ARTICLES
Positive Actions
The children were cheering as the review game ended. Quickly Lisa held up her hand and said, “Show me you’re being quiet by raising your hand!” One by one, hands went up as the group quieted. Early elementary children learn through varied activities.
Why Can’t Everyone Believe Whatever They Want to About God?
People today have lots of different beliefs about God. Every belief is either right or wrong. If a belief is right that means it is based on a fact-it’s true and you can count on it. If a belief is wrong it is based on a lie. No matter how much you believe in a lie or wish it was true your false belief will never change the facts.
Support for a Small Generation
Juniors are known for flocking to crowds like those that “hang” at the malls. But they also long to belong to a core network of caring people who know, understand and accept them. Such support is also vital to their development.* The junior child needs relationships and healthy small groups are key to meeting this need.
What Is Faith Exactly?
The Bible definition of faith is “The substance of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1). Go on to read the rest of the chapter and you will find a list of Old Testament people who had faith in God and obeyed Him even though they couldn’t see Him with their eyes.
Against All Odds
Sociologists tell us there is a great likelihood that:
• a child of an abuser will be one
• a child of poverty will stay one
• a child of an alcoholic will become one
• a child of a broken home will have one.
These statistics fail to recognize a God who says: “If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation” (2 Cor. 5:17).
Where Is My Joy?
God tells us to make a conscious commitment to face trials with joy. I’ve been told that some people think they will have no more problems after they come to Christ. If so, they will learn the truth quickly! Problems are part of being alive.
Talking to Children about Gambling
Bethany told her Sunday school teacher, “My dad and I buy a lottery ticket every week at the gas station. We won ten dollars once!” Before the teacher could intervene, Joshua spoke up, “You shouldn’t play the lottery; that’s gambling!”
Challenging Preteens
Preteens are at a stage where they may begin tuning out spiritual instruction. Our job as teachers is to challenge these emerging adolescents to keep on learning. In order to do so we must tap into the intrinsic motivators God has put in place.
How Can I Recognize God’s Voice?
Did you know every voice is one of a kind? Even the best impersonator can’t sound exactly like someone else. God’s voice is unique too.