Day 1
Stand for God!
Bible passages
Genesis 1–3; Genesis 6:5–9
Lesson Focus
Just like Noah, we can rely on God to help us stand for Him.
Lifeline Verse
Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13
Animal Pal Fun Phrase
Hydro the Whale reminds us there’s a whale of a problem.
Apologetics Focus
Before the Flood:
Wow! Were people really that smart back then?
Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Introduce It!
Beach Ball Blast
Teach It!
Part 1: Eyewitness News Report
Part 2: Small Group Time
Part 3: Puppet Pal—Standing for God
Part 4: Review with Hydro the Whale
Apply It!
Part 1: Lifeline Verse
Part 2: Go and DoPreparing for the Lesson
Read Genesis 1–3 and Genesis 6 several times. 
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials. For more information on the pre-Flood world and Noah, visit answersvbs.com/ocfaq. 
Pray.
Lesson Materials
From Teacher Resource Kit
Theme verse poster
Day 1 memory verse poster
Day 1 Fun Phrase poster
News report posters 1–4
Optional: Bonus memory verse posters 1–2
From Resource DVD-ROM
Beach ball questions
Hurricane video clip
News report script
Beach ball verse references 1 and 2
Optional: Day 1 discussion sheet
2 copies of today’s puppet script
Other Materials
Bible or children’s Bible (plus extras for small groups)
Costumes for dive instructors (teachers)
Beach ball and permanent marker
Beach bag
Device on which to play video clip
Large cardboard box or tri-fold board (see Decorating Decisions)
Optional: People puppets (different than the Puppet Pal one)
Props/costume items for news report (anchor person jacket, umbrella, hat, press pass, play microphone)
Two beach balls (in addition to one listed above)
Boy or girl puppet (in costume) and puppet stage
Clipboard
Measuring tape
Mounting putty or tape
Apply It! section supplies
Memory Verse Music CD and player
Student extras
Student guides (11-4-072, 11-4-133), 1 per child
Dive Logs (11-4-091, 11-4-137), 1 per child
Stamp for Dive Logs (11-4-093)
Hydro bookmarks (11-4-078, 11-4-140), 1 per child
Ark on Water bookmarks (11-4-077), 1 per child
Introduce It!
Beach Ball Blast Hi everyone, and welcome to the ocean! I’m just wondering—how many of you have ever been to the ocean before? Have any of you ever gone snorkeling or scuba diving? 
Well, this week, we’re going to have a blast as we dive into God’s Word during our Lifesaver Lesson Time. We’ll learn about a time when the ocean was in great commotion, but before we get to that, let me introduce myself. I’m and I’m one of your dive instructors.
 And I’m ______ your other dive instructor. We’d like to take a couple minutes to get to know you.  We have our beach ball here to throw around. I’m going to read one of the questions on it and then throw it to someone to answer. 
That was fun! Now let’s take 30 seconds and see how many fun water activities we can think of. We already talked about snorkeling and scuba diving. What else comes to mind? Shout ‘em out as you think of them. 
 Even though water can be a blast, sometimes water isn’t so fun. Check out this video. 
 Can you think of a time in the Bible when water wasn’t so fun?  The Flood itself wasn’t a fun time. In fact, our animal pal, Hydro the Whale, is here to remind us that there was a whale of a problem before the Flood. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Let’s go back in time to the beginning (Genesis 1) and we’ll eventually catch up with Noah along the way.
Teach It!
Part 1: Eyewitness News ReportYou need two people for Part 1—either two teachers or, if teaching alone, a teacher and a dive club leader or older child you ask to help out. One of you will be Teacher One, and one will be Teacher Two. Teacher One will be doing the Teacher One parts and putting up (or holding up) the posters. Teacher Two will be behind a makeshift TV. Teacher Two needs the script and a couple props as listed in the supply list, or Teacher Two can use puppets to be the people mentioned in Teacher Two’s part. (Only one puppet is up at a time, so Teacher Two can work various puppets.)Have you heard about the beautiful world God created back at the beginning of time? When God first made the world, it was a beautiful place.
Put up Poster 1: Beautiful World
In fact, it looked quite a bit different than it does today. Let’s go to a live newscast from Eyewitness News Channel 7 to hear more about this.Welcome to Eyewitness News. I’m Stan the Man reporting Our top story today has to do with a quirky time warp we seem to be experiencing. We’re no longer in the year _____. Instead, we’ve been zapped back about 6,000 years to a place called the Garden of Eden. Our reporters are telling us the Garden of Eden is an amazingly beautiful place, sort of like a rainforest or tropical island. Let’s check in with Sunny Smith in the ForeWarned Weather Center to hear more about this. Sunny?Thank you, _____. Well, this IS a beautiful place, and the weather is beautiful, too. The weather pattern in this long ago world seems to be quite nice. In fact, I don’t think I even need this umbrella.  Now back to you, _____.That sounds great, Sunny. Continuing on in our newscast, let’s head over to our test kitchen and visit our in-studio chef, Chef Bon Appetit. The Chef is planning to whip up a delicious dish today called “Vegetarian Surprise.” Of course, in this early world, people eat only fruits, vegetables and grains, so no meat can be included in any of the Chef’s concoctions.
Excuse me, Stan the Man, but I need to get back to my account now. Would you mind if we do the cooking segment a little later in the show?
Oh, sure. Another time!Thank you. As I was saying, and as Eyewitness News reported, the early world was a beautiful place. In fact, it was a perfect paradise, made by God, with nothing bad in it. But can anyone think of something that happened in this early world that was NOT so beautiful?  Sin entered the world. The evil Satan, in the form of a serpent, came into that perfect, beautiful world and messed it up. He tempted the first two people, Adam and Eve, to eat fruit that God told Adam not to eat—and they ate it.
Put up Poster 2: Broken World
When Adam and Eve ate the fruit, they were not obeying God’s command. Not obeying God’s commands is called sin, and sin is a big deal. It was a big deal for Adam and Eve, and it’s a big deal for us. In fact, every person from that point on is born sinful, or disobedient to God. That includes you and me! And God said the punishment for sin is death. As a result of this, God placed a curse on His creation, and now suffering and disease and sickness and violence and thorns and thistles are in the world. Let’s cut back to Eyewitness News to hear more about this.
Welcome back, everyone. This just in. Wickedness and sin have just entered this beautiful paradise. Someone has stolen something. It’s reported that it’s a piece of fruit. The suspect’s name is Adam. We have no last name. He apparently just goes by the name of Adam. At least one animal has been killed to provide a covering for him and his wife, who goes by the name of Eve. Up until this time, they didn’t need a covering of clothes, but now that sin has arrived, they do. This is the first death in this paradise, and it involves the shedding of blood. Even though this place is still beautiful, we see results from the curse God placed on His creation starting to happen.Thank you, Stan, for that sad report. Okay, boys and girls, now let’s fast forward a little in time. After the Garden of Eden incident, the world continued on its way. Adam and Eve had many children, and their children had many children, and their children had many children, and the earth began to fill up. The people were very smart and were busy building cities, making music, and forging works of iron and bronze.
Put up Poster 3: Intelligent Pre-Flood World
Let’s tune back in to Eyewitness News to hear the latest on this situation.
Hello, again. An update on the quirky time warp. We have now moved through time and are stuck around 4,400 years ago—a little before the big Flood of Noah’s time. We’re guessing that during this early period in earth’s history there must be some primitive apemen somewhere who are evolving and becoming more sophisticated—although we already talked about Adam and Eve, who certainly weren’t primitive but were very intelligent. And they were fully human from the beginning. But, books nowadays certainly show pictures of primitive apemen, so we’ve sent out our investigative reporter, Willy Find-It , to see if he can locate any. Let’s check in on Willy and see what he’s found. Willy, are you there?
Yes, _____, I’m here! And boy, am I amazed! You know how we picture the early people as dumb and unintelligent? Well, that’s totally wrong! I’m finding them to be highly intelligent people. In fact, I think they may be smarter than I am! They have built great cities, made beautiful sounding instruments, and created awesome works from bronze and iron. They are far from apelike. 
I’ve also found people living in a variety of different places. Some live in tents, some in cities, some in houses made from bricks, and even some who live in caves. They are highly intelligent people who have chosen caves as their homes. 
Thank you for that report. Divers, let’s read some passages from the Bible that tell us what it was like back then. I’m going to throw this beach ball, and if you catch it you may choose either to read one of the verse references, which are numbers (one that hasn’t been read yet), or to throw the ball to someone else to read. Here we go!
Tell them they all start with the word “Genesis.” They will read the reference (the numbers), and you read or summarize the accompanying verse. 
Note: We suggest reading only the end of Genesis 4:17 about Cain building the city, and not the beginning of that verse.
Genesis 4:17 tells us Cain built a city. If primitive apemen really existed, they wouldn’t be building cities! 
Genesis 4:21 tells us Jubal was the father of all who play the harp and flute. Those are pretty amazing instruments, if you ask me! If primitive apemen really existed, they wouldn’t know how to build or play instruments like that.
Genesis 4:22 tells us a guy named Tubal-Cain was an instructor of all the craftsmen who made things out of bronze and iron. If primitive apemen really existed, they wouldn’t be crafting things out of bronze and iron. 
Genesis 5:5 tells us Adam lived a total of 930 years. That’s a whole lot older than we live! People lived long lives because the world wasn’t so polluted and sin hadn’t affected their bodies as drastically as it has ours. So think about being an artist or a builder for 400 or 500 or more years and how good you would be at your job. Your skills could be amazing and definitely not primitive!
So do you see how the world was quite smart? But sad to say, the people in that time were very wicked. Here’s another beach ball. It shows us how the Bible describes it back then. Let’s read it!
Once again, have them read the reference numbers and you read or summarize the verse.
Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and was full of violence. God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways (Genesis 6:11–12). 
Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every thought of his heart was only evil continually (Genesis 6:5). 
Put up Poster 4: Wicked World
Divers, can you imagine living in a world where every thought of every person was only evil always? Wow! We hear a lot of bad news nowadays, and we sure would have been hearing it constantly back then. How many people does the Bible say were wicked?  ALL! 
Oh, wait. There seems to be a late-breaking news story at Eyewitness News 7. Let’s head back there one last time.
This just in. We’ve had our investigative team searching the world over to see if they could find even one person standing for God. Exciting news! One such man has been found. His name is Noah. He seems to be the only person left on the face of the earth who still follows after God. We will keep following this story and see what more we can find out about this man Noah. 
In the meantime, we’re out of time for today. Eyewitness News 7 signing off.
So, out of a world with millions of people, only one could be found who still followed God—Noah. By God’s grace, he stood for God, even when it meant he was the only one in the whole world who did. Sometimes we have trouble speaking up for God even in a small group of friends or classmates or neighbors. Can you imagine standing alone for God like Noah did? We’re going to read a little more about Noah in our Bibles as we break into small groups now.
Part 2: Small Group TimeDivide into small groups of 4–6, with a leader in each group. Adjust group sizes depending on how many leaders and kids you have. Tell them to listen for describing words about Noah. Read Genesis 6:8–9 to them, then discuss some or all of the questions that follow. (This exercise is based on the NKJV. If you are using a different version, the wording may be a bit different.)
Share every describing word you heard about Noah.
What do you think these words mean? 
Noah found GRACE in the eyes of the Lord. 
(GRACE is receiving a gift from God we don’t deserve. Noah didn’t and couldn’t do anything to save himself. God is the One who saved him. God showed GRACE to Noah.)
Noah was a JUST man. 
(JUST means to do right, to follow God’s commands.)
He was PERFECT in his generations.  
(In this verse, PERFECT doesn’t mean he never sinned. Noah sinned just like we do. Everyone sins. But when the Bible says Noah was perfect, it means he didn’t have sin habits that he was intentionally doing. So it doesn’t mean he never made mistakes or sinned (some of his sins are recorded in the Bible!), but it does mean he tried to please God and not be caught up in sinful habits. By God’s grace, Noah was not like others at his time.)
Noah WALKED WITH GOD. 
(What do you do on a walk with a friend? You build your relationship. You listen. You talk. Noah had a close relationship with God.)
Do you think any of those words describing Noah describe you, too?
When small group time is done, have everyone gather again facing the puppet stage. 
Part 3: Puppet Pal—Standing for God Each day, the puppet pal will reinforce the lesson the kids just heard. It’s a quick, but important, part of the day. If you don’t have a teaching assistant or a co-teacher, enlist someone (a dive club leader or other volunteer) ahead of time to work the puppet each day. If you’re alone, have the puppet enter from a beach bag, or string up a beach towel and have the puppet come from behind there.
The puppet can be a boy or a girl. Use a consistent voice for the puppet all week. Speak clearly and exaggerate words and expressions. For instance, draw out certain words for emphasis, or make an exaggerated action for things like groaning, turning its head, or sneezing. Use your free hand to do things with the puppet’s hands or arms. For example, if the puppet is “thinking,” put the puppet’s hand on its chin. When the puppet is talking, make sure the mouth is open. (This is the opposite of what people often do!) In other words, the mouth should be open on most syllables. You don’t have to open very wide, which will help you move the mouth faster and more naturally. 
Your puppet should come out of the life preserver circle which is on the shack. (See Decorating Decisions.) When entering, hold your arm back and down and have the puppet take three steps forward, 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.
Boys and girls, let’s call for Sandy, our puppet pal. Sandy! Sandy! Sandy!
Oh, hey. I was just down at the beach picking up seashells.
That sounds like fun!
Well, it usually is, but today it wasn’t so great.
Why? Did something happen?
Yeah. Some kids I know came along and started making fun of me.
 Just because you were picking up seashells?
 No, because they know I believe in God. They want me to quit talking about Him so much.
 Oh. I see. So what happened?
First they called me names. Then they tried to get me to go over to the Snack Shack and steal some money while the owner was gone. 
 Hmmm. Did you do it? 
Nope.
 Why not?
 Because God says not to steal and I want to live in such a way that pleases God and brings Him honor. I want to do what’s right.
 That sounds like a man in the Bible named Noah. He also wanted to do what was right and live in a way that pleased God. And even when nobody else believed in God, or did right in God’s eyes, or talked about God, or obeyed God, or stood up for God, Noah still did, by God’s grace. Wait. You said Noah stood up for God. What does that mean? Does it mean you stand up on your legs?
No. Standing for God doesn’t mean you actually stand up. It means you love God and obey Him and speak about Him no matter what. For example, let’s say that every kid in your class is doing wrong and making fun of you for following God. If you stand for God, you will still obey Him and stay true to God. Even if every kid in your school is against God, you still stand for Him. Even if everybody in the whole world is against God, you stay true to Him, by His grace. That’s what standing for God means.
Wow. That sounds like a really big deal.
 It is. You never know when you may get in a situation when you’re the only one who loves God. But God doesn’t want you to turn against Him or even to stay quiet about Him. He wants you to tell others about Him and always be true to Him. And, if you’re His child, He’ll give you the strength and grace to do that through His Holy Spirit. 
 If I’m the only one standing for God, I sure will need to be brave. Yes, you will, but God is the one who can help you to be brave. You need to talk to God (that’s called prayer) and ask Him to help you. The Bible gives us a good verse to pray and ask God to help us with that: Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let’s stand up and say that together. 
 I’m going to ask God to help me stand for Him—even if I’m the only one!
 That’s awesome, Sandy! And it’s been awesome to see you. We’ll look forward to seeing you tomorrow!
Part 4: Review with Hydro the WhaleTo review the lesson just covered, have the kids, one at a time, say one thing they learned or one word of the memory verse. The first person will say something he learned and then get down and lie on his back on the floor. The next person will say something he learned and get in line right after the first person. Continue on making a line as long as possible, up to 100 feet, the length of a blue whale like Hydro. If you don’t have enough room or time to make it 100 feet, just imagine double or triple or ten times longer or whatever from what your line ends up being.  
Apply It!
In the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. Review the student guides and/or Dive Logs (or send home at the end of the day as a review). Stamp the Dive Logs for attendance, or have dive club leaders do so with the kids at snack time. Pass out the bookmarks, or have dive club leaders pass them out at the end of the day. 
Supplies for this section are not included in the supply list on the back cover since they will vary depending on the activities you choose, so decide what you will do and add them to your supply list accordingly. 
Part 1: Lifeline Verse
 “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13
Review the verse by playing the memory verse music CD and singing today’s verse. Explain what the words/phrases “watch” and “stand fast in the faith” mean. Then try the following challenge, using the daily memory verse poster as a reference.
 Run to one corner of the room and shout, “Watch.” Run to the next and shout, “stand fast in the faith.”  Then shout, “be brave” in the third corner and “be strong” in the fourth corner.
 “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” John 14:15
Say the new verse together several times and try the challenge again, breaking it into four parts for the four corners. You also may want to go over the theme verse, using the theme verse poster as a reference. Each word can go with one corner of the room, and the kids can walk from corner to corner (i.e.; “But Noah” in first corner, “found grace” in second corner, “in the eyes” in third corner, and “of the Lord” in fourth corner).
Also, there is a longer memory verse passage with excerpts from Genesis 6–9 that you may want to challenge the kids to learn this week. Check out the bonus memory verse posters!
Part 2: Go and Do
With someone’s help, find the book of Genesis in the Bible. Find and read Genesis 6:8–9. Tell someone three words that describe Noah. Do those words describe you, too?
Talk to God (that’s prayer!) and ask Him to help you follow Him like Noah did—standing for God no matter what by His grace.
Ask an adult who follows Jesus to share a time he (or she) had to stand for God. What happened?
Check answersvbs.com/ockids for more fun information. 
Ask yourself this question: When I get in hard situations at school or wherever, am I going to ask God to help me stand for Him—even if I’m the only one?
Remember: The student guides are great to send home as a take-home, fun review. Challenge the kids to complete them at home and bring them back the next day. Give contest bonus points for every Go and Do section completed. Have dive club leaders take care of checking guides and recording bonus points as soon as the divers arrive each day.
Day 2
Obey God!
Bible passage
Genesis 6:9–22
Lesson Focus
Just like Noah, we can rely on God to help us obey Him, no matter what.
Lifeline Verse
If you love Me, keep My commandments. John 14:15 
Animal Pal Fun Phrase
Hammer the Shark reminds us to nail obedience.
Apologetics Focus
Preparing for the Flood:
Hmm. It’s a big boat, but still, how did everything fit?
Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Introduce It!
Diving In
Teach It!
Part 1: Size of the Ark (Options 1 or 2)
Part 2: Dr. I. M. Wise
Part 3: Small Group Time
Part 4: Puppet Pal—Obey Without Delay
Apply It!
Part 1: Lifeline Verse
Part 2: Go and DoPreparing for the Lesson
Read Genesis 6:9–22 several times. 
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials. For more information about the Ark, visit answersvbs.com/ocfaq. 
Pray.
Lesson Materials
From Teacher Resource Kit
Day 2 memory verse poster
Day 2 Fun Phrase poster
Ark Comparison poster
Ark posters 1–5
From Resource DVD-ROM
“Yes” and “No” signs
Ark video clip
2 copies of today’s puppet script
Optional: Day 2 discussion sheet
Other Materials
Bible or children’s Bible (plus extras for small groups) 
Costumes for dive instructors (teachers)
Masking tape or painter’s tape
Cones to mark off Ark
Measuring tape to measure Ark
Helium balloon with 50 feet of string
Dr. I. M. Wise costume/props (lab coat, table, science books, scientific-looking supplies)
Optional: Pointer
Ark replica (see text) 
Device on which to play video clip
Boy or girl puppet and puppet stage
Clipboard
Mounting putty or tape
Apply It! section supplies
Memory Verse Music CD and player
Student Extras
Student guides (11-4-072, 11-4-133), 1 per child
Dive Logs (11-4-091, 11-4-137), 1 per child
Stamp for Dive Logs (11-4-093)
Hammer bookmarks (11-4-078, 11-4-140), 1 per child
Introduce It!
Diving In Welcome back, divers! We dove into our account of Noah yesterday and introduced Hydro, our animal pal. Hydro reminded us that there was a whale of a problem on Earth when Noah was alive. Let’s play a quick game to see if you remember what that problem was and what God had to say about it.
Have everyone line up in a straight line. Ask the following questions. Each child decides if he wants to “dive” to the right or “dive” to the left. This simply means to jump over to the right or to the left of the line. (No real diving, of course!) Practice “left” and “right” because some won’t be clear on this. Teacher One and Teacher Two can also hold the “Yes” or “No” signs on the appropriate sides of the line as a help.
Q1: There’s always been sin in the world. If you think the answer is yes, jump to the left side. If no, jump to the right side.
A1: No. When God first made the world, it was perfect and there was no sin.
Q2: By Noah’s time, every thought of every person’s heart (except Noah) was evil continually. Yes (jump to left side) or no (jump to right side).
A2: Yes. According to the Bible, only Noah was still following after God.
Q3: According to the Bible, Noah was perfect. That means he never sinned. Yes (jump to left side) or no (jump to right side).
A3: No. Noah sinned just like we do. Everyone sins. But when the Bible says Noah was perfect, in this verse, it means he didn’t have sin habits that he was intentionally committing. It doesn’t mean he never made mistakes or sinned, but it does mean he tried to please God and was different from those around him.
Q4: To walk with God, you need to be His child and spend time with Him. Yes (to the left) or no (to the right).
A4: Yes. To walk with God, most importantly, means you are a child of God. To be a child of God, you must realize you’re a sinner and that Jesus came to Earth, died on the cross, and rose again to take the punishment for your sin. If you ask God to forgive you and let you follow Him, He will, and you will become a child of God. Once you are God’s child, you can do things like read your Bible and pray to grow in your relationship with Him. Spending time with God will help you walk closely with Him!
Q5: An example of standing alone for God is ___.  Yes (to the left) or no (to the right).
A5: So Hydro reminded us that there was (and still is!) a whale of a problem. Our animal pal for today is Hammer the Shark. We’re going to talk about Noah constructing the Ark, so Hammer can remind us of hammering and building. But Hammer can also remind us of how Noah nailed obedience. Let’s check out a little more about all of this!
Teach It!
Part 1: Size of the ArkOption 1—Marking Off the Size
Let’s dive on in to the next part of the account and see what it says in Genesis 6, verses 13 through 16. 
Have them listen while you read, then briefly summarize and invite them to go outside with you to mark off how big the Ark was, based on this description. 
If you don’t have a big enough outdoor space (or an outdoor space at all), try to use your gym or other indoor area to visualize the Ark. If it’s only half the size, try to visualize that the Ark would be twice that size. If it’s only one-fourth the size, visualize four times that size, or so forth. You could say something like, “The Ark would go all the way down to the fourth house across the street” or whatever you’ve figured out would be the measurement for your location.
When you first get outside (or to where you’re doing this), say:
God gave instructions on how to build the Ark, didn’t He? Let’s see if we can mark off the actual dimensions of the Ark so you can get a picture in your mind of how big it really was. 
According to the Bible, the Ark was 300 cubits by 50 cubits. But what in the world is a cubit? Everybody, hold up your arm. From the tip of your finger to your elbow is a cubit. Actually, to be really accurate, it has to be a man’s elbow to his fingertip. Even this can vary a little, depending on how tall the man is, but we’ll agree that a cubit is about 20.5 inches long. Using that measurement, the Ark measures approximately 510 feet long by 85 feet wide.
Have the kids mark off the perimeter of the Ark by running around it. It should already be coned off at the four corners ahead of time by you. Remind them that it also has three decks, so it is tall as well (approximately 50 feet). While holding to the end, send up a helium balloon that has 50 feet of string so they can visualize the height. 
When done, gather everybody and have them travel two by two back to the classroom.
Option 2—Ark Comparison Poster
If you don’t have the space or time to do Option 1, do this instead.
Let’s dive on in to the next part of the account and see what it says in Genesis 6, verses 13 through 16. 
Have them close their eyes and try to picture this as you read, then briefly summarize what they heard and invite them to imagine how big the Ark was, based on this description.
God gave instructions on how to build the Ark, didn’t He? The Bible says it was 300 cubits by 50 cubits. But what in the world is a cubit? Everybody, hold up your arm. From the tip of your finger to your elbow is a cubit. Actually, to be really accurate, it has to be a man’s elbow to his fingertip. Even this can vary a little, depending on how tall the man is, but we’ll agree that a cubit is about 20.5 inches long. Using that measurement, the Ark measures approximately 510 feet long by 85 feet wide.
Show the Ark Comparison poster. Discuss the length, width, and height (50 feet tall), and compare it to modern day things: 
The length (510 feet long) would be a little longer than 1 football fields. Or 12 of the standard telephone poles laid end to end would equal the length of the Ark. Or ten railroad boxcars lined up. Or six high school basketball courts end to end.
The width (85 feet wide) would be the same as two of the biggest school buses put end to end. Or it’s the same width as an official hockey rink.
The height (50 feet high) would be the same as three giraffes stacked on top of each other, or the height of a standard IMAX movie screen.
Let’s talk more about the Ark with the world-renowned scientific expert, Dr. I. M. Wise.
Part 2: Dr. I. M. Wise Dr. Wise (Teacher Two or guest helper) should be dressed in a lab coat and should stand behind a table with various science books and scientific-looking supplies. He (or she) should use the Ark replica or Ark Comparison poster. He may want to have a pointer and talk in a foreign accent. 
At this point, Teacher One will engage in dialogue with Dr. I. M. Wise. 
Dr. Wise, I have some questions about Noah’s Ark. Do you think you can answer them for me?
Why, certainly! Fire away!
Well, first of all, I thought Noah’s Ark looked more like a cute, little rounded boat, stuffed full of smiling critters. Kind of like this.
Show Poster 1: Bathtub Ark (then have the Ark replica or Ark Comparison poster ready)
Well, we usually do see pictures like that of the Ark. But the artists who drew them didn’t check what the Bible says, because according to the Bible, which always has the right answers, we know the Ark was a very large boat with a roof over the top to protect them from the terrible, stormy Flood. No animals would have been sticking out. They were all safely tucked inside.
How was Noah able to build this Ark? I mean, he didn’t have computers or anything.
It’s true he didn’t have computers, but remember, people back then were very smart—smarter than we are most likely! So even though he didn’t have a computer, his brain was able to figure out a lot. Plus God was instructing him. 
Show Poster 2: Construction site
And we know from Scripture that the people back then were building great cities and other things, so they probably had great machines to help them build. You shouldn’t imagine Noah having just a hammer and saw. He probably had many other amazing machines and tools as well. And Noah had many years to build the huge boat.
Okay, well even with it being as huge as it was, I still wonder how everything would fit on it. The Bible tells us animals came two by two, and even by sevens for some. That’s an awful lot of animals and animal food and other supplies.
It may surprise you to know that Noah would have been able to fit everything and still have room left over! 
Show Poster 3: Semi-trailers
Scientists have figured out that the Ark had the same volume as almost 500 semi-trailers like the ones you see on the highway. The animals and supplies wouldn’t even fill up half of it! And remember, the Bible doesn’t say the ocean creatures were to get on. Just the land animals, birds, and creeping kinds.
Okay, but what about dinosaurs? Were there dinosaurs on the Ark, and if so, how did they fit?
There were dinosaurs on the Ark. How do we know that? Because our trustworthy book, the Bible, tells us that when God created the world, He made land animals on Day Six. That would include land dinosaurs. They were still living at the time of the Flood, because the Bible records information about dinosaurs in the book of Job, which takes place AFTER the Flood. So land dinosaurs would have to have gotten on the Ark. But who says the biggest dinosaurs got on? Some dinosaurs were the size of chickens. The average dinosaur was probably somewhere around the size of a large cow. Furthermore, God wouldn’t bring the biggest, oldest animals. He would send the smaller, younger ones because they would take up less space.
Show Poster 4: Animals Coming In
And when it was time for the dinosaurs and other animals to get on board, Noah didn’t have to go around gathering them. They just came because God sent them! Well, once everything and everyone was on board and the Flood came, it sure would have been something to see that Ark actually on the water.
Here, let me play a little video clip to show you what it might have been like.
Show Ark video clip. 
But, Dr. Wise, the Bible tells us Noah and his family and the animals were on the Ark for around a year.  How in the world did Noah and his family take care of them for all that time?
The Bible tells us God is a God of order  
Show Poster 5: Inside the Ark
Since God designed the Ark and sent the animals, God would also have an orderly way for Noah to care for the animals. Scientists have lots of ideas of how it could have happened, but the important thing is, we know this account is true history from God’s Word, and we can trust that it really happened!
A wonderful thing about all this is how Noah obeyed God, isn’t it, Dr. Wise?
Yes! Yes! According to the Bible, when God told Noah to build the Ark, Noah did all God commanded him to do. He obeyed God completely and right away!What a great example for us, Dr. Wise. God wants us to be like Noah and obey, too. Well, there are so many more fascinating things we could talk about, but we’re going to have to stop for now. Thank you so much for coming, Dr. Wise.
My pleasure! Remember, always start with God’s Word. It has the truth. Then enjoy seeing how science agrees with what the Bible says!
Part 3: Small Group TimeDivide into small groups of 4–6, with a leader in each group. Adjust as necessary depending on how many leaders and kids you have. Discuss some or all of the questions.
What is something you found interesting or didn’t know that Dr. Wise had to say? 
What did Noah do to obey God? Do you think any of that would have been hard for Noah?
What do you think would have happened if Noah hadn’t obeyed? 
Since God doesn’t talk to us out loud today, where can you go to find directions for what God asks you to obey? What are some examples from the Bible of things God asks you to do?  
Noah loved God and wanted to obey Him, even though I’m sure that was a hard assignment! But that’s the real deal with obeying God—wanting to do it not because we have to, but because we love Him. Our Lifeline Verse today says this: “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” When you love someone, you want to do things to please him. Can you think of an area of your life where it’s hard for you to obey? Maybe it’s obeying your mom or dad, or being kind to your brother or sister, or doing what you’re asked to do as soon as you are asked, or obeying with a good attitude, or not gossiping, or watching/looking at only God-honoring TV or computer stuff. Let’s share one thing in which we want to ask God to help us obey Him. We can only obey by God’s grace and with His power, so let’s ask Him to help us nail obedience, even in the small things!
When small group time is done, have everyone gather again facing the puppet stage. 
Part 4: Puppet Pal—Obey Without Delay 
 Hey, Sandy! What’s going on?
 I can’t believe it! This is so frustrating! Aaahhhh!!!
 Whoa, whoa, whoa. Slow down. What’s got you so worked up?I want to play with my best friend, but my parents said we can’t get together until I clean my room!
Well, that seems okay to me. Work before play. Sure, I understand why your parents said that. 
But they don’t understand! Here’s a chance to have a whole afternoon together. But where will I be? Stuck in my room, cleaning.
 You know, if you’d get right to it, I bet you could be done by the time your friend gets here.
 Have you looked at my room lately? I mean, it’s a disaster! My mom has been asking me to clean it for a week, but I haven’t touched it.
 Oh, so you haven’t been obeying your mom?
 Well, I wouldn’t put it that way.
 If your mom or dad or teacher or babysitter asks you to do something, you know what God wants you to do?
Obey?
Yes! And not just obey, but to obey right away and with a good attitude. And, God wants you to obey completely.
What’s that mean?
 It’s really not obeying if you do only part of what you’re supposed to do. For instance, if your mom asks you to clean your room and you only make your bed, but you leave all your clothes and toys on the floor, then that isn’t really obeying.
 I see what you mean.
 Or if you delay and delay and don’t obey right away, that’s also a problem.
 Sort of like how I didn’t clean my room earlier this week when Mommy asked me to?
 Right! Or if you have a bad attitude and you grumble and complain about it.
Uh-oh. I was grumbling and complaining a little bit ago.
I know. I heard you.
Why is it such a big deal to obey?
 Because the Bible tells us that if we love God, we will obey Him. And when you obey your parents, it’s like obeying God, because God tells you to obey your parents . That shows you love God! 
 Wow, I never thought of it like that.
 You know, we’ve been talking about Noah today and how he obeyed God. He didn’t talk back to Him, or have a bad attitude, or delay. The Bible tells us Noah did what was right and he obeyed everything God told him to do. 
 Wow, that’s pretty incredible! Noah’s like a superhero!! 
 No. He was just a guy, and he was a sinner, too. But he loved God and wanted to please Him. I’m sure he talked to God all the time and asked God to help him obey.
 Maybe that’s what I need to do. 
 That’s a great idea. Let’s go over our Lifeline Verse right now, then we’ll pray and ask God to help us love Him and obey Him.
Go on into learning the verse, then pray before dismissing. (Teacher Two can leave the puppet area while Teacher One continues.)
Apply It!
In the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. 
Supplies for this section are not included in the supply list on the back cover since they will vary depending on the activities you choose, so decide what you will do and add them to your supply list accordingly. 
Pass out the Hammer bookmarks, one per child. Put a stamp in the Dive Logs (or have dive club leaders do so at snack time) and review the student guides (or have dive club leaders do so at the end of the day). 
Part 1: Lifeline Verse
 “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” John 14:15 
Practice the verse a couple times by playing the appropriate verse song from the memory verse music CD and using the memory verse poster as a reference, then try the following challenge.
 Write each word on a separate index card. Mix up the cards and place them in a sand pail. Time yourself and see how fast you can get them out of the pail and in order. Make two or more sets if doing this as teams and race each other.
“But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’” Psalm 31:14
Try the challenge again, this time with tomorrow’s verse.
Part 2: Go and Do
Read or have someone read to you Genesis 6:9–22. Draw a picture of the Ark, and think about how hard it must have been for Noah to obey God on such a tough assignment, and how God gave him the ability to do it.
Talk to God and ask Him to help you love and obey Him more. If there is something specific you struggle with, ask Him to help you in that specific area.
Ask an adult if he (or she) is a child of God. If he is, have him tell you about how he’s grown to love and obey the Lord more over the years.
Check answersvbs.com/ockids for more fun information! 
Ask yourself this question: If somebody looked at my life, would they conclude that I love God?
Day 3
Trust God!
Bible passage
Genesis 7
Lesson Focus
Just like Noah, we can rely on God to help us trust Him with our lives.
Lifeline  Verse
But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” Psalm 31:14
Animal Pal Fun Phrase
Piers the Puffin reminds us to trust the Lord and get on board.
Apologetics Focus
The Flood:
Yikes! Was water really everywhere?
Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Introduce It!
Review with Hammer the Shark
Teach It!
Part 1: Act it Out!
Part 2: Gospel Presentation (Options 1 or 2)
Part 3: Points with Piers and/or Salvation Counseling
Part 4: Small Group Time
Apply It!
Part 1: Lifeline Verse
Part 2: Go and Do
Preparing for the Lesson
Read Genesis 7 and John 10:9 several times.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials. For more information on the Flood, see answersvbs
.com/ocfaq.
Read “Leading a Child to Christ” found on the inside back cover of this guide.
Pray.
Lesson Materials
From Teacher Resource Kit
Day 3 memory verse poster
Day 3 Fun Phrase poster
Gospel posters 1–4
From Resource DVD-ROM 
Day 2 review questions
Optional: Act it Out! signs (see text)
2 copies of today’s puppet script
Piers Point Total cards (1 set per team) 
Day 3 review questions
Optional: Day 3 discussion sheet
Other Materials
Bible or children’s Bible (plus extras for small groups)
Costumes for dive instructors
Edible “shark teeth” (see text)
Optional: Costumes/props for Act it Out! section (see text)
Optional: Filled squirt gun
Small dry erase boards and dry erase markers (1 per team), or paper and pens (1 per team)
Zippered baggies, 1 per team
Boy or girl puppet and puppet stage
Clipboard
Mounting putty or tape
Apply It! section supplies
Memory Verse Music CD and player
Student Extras
Student guides (11-4-072, 11-4-133), 1 per child
Dive Logs (11-4-091, 11-4-137), 1 per child
Stamp for Dive Logs (11-4-093)
Piers bookmarks (11-4-078, 11-4-140), 1 per child
Gospel bookmarks (11-4-076), 1 per child
Introduce It!
Review with Hammer the Shark Ask questions to review what you covered the first two days. Ask the first question and call on someone. If he gets it right, give him an edible “shark tooth.” This can be either a Bugle corn snack, a Dorito, or a piece of cheese cut into the shape of a shark tooth. Continue asking questions and giving out edible “shark teeth.”
Show the Fun Phrase poster. 
Teach It!
Part 1: Act It Out! Assign parts for the account in Genesis 7. Teacher One should be the narrator. Teacher Two can help keep everyone organized, directing who should be up front doing what at each appropriate time. Teacher Two can also be the keeper of the squirt gun for water effects (fountains of the deep bursting forth and the windows of heaven opened). The following are possible parts. Adjust to work out for the number of kids you have. For instance, if you don’t have very many kids, one child can represent Noah’s whole family with a sign around his neck that says, “Noah’s Family.”  If you don’t plan to use the Act It Out! signs, position groups together—all Noah’s family together, all the scoffers together, all the animal pairs together, all the sound effects crew together.
Noah 
Noah’s family (up to 7 people, 3 boys and 4 girls) 
Crowd of possible scoffers who won’t get on the Ark 
Animal pairs (2 kids for each pair of animals, preferably one boy and one girl)
Sound effects crew (kids to make sounds such as rain, the fountains of the deep bursting forth, God shutting them in, etc.) 
Optional: Use simple props and costumes (a piece of material with rope around it works for a Bible time headdress; an old bathrobe transforms into a Bible time tunic; scoffers throw something soft like cotton balls; children playing animals wear headbands to represent their animals; sound effects crew members shake percussion instruments or hold megaphones made from a piece of cardstock shaped into a cone). Also, you can just imagine the area that is the Ark, or you can designate an Ark area using chairs, a tape outline on the floor, or a large cardboard “boat” from a box. Keep in mind it will take longer if you get elaborate with props, however, so you may want to keep it simple and not use costumes and/or props.
Teacher One, as the narrator, should read the following passages as the kids act them out silently. The only people making any noise should be the sound effects crew who makes the various sound effects that go along with what the narrator is talking about, and the animal pairs when they’re going into the Ark. 
Order of narration: 
We left off yesterday with Noah building the Ark. The Bible tells us in 2 Peter 2:5 that Noah was a preacher of righteousness, so we can imagine that while he was building the Ark, he would have been telling people about the Lord (although the Bible doesn’t tell us specifically when Noah preached). This went on for many years, but nobody believed him except his family. There were probably people who mocked Noah.  The pairs represented “kinds” of animals, not every single animal species. An animal “kind” can be defined, in a broad sense, as a group of animals that share common characteristics and can interbreed (have “babies” of that kind). For instance, today we have a wide variety of dogs, but Noah would have only needed to take one pair of dogs that represented that “kind.” From these dogs on the Ark have come all the variety we have today. Noah didn’t shut the door. God Himself shut them in. The “fountains of the deep” was referring to the bottom of the ocean where the ocean floor would have broken open, releasing enormous amounts of water stored underneath. Amidst this upheaval, there would also have been volcanoes erupting and earthquakes going off and all kind of other cataclysmic action down there from the breaking open of the deep. The Bible also mentions the windows of heaven were opened, pelting the earth with enormous amounts of rain from above. The Ark rose high above the earth on the waters and all the high hills under the whole heaven were covered. Even mountains (not the mountains we have today; those were formed during and after the Flood) were covered. This Flood covered the whole earth, not just part of the earth. If it hadn’t covered the whole earth, people and animals could have just moved to the unflooded parts of the earth. No, it covered the whole earth.
Part 2: Gospel PresentationOption 1: Puppet PalSandy, did you hear us talking about the Ark and the big Flood?Wow, I did, and that sure is incredible!
It is, but you know what the most incredible part is?
What?
 It’s to think that God made a way for Noah and his family to be saved from destruction because they trusted in God.
Show Poster 1: Ark Door with Cross
 Well, the Bible says people need to be saved, right? Even people today. Is there going to be another Flood and another Ark that people can get on? No, nothing like that. But do you remember how we talked about how everyone sins, or disobeys God’s commands? Everyone—including everyone here?
 Yeah. We talked about that the other day.
 Right. From the beginning, God said that the punishment for sin is death. The Flood was God’s judgment on the sinfulness of the people during Noah’s day. Those people during Noah’s day sinned, and they died. When they died, they were not in God’s family, so they were separated from God’s goodness forever and went to live in a terrible place they could never get out of. 
That sounds absolutely awful! I don’t think any person would want to be separated from God and His goodness!
Well, the good news is, God doesn’t want people to be separated from Him either. He loves us and wants us to be part of His family. So just like He offered a way for Noah and his family to be saved from His judgment on sin, God offers a way for us to be saved from His judgment on sin so we can be in His family and live with Him forever.What is the way?
Well, God sent His Son, Jesus. Jesus, who is God Himself, came down to Earth and was born as a baby. He lived a perfect life and ended up being put on a cross and killed, even though He never did anything wrong. 
Show Poster 2: Cross
But why did He die on a cross, then?
 Jesus died on the cross to take the punishment for the sins that we do.
 Wow, that sure was nice of Jesus to do that!
 It was amazing love! It would be as if I did something really bad and I was supposed to get in big trouble, but then my brother came and said he had taken the punishment for me instead. Wouldn’t that be incredible?
 It sure would! 
 And you know what else is incredible? Jesus came back to life! He rose from the dead! 
Show Poster 3: Empty Tomb
And He did all this because He loves us and wants us to be part of God’s family and live with God forever someday. But we don’t automatically get to be part of God’s family. 
Then how do you become part of God’s family?
Show Poster 4: Admit, Believe, Forever Receive
First, you need to admit that you’ve sinned, or disobeyed God’s commands. You’ve sinned, even if you haven’t realized you have. For example, God says to do everything without complaining . Kids, have you ever whined when your parents told you to do something you didn’t want to do? God says we’re to always tell the truth . Have you ever told a lie? God says we’re to obey our parents . Have you ever disobeyed your mom or dad? These are all sins. When we admit we have sinned and want to turn from those sins, this is called repentance.
Then what?
 Then you need to believe that Jesus lived a perfect life and then died on a cross and—this is so amazing—He came back to life, all to take the punishment for your sins so you won’t have to.
 And after that?
 You need to ask God if you can forever receive Him and become part of God’s family. If you are part of God’s family, you won’t ever be separated from Him and His goodness.
 Admit your sin (repent), believe in Jesus, and receive Him to become part of His family. 
Yep! Boys and girls, if you want to learn more about becoming part of God’s family or if you have questions, please make sure you talk to your leader or your parents or me sometime today. We’d love to talk to you more about it.
Note: Check the inside back cover for salvation counseling info. Make sure to allow plenty of time to allow kids to talk, ask questions, and receive counsel. This is a huge deal and counselors should see it as a serious responsibility.
Option 2: Teacher-DirectedThis is all really incredible, but you know what the most incredible part of the whole account is for you and me? It’s to think that God made a way for Noah and his family to be saved from destruction, and to realize He has made a way for us to be saved from destruction, too! You see, the people of Noah’s day were sinners, as we talked about the other day. They disobeyed God and received the penalty for sin, which is death. But those people aren’t the only sinners. The Bible tells us in Romans 3:23 that all of us have sinned, and we all deserve death.
Show Poster 1: Ark Door with Cross
Noah’s Ark is a picture for us. Just as Noah was saved from physical death through the Ark, so we can be saved from death, too—spiritual death that causes us to be separated from God’s goodness forever. Today, to be saved, we don’t get on an ark. But Noah’s Ark reminds us that God is the One who provides the way for us to be saved. 
Does anyone know the way God provides for us to be saved nowadays? Yes, He sent His Son, Jesus. Jesus was born and lived a perfect life—the only One who ever has or ever will. But even though He was perfect, men decided to put Him to death—death on a wooden cross.
Show Poster 2:  Cross
 It was a painful and terrible death, but Jesus went through all that not because He had to (He is God, after all. He can do anything!), but because He wanted to. Because Jesus loves us, He chose to die so we wouldn’t have to. When He died, God placed the punishment for sin on Jesus, who took on the sins of the whole world. 
Because Jesus was God, something amazing happened three days after He died. Who knows what it was? He came back to life!
Show Poster 3:  Empty Tomb
 He rose from the dead! Now He is in heaven with His Father, God, and He wants us to live with Him forever in heaven, too, someday. 
So just as the Ark was the way God saved Noah and his family from death, Jesus is the way God saves those who believe in Him from eternal death.Just as Noah walked through the Ark’s door to be saved, we also have to go through a “door” of sorts to be saved. Jesus said, “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved” (John 10:9). Just as God shut them in and kept them safe, God will also keep us safe from eternal death if we trust in Him.
But we aren’t automatically saved. Just like Noah had to trust God and  follow Him, so do we. Let’s talk about how that can happen.
Show Poster 4: Admit, Believe, Forever Receive
First, we need to admit we’re sinners. God says to do everything without complaining . Have you ever whined when your parents told you to do something you didn’t want to do? God says we’re to always tell the truth . Have you ever told a lie? God says we’re to obey our parents . Have you ever disobeyed your mom or dad? These are all sins. When we admit we have sinned and want to turn from those sins, this is called repentance. 
Once you’ve realized and admitted you sin, then next, you need to believe that Jesus died and rose again to take the punishment for your sins so you won’t have to.
Then you need to forever receive Him so you will be saved from eternal death and separation from God.
If anyone wants to learn more about becoming part of God’s family, or if you have questions, you can go with ______  and the rest of us will continue on with a game and small group time. 
Note: Check the inside back cover for salvation counseling info. Make sure to allow plenty of time to allow kids to talk, ask questions, and receive counsel. This is a huge deal and counselors should see it as a serious responsibility.
Part 3: Points with Piers and/or Salvation Counseling Play a review game while those interested in salvation counseling are doing that. Divide into two or more teams and give each team a set of Piers Point Total cards and a dry erase board and marker. Ask a review question from anything covered thus far this week. Have the teams write down their answers. If a team gets the answer right, they begin to draw Piers Point Total cards from their set. They can pull as long as they want, but the risk is that if they get an “Overboard!” card, they lose all their points from that turn. Keep track of points on the dry erase board. (Have a dive club leader oversee each group.) 
Note: A shorter version is to have them draw just one card if they are right rather than as many as they choose.
Part 4: Small Group Time You may not have time for small group today, but if so, divide into small groups of 4–6, with a leader in each group. Adjust as necessary depending on how many leaders and kids you have. Otherwise, lead off with this tomorrow. Do as many questions as time allows.
Do you remember a time when you asked God if you could be His child? Tell us about it! 
The first step to trusting God is to become His child. If you’re not sure if you’ve ever done that, make sure you talk to a trusted adult sometime today! Once you’ve become God’s child, then over the rest of your life, you’ll learn to trust Him with the little and big things going on. For instance, maybe you’re scared of something, like flying on airplanes or being in a dark room at bedtime. Or maybe you’re worried about something, like getting bad grades or moving to a new town. God can be trusted! Read and study His Word, the Bible, so that you can know more about Him and how He can be trusted. Ask Him to help you trust Him with each little or big thing that comes along in your life. 
Let’s practice right now. What is something you need to trust God about more? 
Apply It!
In the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. Pass out the student guides and bookmarks (or have dive club leaders do so at the end of the day), and stamp the Dive Logs (or have dive club leaders do so at snack time). Pass out the Gospel bookmarks, one per child, which reviews the Admit, Believe, Forever Receive teaching from today.
Supplies for this section are not included in the supply list on the back cover since they will vary depending on the activities you choose, so decide what you will do and add them to your supply list accordingly. 
Part 1: Lifeline Verse
 “But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.”’ Psalm 31:14
Practice the verse several times by playing the appropriate song from the memory verse music CD and using the memory verse poster as a reference, then try the following challenge.
 See how many times you get to quote the verse, depending on the directions that follow. Quote the verse if you’ve ever been to the ocean. Quote the verse if you can do ten jumping jacks in ten seconds. (Try it!) Quote the verse if you’ve ever seen a live lobster. Quote the verse if you have blue eyes. Quote the verse if you can do five sit ups. (Try it!) Quote the verse if you’ve ever caught a fish.
 “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Do the challenge activity again using tomorrow’s verse.
Part 2: Go and Do
Say today’s Lifeline Verse to someone (Psalm 31:14). Have you repented of your sin and trusted God with your life like Noah did? 
Talk to God and ask Him to help you trust Him with whatever comes along in life. If there’s something specific that scares or worries you, talk to God about it. Ask an adult to help you find verses in the Bible that deal with your concerns. 
Ask an adult follower of the Lord to share a time he or she had to learn to trust God about something. 
Check answersvbs.com/ockids for more fun information!
Ask yourself this question: Am I a child of God?
Day 4
Thank God!
Bible passage
Genesis 8
Lesson Focus
Just like Noah, we can rely on God to help us thank Him in everything.
Lifeline  Verse
In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Animal Pal Fun Phrase
Paws the Sea Otter reminds us we “otter” thank God.
Apologetics Focus
End of the Flood:
Whoa!  What happened to this planet?
Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Introduce It!
First Impressions
Teach It!
Part 1: Detective B. Smart
Part 2: Genesis 8 in Miniature
Part 3: Small Group Time
Part 4: Puppet Pal—Count My Blessings
Apply It!
Part 1: Lifeline Verse
Part 2: Go and Do
Preparing for the Lesson
Read Genesis 8 several times.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials. For more information on fossils and how the earth was changed by the Flood, see answersvbs
.com/ocfaq.
Pray.
Lesson Materials
From Teacher Resource Kit
Day 4 memory verse poster
Day 4 Fun Phrase poster
Flood File posters 1–3 
Exhibit A–C posters
Genesis 8 posters 1–4
From Resource DVD-ROM
2 copies of today’s puppet script
Mount St. Helens video clip
Optional: Day 4 discussion sheet
Other Materials
Bible or children’s Bible (plus extras for small groups)
Costumes for dive instructors
Play dough (1 small ball per child, each on a paper plate)
Small shells or small plastic animals
Device on which to play video clip
Boy or girl puppet and puppet stage
Clipboard
Mounting putty or tape
Apply It! section supplies
Memory Verse Music CD and player
Student Extras
Student guides (11-4-072, 11-4-133), 1 per child
Dive Logs (11-4-091, 11-4-137), 1 per child
Stamp for Dive Logs (11-4-093)
Paws bookmarks (11-4-078, 11-4-140), 1 per child
Introduce It!
First Impressions As soon as you get it, shape it into something that represents you. For instance, if you like football, you can make a football. If you like to read, make a book. If you like dogs, make a dog. You’ll have just a minute so work quickly. When you’re done, turn to a neighbor and tell him what yours is and why.
Pass out a small ball of play dough on a paper plate to each person and have them do as instructed.
Now we’re going to make an impression in your play dough by pressing an animal or shell in it, then lifting it back out. Flatten your dough like a pancake while we pass out these supplies.
Pass out small shells and/or small plastic animals and have them do as instructed. Look at each other’s impressions and tell them it reminds you of a fossil impression. Ask if they know what fossils are. Explain that when plants or animals are buried quickly in sand and mud, they can turn into a fossil (stone). Tell them that a guest expert named Detective B. Smart is coming to tell them about a case he’s been working on that involves fossils.  
At this point, collect the shells and animals. Also collect the play dough so they aren’t playing with it during the next part. Keep it in separate balls because they will need it again in Teach It! Part 2. Or, if the kids are sitting in chairs, have them put it under their chairs, on their plates.
Teach It!
Part 1: Detective B. SmartDetective B. Smart is really, really good at solving mysteries, and he can talk to us about an important case he’s working on that involves fossils, among other things. Good morning (evening), Detective Smart. 
Hello, everyone. As _____ said, I’m on a very important case right now. I’ve been working on this case for a long time; and believe it or not, my conclusion is—BRACE YOURSELF! GET READY!—there had to be a worldwide Flood long ago. I’m not talking about a local flood that was in just one area of the world, but a worldwide, catastrophic Flood that covered the entire earth! Oh, I know that sounds amazing, but let me share some of my Flood Files with you. But before I do, let me remind you that the best evidence and the place to always start is the Bible. It’s the only perfect book in which every word is true and reliable. From reading the Bible, we know that the Flood of Noah’s day covered the whole entire earth about 4,300 years ago.Flood File #1—FossilsOkay, so the question is that since there really was a worldwide Flood, what other evidence would there be that confirms the Bible? Well, we’d find billions of dead things buried in rock layers laid down by water all over the earth. Now divers, do you know what I’ve found? Billions of dead things buried in rock layers laid down by water all over the earth. The whole world is like a gigantic fossil graveyard—exactly what you’d expect if there had been a worldwide Flood. Some people say it would take millions of years for all those fossils to form. They think it couldn’t happen quickly, like as a result of the Flood. But the evidence shows that time really isn’t the issue in fossil formation—the right conditions are! Under the right conditions, fossils can form quickly. Let me show you some exhibits that prove this. Here’s exhibit A—a fossilized teddy bear. Show Exhibit A poster. And exhibit B—a fossilized hammer. Show Exhibit B poster. And exhibit C—a fossilized fish eating a fish. Show Exhibit C poster. Think about that. How could a fish possibly eat a fish for millions of years? He didn’t! It fossilized quickly. And please note that the teddy bear and hammer are less than 100 years old, not millions of years old. They fossilized, therefore, in less than 100 years, and in some cases, much less than 100 years. 
And you want to hear something else crazy about fossils? There are fossils of seashells on top of the highest mountains in the world! How did seashells get way up there? The creatures were washed onto land during the Flood and then the mountains raised up to where they are today! Flood File #2—Mount St. HelensShow Poster 2: Grand Canyon
Besides fossils, the earth itself shows lots of evidence of a worldwide Flood. With the force of all that water, the earth got pushed up in places and it sank down in others. Take Grand Canyon, for example. Some people say places like Grand Canyon have nothing to do with the Flood. They say it formed with a little bit of water over a long time—millions and millions of years. But by studying the evidence from a biblical perspective, we learn a different story. Let’s watch this video clip, and you’ll see what I mean.
Show the Mount St. Helens video clip and briefly discuss how we know that the canyon there formed in a matter of hours because it happened not long ago. People in your church were alive to witness it and watch it happening via TV! If that small canyon was formed quickly by one volcano, imagine the destruction a worldwide Flood would cause on earth! (Many of the rock layers in Grand Canyon were laid down during the Flood, and the canyon itself was eroded in a later post-Flood localized catastrophe.) Any time you see canyons or mountains or rock formations like Devil’s Tower or Gardens of the Gods, you’re staring at evidence of a worldwide Flood. (For more specifics, visit the FAQ page.)Flood File #3—Rock LayersShow Poster 3: Rock Layers
Another evidence is in Flood File #3. It’s about rock layers. Now, I know that in school you may be told that layers of rocks are laid down one by one over millions of years, but look at exhibit A—a tree going through lots of layers! How could a tree remain alive and growing if it’s being slowly buried—like over millions of years? It would surely rot away or die long before that many layers would accumulate. There must be a better explanation for all those layers! I know—I bet a Flood came and buried those trees alive in a hurry! That’s what the evidence shows.
Flood File #4—Flood LegendsI have one more Flood File to show you about flood legends, but I’m out of time for today, so I’ll see you tomorrow to tell you more about that. Bye for now!
Part 2: Genesis 8 in MiniatureThank you, Detective B. Smart. Listening to you reminds me of how much we have to be thankful for if we have escaped God’s judgment and are saved, like Noah. Divers, remember that yesterday we left Noah and his family and the animals in the middle of that HUGE, worldwide Flood. Volcanoes and earthquakes were going off, rain was pouring down for at least 40 days and 40 nights, and the earth was being drastically changed. But Noah and his family were saved! Let’s pick up the account there. I need your help as I share this next part from chapter 8. As I read it, you need to make the accompanying item out of your play dough. For instance, while I read this first part, you should make an Ark. 
Teacher One shows Poster 1 (Ark poster) and reads or summarizes Genesis 8:1–2. Teacher Two shows them how to flatten their play dough and fold the sides up to make a boat.
Teacher One reads or summarizes Genesis 8:3–5. Teacher Two shows them how to make their play dough into a mountain. Comment that it says the boat came to rest in the mountains of Ararat, which is in the region of where Turkey is today. Nobody has found the boat, but it is likely that it was taken apart and used for wood (recycled!), or it deteriorated. Wood structures most likely wouldn’t still be around from that long ago, although it is possible that it could be trapped in ice high in those mountains.
Teacher One shows Poster 2 (Dove poster) and reads or summarizes Genesis 8:6–12. Teacher Two shows them how to make a window that the birds flew out of. Comment on the raven and dove.
Teacher One shows Poster 3 (Off the Ark poster) and reads or summarizes Genesis 8:13–19. Teacher Two shows them how to make a volcano. Comment on what it must have been like to be Noah coming off the Ark. When he went in, the world was a beautiful place with trees and flowers and grass. Now he steps out and sees a broken world—very little plant life, higher mountains, canyons, gorges, etc. Also, the volcanoes and earthquakes that started with the Flood would continue erupting, so much so that the volcanoes and earthquakes we experience today are thought to still be the aftershocks of the Flood. Isn’t that something to think that the earth is still feeling the aftereffects of that Flood all these years later?
Teacher One shows Poster 4 (Altar poster) and reads or summarizes Genesis 8:20–22. Teacher Two shows them how to make little round stones for the altar. Comment that the very first thing Noah did when he got off the Ark was to build an altar to thank and worship God. Can you imagine how thankful he must have been that God saved him and he had escaped that terrible death? Briefly elaborate on how thankful we should be if we have been saved by God, too.
Part 3: Small Group Time Show the Fun Phrase poster with Paws the Sea Otter. Mention that Paws reminds us that we “otter” thank God like Noah did. 
Break into small groups of 4–6, with a leader in each group. Adjust as necessary depending on how many leaders and kids you have. Do some or all of the questions.
What is something you found interesting today?When Noah got off the Ark, he was so thankful—God had saved him! How about you? What’s the number one thing you’re thankful for? 
If you’re a child of God, have you thanked Him recently for saving you? 
Let’s go around and see if everyone can think of one thing to thank God for. 
Let’s imagine there’s something called a Thanks-o-Meter that goes from 1 to 10. One means “I grumble a lot.” Five means “Sometimes I’m thankful and sometimes I grumble.” Ten means “I try to be thankful in everything.” Let’s be honest and evaluate ourselves. Where do you think you fall on the Thanks-o-Meter and why? What can you do to improve your score? Realize that you need God’s help to transform you from a grumbler to a thanker!
When small group time is done, have everyone gather again facing the puppet stage. 
Part 4: Puppet Pal—Count My Blessings
It sounds like you’re counting. Why are you doing that?
Well, I was just trying to count my blessings.
 What do you mean?
 You know. Blessings. Good things God has done for me or given me. Things I want to thank God for.
 Oh, that’s fantastic! How many have you counted so far?
 Well, I just started, but I thought of five different foods that I want to thank God for.
Hmm . . . I wonder if the boys and girls can think of some foods they want to thank God for. Let’s see. 
They did a good job!
 What else would you like to thank God for?
 Well, I was thinking of some people I want to thank God for. So far, I’ve thought of four.
 That’s great!  Boys and girls, can you think of anybody to thank God for? 
 And, of course, I thank God for my home, my bed, clothes, books, church, Jesus, and the Bible!
 Sandy, there’s one very important thing you didn’t thank God for yet.
What’s that?
Being part of God’s family. Being in God’s family, a child of God, means you have come to realize you’re a sinner and you will be separated from God and His love and kindness. You realize you can’t be good enough or work hard enough to save yourself. You do things wrong and are a sinner, and only God can forgive you and save you. If you’ve realized you’re a sinner and that Jesus died to take the punishment for you, then you need to ask God to forgive you and to be part of His family. If you have done that, then you should always be thankful you belong to God!
I guess I never thought about it like that.
 We should never get over the fact that God loves us and reached out to save us so we could be in His family. 
 Wow, that’s true. God is soooooo wonderful and amazing. He cares for each one of us and loves us. It’s the greatest blessing of all to be part of His family.
 It sure is! Why don’t we talk to God about that right now?
Pray with the kids and then move on to the Apply It! section if time.
Apply It!
In the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. Pass out the student guides and bookmarks (or have dive club leaders do so at the end of the day). Stamp the Dive Logs (or have dive club leaders do so at snack time). 
Supplies for this section are not included in the supply list on the back cover since they will vary depending on the activities you choose, so decide what you will do and add them to your supply list accordingly. 
Part 1: Lifeline Verse
.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Practice the memory verse several times by playing the appropriate song from the memory verse music CD and using the memory verse poster as a reference, then try the following challenge.Try saying the verse in a variety of voices, such as an underwater voice, speaking “whale,” a crabby voice, a frog croak, and a quiet, bottom-of-the-ocean whisper. 
 “Blessed is the man who fears the Lord.” Psalm 112:1
Try the challenge again with tomorrow’s verse.
Part 2: Go and Do
Before you go to bed tonight, think over your day and write something you’re thankful for. Put it in your Ocean of Thanks Box or in a journal (write “Ocean of Thanks” on the front). Get in the habit of doing this every night before you go to bed.
As you go throughout your day, thank God for as many things as you can think of.
Ask an adult to share about something/someone he or she thanks God for.
Check answersvbs.com/ockids for more fun information. 
Ask yourself this question: Do I want God and others to know me as a grumbler or a thanker?
How to Make Play Dough
2 c. flour
 c. salt
2 c. warm water
4 t. cream of tartar
2 t. oil
Food coloring
Optional: Glitter
Mix the first five ingredients in a saucepan. After they are blended, mix in food coloring. Stir over low to medium heat until the dough is formed and is no longer sticky. Remove from the pan and knead until smooth, adding the glitter. After it has cooled, store in an air-tight container.
Day 5
Fear God!
Bible passage
Genesis 9:1–17
Lesson Focus
Just like Noah, we can rely on God to help us take Him seriously.
Lifeline Verse
Blessed is the man who fears the Lord. Psalm 112:1
Animal Pal Fun Phrase
Fin the Dolphin reminds us that “no-fin” is a bigger deal than taking God seriously.
Apologetics Focus
After the Flood:
Hey! Why do different cultures have similar Flood stories?
Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Introduce It!
Dol-“Phin” Fun (Options 1 or 2)
Teach It!
Part 1: It’s a Promise 
Part 2: Small Group Time
Part 3: Detective B. Smart
Part 4: Puppet Pal—Promise Keepers
Apply It!
Part 1: Lifeline Verse
Part 2: Go and Do
Optional Activity: Yes or “No-ah” Review Game
Preparing for the Lesson
Read Genesis 9:1–17 and Hebrews 11:7 several times.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials. For more information on flood legends and what happened to the dinosaurs, see answersvbs.com
/ocfaq.
Pray.
Lesson Materials
From Teacher Resource Kit
Day 5 memory verse poster
Day 5 Fun Phrase poster
Flood Legends posters 1–4
From Resource DVD-ROM 
Day 5 review questions
2 copies of today’s puppet script
Optional: Day 5 discussion sheet
Optional: Review questions from previous days
Other Materials
Bible or children’s Bible (plus extras for small groups)
Costumes for dive instructors
Option 1: Dolphin stuffed animals (1 per team), toy hoops (1 per team), rope/masking tape/painter’s tape OR
Option 2: Fish-shaped crackers, labeled bowls (1 per team)
Dry erase boards and markers (1 per team) OR paper and pens (1 per team)
Boy or girl puppet and puppet stage
Clipboard
Optional: Painter’s tape or masking tape
Mounting putty or tape
Apply It! section supplies
Memory Verse Music CD and player
Student Extras
Student guides (11-4-072, 11-4-133), 1 per child
Dive Logs (11-4-091, 11-4-137), 1 per child
Stamp for Dive Logs (11-4-093)
Fin bookmarks (11-4-078, 11-4-140), 1 per child
Diving into God’s Word Bible studies (11-4-075), 1 per child
Introduce It!
Dol-“Phin” FunIntroduce them to Fin the Dolphin, today’s animal pal. Show the Fun Phrase poster. Fin loves to have fun. Fin (and all dolphins) like to leap out of the water and spin and do acrobatics. They also like to surf the waves and follow after ships.
Then lead off today’s lesson by playing a game to review everything learned thus far using the Day 5 review questions. There are two game options that follow. Decide which one you will play and get the supplies organized. 
Option 1 Directions
Get dolphin stuffed animals (one per team) and toy hoops, like hula hoops (also one per team). Dolphin stuffed animals are usually available at dollar stores, or find old Beanie Babies. They can also be ordered from Oriental Trading Company. Each team also needs either a small dry erase board and dry erase marker, or a piece of paper and something to write with. 
Ahead of time, put down a rope or a masking tape or painter’s tape start line that is ten feet from what will be the finish line. Have kids get into two or more teams. If possible, keep the teams small (3–5) so the kids have more involvement.
Read the first question. Each team writes down its answer. Say what the answer is. If they get it right, they get a point (they should mark their score in the corner of their marker board), plus they get to try for an extra point by attempting to throw the dolphin through the toy hoop. Stand at the start line with the dolphin and have a team member stand at the finish line holding the hoop. If the dolphin goes through, they should mark another point on their marker board. Continue on as time allows, and tally the points at the end. The team with the most points wins.
Option 2 Directions
Earn “dolphin food” (fish-shaped crackers like Goldfish) for every right answer. Divide kids into small groups as listed above and give each a dry erase marker board and marker, or paper and pens. Once again, read questions and have them write down the answers. If they get it right, the teacher should put a small handful of fish-shaped crackers into a bowl (one bowl per team—label each bowl so you know which bowl is for which team). When the game is done, each team receives the bowl of “dolphin food” they “caught.” They can either count the fish, divide them up and eat them, or take turns trying to catch them by throwing the fish up and trying to catch them in their mouths. You may want to have them try to catch the first one or two crackers in their mouths, then just eat the rest for the sake of time. 
Note: Make sure you check to see if anyone has food allergies.Teach It!
Part 1: It’s a PromiseOkay, so yesterday we left Noah and his family at the end of the worldwide Flood when the Ark landed, they got off, and they thanked God. Now let’s check out the end of this account and see what’s happening with Noah today. It involves a promise. Have you ever made a promise?  Well, here we see God makes a promise which is called a covenant. Say the word covenant with me.  The word covenant  means “a promise or a guaranteed commitment.” I’m going to read Genesis 9:8–17, and I want you to keep count on your fingers of how many times you hear the word covenant. Here we go. 
Read Genesis 9:8–17 and have them keep track. When you finish reading, ask them to hold up their fingers to indicate how many times the word covenant was used. (In NKJV, the answer is seven.) 
Ask if they understand what’s going on and explain that God is promising that He will never send another worldwide Flood to destroy the earth. 
Ask if God has kept that promise. (Yes. There have been local floods, but never again a worldwide Flood, as promised.) 
Ask who this promise is made to. (All people.) 
Ask what sign God said He would use as a reminder of this covenant/promise. (The rainbow.) Explain that it’s cool to think that water, which destroyed the earth, is what causes the rainbow! When we see a rainbow, it should remind us of God’s love and faithfulness. It should also remind us to fear God, which means to take Him seriously, to think of Him with awe and wonder. Noah certainly feared God (took Him seriously). He obeyed God even when nobody else did. He trusted God even when the rest of the world didn’t. When you take God seriously and obey His Word, you are fearing Him.
Note: You may want to mention, without getting into specific details, that some people use pictures of the rainbow to represent things that are not pleasing to God. They are not fearing God when they do so. But God is the Creator of the rainbow and intends it to be a reminder of Him and His glory. 
Part 2: Small Group TimeDivide into groups of 4–6 students, each group with a leader, and discuss some or all of the following questions.
This passage says Noah moved with “godly fear.” What do you think it means to have godly fear, or to fear the Lord? Why is it important to fear the Lord? 
If God were writing about you, what words would you hope He uses to describe you?
What is one thing you learned this week? 
What is one thing you think God wants you to work on? If you are His child, ask Him for His strength to help you do it!
Which animal pal is your favorite? Why?
If you have any questions or want to talk more about becoming a child of God, make sure you talk to your leader today!
Part 3: Detective B. SmartFlood File #4—Flood LegendsLet’s see if you can remember the Flood Files we talked about yesterday that confirm what the Bible says about Noah’s Flood. First we talked about Flood File #1—Fossils. Who can tell me something we talked about? Do you remember what fossil pictures we showed you?  Next, we talked about Flood File #2—Mount St. Helens. Remember the video? What was that about?  And last, we talked about Flood File #3—Rock Layers. Anybody remember something we talked about? Remember the tree?  
Now today, we’re talking about one more Flood File. This one is #4 and it’s about flood legends, or stories about the Flood. I’ve traveled the world, and everywhere I go, people tell stories about a worldwide flood. Coincidence? I don’t think so. Think back to 9/11. Anyone who was alive and old enough remembers that horrible catastrophe. If you ask your parents, they will remember. Many of you may have heard about it. Planes flew into two buildings in New York City and knocked them down _____ years ago, and we still talk about it all these years later. 
Now think about it—that catastrophe destroyed buildings in just New York City. What if a catastrophe happened that destroyed the whole world? Don’t you think stories would have been passed down about it? In fact, I would expect just about every culture to have a story. And guess what? They do! Let’s see if we can pass down a tiny story accurately as we play the game Telephone. 
If you have a large group, divide into smaller groups of 6–10 kids each. Whisper a sentence into the first person’s ear. They will then whisper it to the next person, who whispers it to the next person, and so on down the line. When it gets to the end, the last person will tell what it ended up being. Compare the starting sentence with the ending sentence.
The worldwide Flood really did happen. When Noah came off the Ark, Noah’s sons and their wives began to have children, and they would have told their children about the Flood. Then their children would have passed the account on to their children, and on and on. As the people groups spread out over the world (at the event at Babel), they took with them the knowledge of the Flood and continued passing those stories on to their descendants. Some of the details changed as the stories were passed on, just like what happened in our Telephone game, but the original account was correctly recorded in Genesis. We can tell these other stories are based on that original Flood account. In fact, there are more than 270 of these stories all over the world, in almost every nation! Let’s check out a couple!
You can do this in one of three ways. Stay together as a large group and show the posters and tell the following stories. Or divide into four groups and have the groups rotate around and read each story with the oversight of a leader. Or give a poster and the flood legend to four different group leaders and have them read/share the picture of the story with the whole group. As each one is shared, have the kids compare how it is similar to Noah’s Flood.
Flood Legend #1—China
Show Poster 1: China
This story tells of a man named Fuhi, his wife, three sons, and three daughters. This group escaped a great Flood. They were the only people left alive on the whole earth. After the Flood, they had many children from whom the whole earth was repopulated.
Flood Legend #2—Mexico
Show Poster 2: Mexico
This story recounts how there was a first world that lasted fewer than 2,000 years. Then a great Flood came and destroyed the first world, covering even the highest mountains with water. A few people escaped the Flood in something called a “closed chest.” Following the Flood, these people began to multiply so that many people were once again on the earth.
Flood Legend #3—Africa
Show Poster 3: Africa
This story tells of a righteous man whom God loved who was named Tumbainot. He was married and had three sons. Then he took another wife and had three more sons. When someone in Africa killed another man, their god decided to kill all of mankind. Only Tumbainot found grace in the eyes of God. God commanded Tumbainot to build an ark of wood and go into it with his wives and family. They took all kinds of animals with them. When they were on board and had all the supplies, God caused it to rain so long and hard that everyone drowned except those in the Ark. When the rain stopped, Tumbainot let a dove out, but the dove couldn’t find a resting place. Later, he let a vulture out, with an arrow attached to its tail feathers. The vulture returned without the arrow. The waters went down, and the Ark landed on a grassy plain. They got off, and Tumbainot saw four rainbows.
Flood Legend #4—Ancient Greece
Show Poster 4: Ancient Greece
This story recounts how humans became proud and kept getting worse and worse, which bothered their god, Zeus. So Zeus decided he would destroy all humans. Another god, Prometheus, warned his human son Deucalion and his wife that this was about to happen. He placed them in a large wooden chest, and the rains then started. They lasted nine days and nights till the whole world was flooded, except for Mount Olympus (the home of the gods) and Mount Parnassus. The wooden chest landed on Mount Parnassus, and Deucalion and his wife got out and saw that the world was flooded.Part 4: Puppet Pal—Promise Keepers Sandy, are you there?
 Here I am!
 What’s going on? You seem kind of sad.
 I am.
 Why?
 Daddy promised to take me to the zoo, but we haven’t left yet and I’m wondering if we’re ever going to go!
Well, does Daddy normally keep his promises? Does he do what he says he’ll do?
 Yes.
 Then I’m sure he’ll keep this promise, too. Sounds like he’s a promise keeper, like God!
 How is God a promise keeper? He’s not going to take me to the zoo.
 No, but God made a promise to Noah.
 He did?
 Yep! After the Flood was over and Noah got off the Ark, God promised He would never, ever, ever flood the whole earth again. And He even put something in the sky as a reminder of that promise. Do you know what it was?
 The rainbow!
 That’s right! Every time we see a rainbow in the sky, we are reminded that God keeps His promises, and He’ll never send another Flood to cover the whole earth.
 God is a promise keeper!
 You’re catching on! And since God is a promise keeper, don’t you think we should keep our promises, too?
 Yeah, we should!
 Keeping our promises shows we fear God, we honor Him, and we try to please Him.
 Wait! You said we should fear God. What does that mean? Does it mean to be afraid of Him?
 It means you realize how amazing and great and big and powerful God is, and that He’s Someone to be listened to and obeyed. Who else can make animals from nothing? Who else can make people? Who else can control the weather? Who else can save us? Only God! We need to realize He’s in charge, and we need to take Him seriously!
Okay, that sounds important, so I won’t forget that. Oh, I hear my dad calling. It’s time for the zoo! Hey, Daddy is a promise keeper!
 Bye, Sandy! Have fun at the zoo, and remember to fear God and be a promise keeper!
Apply It!
In the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. Pass out the student guides, bookmarks, and Diving into God’s Word booklets (or have dive club leaders do so at the end of the day). Stamp the Dive Logs (or have dive club leaders do so at snack time).
Supplies for this section are not included in the supply list on the back cover since they will vary depending on the activities you choose, so decide what you will do and add them to your supply list accordingly.
Part 1: Lifeline Verse
 “Blessed is the man who fears the Lord.” Psalm 112:1
Practice the verse several times, using the appropriate song from the memory verse music CD and the memory verse poster as a reference, then try the following challenge.
Find a friend and a couple regular or fish-shaped crackers. On the count of three, each eat a cracker and then try to say the verse. The first to successfully say it wins.
Part 2: Go and Do
How many of this week’s Bible verses can you say? Say as many as you can in one minute.
Talk to God and ask Him to help you take Him seriously and be in awe of Him.
Talk to an adult or friends and ask them what words they hope God would use if He was describing them.
Check answersvbs.com/ockids for other fun information! 
Ask yourself this question: How does the account of Noah help me fear the Lord (take Him seriously, be in awe of Him)?
Note: End by praying with the divers before they leave for the week!
Optional Activity: Yes or “No-ah” Review Game 
Play this review game today or any day you have a few extra minutes. Make an outline of a boat out of painter’s tape or masking tape on the floor. Have the kids stand on the tape perimeter of the boat. Ask questions from any of the material covered this week. The questions should be phrased so they can be answered either “yes” or “No-ah” (“no”). For example, did Noah obey God? (“Yes!”) OR . . . When God created the world, He made it a bad place. (“No-ah!”) If the kids think the answer is “yes,” they should jump out of the boat. If the kids think the answer is “no,” they should jump into the boat. They should yell “Yes!” or “No-ah!” (“no”) as they are jumping to their chosen spot.