy hands and fingers taking hold of me.
Thou bottomless fountain of all good,
I give myself to thee out of love,
for all I have or own is thine,
my goods, family, church, self,
to do with as thou wilt,
to honour thyself by me, and by all mine.
If it be consistent with thy eternal counsels,
the purpose of thy grace,
and the great ends of thy glory,
then bestow upon me the blessings of thy comforts;
If not, let me resign myself to thy wiser determinations.
(Excerpt from “The All-Good” from The Valley of Vision)
Introduce It!
Treasure Map Poster
Day 5 Large Medallion, preferably laminated
 Day 5 Memory Verse Poster
OPTION 1: Cipher Poster, laminated, and dry erase marker
OPTION 2: No supplies 
Puzzle Cards 1–4
Treasure Maps, 1 per child (color versions of these are also available to purchase and include a set of stickers; see page 8 for more information)
Days 1–5 Sticker Medallions, 1 set per child
Bible or children’s Bible
Costumes for teachers
Mounting putty or tape
Treasure chest
Day 5 Mystery Clue (5–10 minutes)
Pre-prep: Cut out and laminate the day 5 large medallion and put it and the Bible in the treasure chest, with the Bible bookmarked at the appropriate passages. Laminate the cipher poster. Prepare for either Option 1 or Option 2 below. Organize the treasure maps and the days 1–5 sticker medallions so each child gets a set for class or to take home. 
Teacher 1: Welcome to Lighthouse Lessons on our last day, islanders! Let’s see if we can remember what our four puzzle cards say. Show the puzzle cards 1–4.
Teacher 2: Now let’s discover today’s mystery clue. 
Option 1—Decipher the Cipher
Teacher 1: Our clue is in the form of a mystery word—a cipher. Let’s figure out the letters and then it will spell today’s clue word.
Show the cipher poster and have them figure out what the word is.
Teacher 2: Our clue word is diamond. Do you know what a diamond is? Take responses. 
Teacher 1: People wear diamonds because they’re worth a lot. They’re very valuable. They’re also a strong and steady rock that won’t break. If someone is wearing a diamond, show it to them. 
Teacher 2: God is like a diamond because he’s by far the most valuable of all in the universe. He’s much, much, much more valuable than a diamond or any other jewel or even all the money in the world. He’s a steady rock of love, kindness, and goodness. We can trust him with our lives. 
Teacher 1: Let’s check out our last spot on our Treasure Map Poster today and see what our medallion is.
An alternative to laminating the Cipher Poster is to cover the lines with sticky notes and write on them, changing them out after each rotation.
Direct their attention to the treasure map poster and have them follow the trail to the next location: Macaw Mountain. Pull out the day 5 large medallion from the treasure chest and put it on the poster. See if they can find the diamond hidden at the Macaw Mountain. 
We can trust God because he is never going to change, never going to leave, and always going to be all things great and good. Because he is holy, we can trust him. Because he is love, we can trust him. Because he is perfect (Deuteronomy 32:4; 2 Samuel 22:31), lovingly kind (Psalm 36:7, 86:5), and all things good (Psalm 135:3; James 1:17), we can trust him with our lives. Share today’s memory verse, Proverbs 3:5–6, using the day 5 memory verse poster.
Now, pass out the Treasure Maps and the sticker medallions for the five days. Have them put the proper stickers on the proper spots as you review what each means. They will take these home today. If you are short on time, send them home for a fun review.
Teacher 2: Time to pray, and then we’ll grab our Bible from the treasure chest and turn to 1 Samuel 17, which tells of an account that happened about 3,000 years ago. Do so. This is a great example of someone named David who trusted God with his life because he knew God was trustworthy. We’re going to act it out as we hear more about the one true God. Let’s start!
Option 2—Mystery Riddle
Share a clue such as the following. Adjust to fit your situation.
If you look closely you may find a ring with a rock that’s one of a kind. 
Technically, a diamond is a gemstone, not a rock, but people talk about diamonds as rocks.
The answer to the riddle is a diamond ring. Tell them people sometimes call diamonds “rocks” because they are the strongest natural material known to man.

Then direct their attention to the treasure map poster and have them follow the trail to the next location: Macaw Mountain. Pull out the day 5 large medallion from the treasure chest and put it on. Look for the hidden diamond. Discuss what they think a diamond has to do with God. If someone is wearing a diamond, show it to them. Diamonds are the hardest substance on earth. They are also one of the most valued things in the world. The word “diamond” means indestructible. God can be compared to a diamond in that he is by far the most valuable of all on earth. He is indestructible. He is our rock. We can trust him because he is never going to change, never going to leave, and always going to be all things great and good. Because he is holy, we can trust him. Because he is love, we can trust him. Because he is perfect (Deuteronomy 32:4; 2 Samuel 22:31), lovingly kind (Psalm 36:7, 86:5), and all things good (Psalm 135:3; James 1:17), we can trust him with our lives. Share today’s memory verse, Proverbs 3:5–6, using the day 5 memory verse poster.
Now, pass out the Treasure Maps and the sticker medallions for the five days. Have them put the proper stickers on the proper spots as you review what each means. They will take these home today. If you are short on time, send them home as a fun review.) 
Teacher 1: Let’s pray, and then we’ll grab our Bible from the treasure chest and turn to 1 Samuel 17, which tells of an account that happened about 3,000 years ago. Do so. David trusted God with his life. We’re going to act it out as we hear more about the one true God. Let’s start!
Teach It!
David and Goliath Poster 
Name Tags
Hole punch
Yarn or string
Pair of scissors
Measuring tape to measure 9 feet tall and 13 feet long
Optional props (see text)
Part 1: David and Goliath (15 minutes)
Pre-prep: Prepare the name tags by punching two holes in the top of each and threading yarn through so they can be comfortably worn by the participants. Gather the props. Or just pretend without using real props. Measure ahead of time how long 13 feet is and how tall 9 feet is.
Cast: 
David
Saul
David’s three brothers
Goliath
Goliath’s shield-bearer
Philistine army (half of the rest of the students)
Israelite army (other half of the rest of the students)
Optional Props:
To simplify, have just David, Goliath, the Philistine army, and the Israelite army.
Bible time costumes (for the main actors)
Play helmet and armor (for David and Goliath)
Crown (for Saul)
Low step stool (for Goliath to stand on)
Two pool noodles duct taped together to make one very long “spear” (for Goliath)
Basket with real or fake bread or food (for David to bring to the army)
Knotted tube sock (for David to “sling”)
Get everyone organized, put on name tags, and begin.
The test church kids loved acting this out! It helped to have a pre-arranged quiet signal so they knew when to stop cheering and talking throughout this little drama. Decide on one and practice it before you begin.
Teacher 1: Show the david and goliath poster. This is an epic battle between a guy named Goliath (point to Goliath) and a teenager named David (point to David). Goliath was a champion of the Philistine army. David was a young man who was an Israelite. The Philistine army had gathered for battle against the Israelite army. The Israelites were God’s special people and the Philistines were their enemy. The Philistines were standing on the mountain on one side, and the Israelites stood on the other side, with a valley in between them. Direct all the Philistines to get on one side of the room and the Israelites on the other. They should be facing each other.

Teacher 2: The great champion Goliath came out of the Philistine camp. He was over 9 feet tall! Direct Goliath to step forward. Have him stand on the bottom step (not the top) of a step stool to add height. Show how high 9 feet tall is. He came from a family with four other brothers, one of whom had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot. It was an unusual family size-wise, to say the least.
Teacher 1: Goliath had a helmet of bronze on his head and a suit of armor on his body that weighed 125 pounds or more. Direct the shield-bearer to put the helmet and armor on Goliath. If you don’t have actual props, pretend to do so.
Teacher 2: And he had a javelin that was the size of a weaver’s beam—about 13 feet long (show how long 13 feet is) and over 30 pounds! Direct the shield-bearer or another in the Philistine army to give Goliath his javelin. 
Teacher 1: Now every day for 40 days Goliath would come between the two armies and shout to the Israelite army. He would taunt them and try to get someone to fight him. Direct Goliath to do so and say something. Goliath wanted the war between the two countries to be settled by just himself and one Israelite fighting. If the Israelite killed Goliath, then all the Philistines would be the Israelites’ servants. Direct the Israelites to cheer at this idea.
Teacher 2: But if Goliath killed the one Israelite, then all the Israelites would have to be the servants of the Philistines. Direct the Philistines to cheer at this idea. 
Teacher 1: The leader of the Israelite army was King Saul. When he and his army heard Goliath’s idea, they were super afraid. Nobody was willing to fight against Goliath. Direct the Israelite army to act afraid.
Teacher 2: Now there was an Israelite family whose father was named Jesse. Jesse had eight boys. The oldest three were in the Israelite army. Direct the three sons to wave.
David was most likely in his late teens at the time.
Teacher 1: The father Jesse asked his youngest son, a teenager named David, to take some food to his brothers and the other Israelite soldiers. Direct David to take the play food or pretend food to the Israelite army and start to pass it out. 
Teacher 2: After arriving, he ran to the front lines just as Goliath the giant was coming out with his usual taunt. Direct Goliath to come out and taunt the army to send one person to fight him. 
Teacher 1: All the men of Israel ran away when they heard Goliath. Direct the Israelite army to pretend to run away. They should run in place.  
Teacher 2: David witnessed all this and asked what was going to be done for the person who fought Goliath. He was upset because he saw that Goliath was mocking the army of the living God. Direct David to say he’s upset.   
Teacher 1: Well, when the Israelites heard what David was saying, they took him to King Saul. Direct some from the army to take David to Saul.
Teacher 2: David told Saul he would go and fight Goliath. Saul didn’t think David would be able to fight him well because David was only a teenager. Direct David and Saul to have a conversation regarding this.
Teacher 1: David told Saul he had taken care of sheep and fought off lions and bears and killed them. Goliath would be just like a lion or a bear. God delivered him from the lion and the bear, and God would deliver him from Goliath, too. Direct David to say something like this to Saul. 
Teacher 2: So Saul agreed for David to be the one to fight Goliath. He dressed David in his armor and helmet. Direct Saul to put the play or pretend helmet and armor on David. 
Teacher 1: But David wasn’t used to them and didn’t want to use them, so he took the armor off. Direct David to take it off.

Teacher 2: Then it was time for David and Goliath to fight. Direct everyone to say, “Dun, dun, dun!” Goliath came out cursing David and saying he was going to give David’s flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field. He was trying to scare David. Direct Goliath to do so (without cursing).
Teacher 1: But was David intimidated by Goliath? No! David trusted in God because he knew who God is. God is faithful to his people, and God is stronger than any enemy. David knew he was fighting for the Lord and God’s honor. God would give him the strength. He told Goliath that even though Goliath came with a huge spear and sword, David came in the name of the Lord, the God of the army of the Israelites.  
Teacher 2: Not only that, but also David said God would deliver Goliath into his hand, and David would strike him down and cut off his head! He said the battle is the Lord’s. That meant the Lord was in control and David was confident he would win with the Lord’s help. Let’s all say, “The battle is the Lord’s.” Do so. 
Teacher 1: Well, Goliath began to come toward David. Direct Goliath to pretend to do so, moving in slow motion or staying in place.
Caution the kids not to try this at home.
Teacher 2: But David didn’t run away. He instead ran quickly toward Goliath, grabbing a stone and putting it into his sling. Direct David to pretend to do so, but don’t use a stone. If using props, use a knotted sock. He slung it, and it struck Goliath smack dab in the middle of his forehead, and he fell over and died. Direct Goliath to do so.
Teacher 1: So, with the Lord’s help, David won the battle over the Philistines, and all the Israelite army was so glad. Direct them to cheer. Then David took Goliath’s sword and cut off his head, just as he said he would. 
Teacher 2: And all the Philistine army ran away. Direct them to do so, running in place. Then instruct everyone to sit down.  
Teacher 1: The Israelites had won! And David stood strong in his trust of the Lord. How awesome is that?
Teacher 2: David showed his trust in God even from this age when he was a teenager, because David knew God is faithful, perfect, powerful, great, good, and caring. David had mighty trust in God because he knew God is a big God. Knowing how great and powerful God is leads to having big trust in our Creator. God wants you to have big trust in him, too.
You may want to read a few verses of psalms here that David wrote that illustrate his trust in the Lord. Possibilities include selections from Psalm 27 or 62.
Gospel Opportunity
Teacher 1: And here comes a big thought to remember: When something happens in life—even something that seems really bad—and you don’t understand why, trust God’s character. If you have a big question in life, trust God’s character. Remember that God is love, God is good, and God is perfect. Whether we understand a big question or big circumstance or not doesn’t change who God is. Trust him!    
Teacher 2: I’m thankful to say I have put my trust in the Lord, too. Continue on here sharing your personal testimony and the gospel if so led. 
Teacher 1: Now let’s take a Bible Treasure Hunt to remind us of some reasons we can trust God. 
Part 2: Bible Treasure Hunt (10 minutes)
Day 5 Animal Pal Poster
Large dry erase board and dry erase marker or chalkboard and chalk
You may need to choose either this activity or the puppet script, depending on your time. You could also send this home for a review activity.
Pre-prep: Gather the supplies listed.
Teacher 1: Show the day 5 animal pal poster. Pirates had their trusty parrot friends, like Trusty the macaw here. Pirates were mean and probably didn’t have many friends they could trust, but they could count on their parrots.
See if they can find the hidden diamond in the Day 5 Animal Pal Poster.
Teacher 2: Besides parrots, I want you to think of the person you trust most. Who is that person? It could be a relative, a teacher, a friend, a coach. Pause for a second. What is it about that person that makes you trust him or her? Maybe you trust him because he’s strong or makes you feel safe, or she knows the right thing to say. Maybe you trust him because he hasn’t yet let you down and tries to keep his promises.
Teacher 1: We’ve been talking about how God is trustworthy. In fact, he is the one we can trust most—even more than that person you thought of. 
Teacher 2: The people we trust may at some point let us down, but God never will. Psalm 62 says: Read Psalm 62:8. This verse says we can trust God always and always tell him what we’re thinking and feeling, because God is a refuge for us. Being a refuge means God is safe for us.
Teacher 1: So now it’s time to go on our treasure hunt through the Bible to find a few other reasons we can trust God. I’m going to read a verse and then you’ll tell me what word you hear that describes God. I’ll write it down and at the end, we’ll see if we can figure out the mystery word from the special letters we write down.
This puzzle was figured out using the ESV translation.
Teacher 2: Okay, here’s the first one. Remember to listen for a word to describe God. Read 2 Samuel 22:31a. They should say “perfect” and you write it down on the dry erase board or chalkboard, circling the T. 
Continue in like manner with the following: 
Psalm 119:151a (The answer is near. Circle the R.) 
2 Chronicles 20:6a (The answer is rule. Circle the U.) 
1 Peter 5:7b (The answer is cares. Circle the S.) 
2 Samuel 7:28a (The answer is true. Circle the T.)  
Teacher 1: Now let’s write down these letters in order. Do so. What is the mystery word? Take answers. That’s right—trust! Trust in God! As those verses show, we can trust God because he’s near to us, caring, and always truthful. He’s also the ruler of the whole world, which shows he’s in control. There are many other attributes of God that show why we can trust him! In fact, we can learn about God for all of eternity and never run out of stuff that’s great about him. Isaiah 26:4 says: Read the verse. The Bible says we can trust in God forever—and now we know some of the reasons why! God is trustworthy! Let’s talk to Sunny a little more about this.
Part 3: Puppet Pal—Trust Fall (5 minutes)
Day 5 Puppet Script (2 copies) 
Puppet and clipboard
Pre-prep: Tape one puppet script inside the puppet stage, and place the other on the clipboard.
Puppet: Pop up. Hey, everybody! What’s going on? 
Teacher: Hi, Sunny! We were just talking about trusting God.
Puppet: Hey, I just learned a Bible verse about that! It goes: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart.”
Teacher: Let’s say that together, boys and girls. Do so.
Puppet: But I’m not sure what the word “trust” means.
Teacher: It means you believe someone will do what he says he will do. Like, maybe you trust your mom to always be there to pick you up after school.
Puppet: I do.
Teacher: Well, how about this: If I asked you to turn around and fall backwards, would you trust me to catch you? Do you believe I will do what I say I’ll do?  
Puppet: I trust you. 

Teacher: Then let’s try it.
Puppet: Turn around to try to fall backwards, but then get scared and don’t do it. Turn back around, facing forwards. Well, wait a minute here. This is kind of scary.
Teacher: Do you trust me to catch you?
Puppet: Hesitantly. I guess so.
Teacher: Boys and girls, do you trust me to catch Sunny? Take responses.
Puppet: All right, let’s try this. Turn around and, after a few seconds, “fall” backwards. Teacher catches the puppet and places it back so it’s facing the kids. 
Note: This can be a little tricky to comfortably do, but one way is to leave your hand in the same position within the puppet, but use your other hand (which should be hidden behind the puppet stage) to flip the puppet around so its back is now facing the kids. Then “fall” toward the kids.
Teacher: There! I caught you!
Puppet: You sure did! Wow, I can trust you.
Teacher: You sure can. But there’s someone you can trust even more than me, and that’s God. He’s perfect, so he can never make a mistake with your life. He has all the power and knowledge in the world, and yet he uses it with love and goodness, not ever in a bad way. He always has your best interest at heart.
Puppet: I can trust him even though I can’t see him and don’t always understand what’s happening?
Teacher: Yes, you can trust him, because the Bible tells us we can. And since the Bible was written by God, it’s perfect, too, and perfectly trustworthy. So just remember—God can never, ever do anything wrong. Whatever you’re going through in life, whether it’s something scary, sad, bad, happy, or glad, you can trust him. Before we say goodbye, let’s all say, “I can trust God!” together. Do so, and then tell the puppet goodbye. 
Part 4: Review Game (10–15 minutes)
Pre-prep: Choose an option below. Option 1 (which takes longer to play) needs the palm tree leaf pattern copied on green paper, cut out, and put in the bag(s). You can either make one bag of leaves and have teams share the bag, or make a bag for each team. Option 2 needs no pre-prep except gathering a timer.
Option 1—“Leaf” It
To play: Ask a question. If the team gets it right, they draw one palm tree leaf out of the bag and get that number of points. If they get the leaf that says “Typhoon—lose all points!” they lose all their points. If they get the leaf that says “Treasure—double your points!” they get to double their current point total. The team with the most points at the end of the time wins. 
Option 2—Lightning Round
OPTION 1: Palm Tree Leaf Pattern, green copy paper, opaque bags, scissors
OPTION 2: Timer 
To play: Put four minutes on the timer. Quickly read a question and have everyone shout out their answers as soon as you finish reading the question. As soon as you hear someone say the right answer, affirm that answer, share the comments, and move to the next question. The group as a whole wins if they get through all the questions in the time allotted.
Questions
Yes or no: God changes his mind.
Answer: No. God does not change.
Yes or no: God knows how many hairs are on my head at all times.
Answer: Yes. He knows everything about you—even your thoughts you haven’t thought of yet!

True or false: Every good thing we ever experience is from God.
Answer: True. Every laugh, every smile, every kind hug, every mouthful of food, every fun time, every person who loves you—these are all good gifts that come from God.
True or false: God is stricter in the Old Testament than he is in the New Testament, and he’s kinder and more loving in the New Testament. 
Answer: False. God is the same forever and has the same qualities forever. He does not change.
True or false: God can’t lie.
Answer: True. It’s impossible for God to lie.
Yes or no: God is good not only to people, but also to the animal kingdom and the earth itself.
Answer: Yes. God’s goodness is experienced by everyone and everything.
True or false: When we say God is sovereign, we mean he lives forever. 
Answer: False. It’s true that God lives forever. But to say God is sovereign means he “reigns” as ruler of the universe and is in perfect control of everything. He’s king of everything.
True or false: When God stops a storm, that’s an example of his omnipresence, or being present everywhere. 
Answer: False. That’s an example of his omnipotence, which means his power over everything.
Yes or no: Can God be with you and with someone across the world at the same time?
Answer: Yes. He is everywhere with everyone and everything at the same time all the time. This is called his omnipresence. 
True or false: It surprises God when you hiccup.
Answer: False. Nothing surprises God. He has always known everything. He’s never learned anything. This is called his omniscience.
True or false: God knowing what you’re going to say next is an example of his omniscience, or his knowing everything.
Answer: True. God knows everything, including what you’re going to say and do tomorrow and for the rest of your life.
Yes or no: God named the stars.
Answer: Yes. God created every star, and he named them all, too, as it says in Psalm 147:4.
True or false: When Adam and Eve sinned, God had to think up a new plan to save us. 
Answer: False. God knew from eternity past that Adam and Eve would sin, and he always planned to send Jesus. God never thinks up a new plan. He only ever has Plan A.
Yes or no: The most important thing about you is your view of God. 
Answer: Yes. If you don’t know who God really is, your will live your life differently from those who know God.
True or false: God gets older and changes.
Answer: False. He’s outside of time and he never gets older or changes.
True or false: There are three Gods.
Answer: False. There is one God, but he is three Persons—one in three. God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit. This is a mystery we can never really solve, but we know it’s true because God’s Word shows us each is God.
Yes or no: The only attribute—quality—of God that is repeated three times in a row is love. God is love, love, love.

Answer: No. The only attribute repeated three times in a row is holy. Holy, holy, holy is the Lord. When something is repeated in Scripture, take note! It’s important.
True or false: Idols are false gods made by people.
Answer: True. Idols are not real gods. They are made up and take the place of God. There is only one true God.
True or false: Every person has disobeyed God.
Gospel Opportunity
Answer: True. The Bible says all have sinned. The only way to be cleansed of that sin is to admit you sin (repent) and ask Jesus to forgive you, to believe he came and died on the cross to take the punishment for your sin, and to know he rose again, showing he is God’s perfect Son who won the victory over sin and death.
True or false: God knows me. I am never out of his mind or his care.
Answer: True. 
Apply It!
Day 5 Student Guides, 1 per child
Trail Guides, 1 per child
Stamp for Trail Guides
Optional: Exploring God’s Word Bible studies and Attributes of God bookmarks, 1 of each per child
In the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. 
Put a stamp in the Trail Guides, or group guides can do so as the kids first arrive at VBS. Pass out the Exploring God’s Word Bible studies and/or Attributes of God bookmarks.
Part 1: Treasured Verse
Day 5 Memory Verse Poster
Memory Verse Music CD and player
Draw It! supplies—paper and markers, 1 of each per child
Pre-prep: For Draw It!, gather paper and markers. Hang the day 5 memory verse poster and cue the memory verse song.
Today’s Verse: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5–6
Practice the verse several times by playing the appropriate song from the Memory Verse CD and using the Day 5 Memory Verse poster as a reference. Then try the Challenge.
Challenge: Draw It!—Draw the verse in a way that will help you remember it!
Part 2: Go and Do 
Check out Psalm 9:10, Psalm 20:7, and Psalm 84:12. What do these verses say about trust? 
Pray and ask God to help you trust him with your life and to help you think about how awesome he is. Use Psalm 40 to guide your prayer.
Go to a safe spot outside. Sit and watch for tiny bugs and birds. Watch the blades of grass and the leaves. Look at the sky. Think about Creator God knowing every detail about every one of those, and marvel at how amazing God is.  
Brainstorm with your parent or guardian a list of attributes of God from A to Z. (For example, letter A could be almighty, Author of Life, Alpha and Omega, or awesome.)  
Check AnswersVBS.com/mikids for more fun information!
Ask yourself these questions: Can I think of anything or anyone more important to me than God? If I am God’s child, and I know how great he is, do I want to praise and thank and adore him?
Just for Fun Song: “If You Trust God and You Know It”
“If You Trust God and You Know It” song 
MP3 or CD player
Verse 1
If you trust God and you know it, 
clap your hands (Clap twice after singing the word “hands.”)
If you trust God and you know it, 
clap your hands (Repeat claps.)
If you trust God and you know it, 
then your life will surely show it 
(Wave your hands back and forth.)
If you trust God and you know it, 
clap your hands (Repeat claps.)

Verses 2, 3, and 4
Verse 2: Substitute “stomp your feet” for “clap your hands.”
Verse 3: Substitute “nod your head” for “clap your hands.”
Verse 4: Substitute “do all three” for “clap your hands.”