Introduction to the Series: Living as Children of Christ

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Welcome to our Bible study series, Living as Children of Christ!

 

Over the next month, we’ll explore what it means to be true followers of Jesus,

even in a world that sometimes ignores or rejects Him.

 

Jesus calls each of us to follow Him with our whole hearts, and this isn’t always easy.

Following Jesus means making choices that honor Him, standing out from the crowd, and even facing challenges. But Jesus promises that He’ll be with us every step of the way.

 

Together, we’ll dive into Scripture to understand real discipleship—

not just knowing about Jesus but living like Him.

 

We’ll see what it’s like to live as God’s children in a world that doesn’t always look like the Kingdom of God.

Through Bible stories, hands-on activities, and crafts, we’ll learn about leaving behind things that

hold us back, trusting Jesus in hard times, and helping others see God’s love.

 

This journey won’t shy away from the hard truths, but it will encourage us to live boldly

and authentically as disciples of Christ.

 

Get ready to discover what it means to be called by Jesus, how to stay close to Him,

and how to shine His light in a fallen world.

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​Week 1

Main Lesson: Living as Children of Christ
Jesus calls us to follow Him and live as His disciples. Being a child of Christ means reflecting His love, obeying His teachings, and sharing His truth with others.

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Bible Passages:

• Matthew 4:18-22 – The calling of the first disciples.

• John 1:12-13 – Becoming children of God through Jesus.

• Luke 9:23 – The cost of discipleship and the commitment to follow Jesus.​

 

Key Points:

1. The Call to Follow Jesus – Jesus invites us to follow Him with our whole lives, not just our words.

2. Living as Children of Christ – As God’s children, we live out His love and truth every day.

3. Discipleship Requires Commitment – Following Jesus involves sacrifice and trust, but it’s worth it.

 

Bible Study Activities:

1. Craft: “Follow Me” Footprints

   • Instructions: Trace and cut out feet, write “Follow Me” (Matthew 4:19), and decorate. Discuss how we follow Jesus by walking in His footsteps.

2. Activity: “Discipleship Challenge”

   • Instructions: Set up an obstacle course representing challenges in following Jesus. Guide children through it while explaining that discipleship involves trusting God through tough times.

3. Memory Verse: John 1:12

   • Verse: “But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.”

   • Activity: Students memorize and recite the verse with motion.

 

Discussion:

• What does it mean to follow Jesus?

• What challenges do we face as disciples?

• How can we live as children of God?

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Week 2:

Main Lesson: The Cost of Discipleship
Following Jesus is not always easy, and it requires sacrifice. Jesus calls us to count the cost of being His disciple, to deny ourselves, and to take up our cross daily.

 

Bible Passages:

• Luke 14:25-33 – The cost of being a disciple: following Jesus requires prioritizing Him above all else.

• Matthew 16:24 – Jesus teaches about taking up our cross and following Him.

• Luke 9:23 – Denying ourselves and following Jesus in everyday life.

 

Key Points:

1. Counting the Cost of Following Jesus – Following Jesus requires sacrifice and putting Him first in all areas of life (Luke 14:25-33).

2. Taking Up Our Cross – Discipleship means carrying our cross daily, just as Jesus did (Matthew 16:24).

3. Daily Commitment – Following Jesus is a daily choice to live for Him, no matter the challenges (Luke 9:23).

 

Bible Study Activities:

1. Craft: “Carrying My Cross”

   • A hands on project making a cross that represents a reflection of Jesus. 

   • Instructions: Assemble a cross with quality materials provided. Discussion of how the cross symbolizes the cost of discipleship, and talk about the challenges we face when following Jesus.

2. Activity: “Cost of Discipleship Relay”

   • Instructions: Set up an obstacle course with "costs" (challenges) along the way. Kids must complete each challenge (such as “pray for a friend” or “help someone”) to move forward. Discuss how following Jesus sometimes means facing difficulties but brings great rewards.

3. Memory Verse: Luke 9:23

   • Verse: “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.”

   • Activity: Students memorize and perform the verse with actions. Emphasize the daily commitment to follow Jesus.

 

​Discussion

• ​What does it mean to “count the cost” of following Jesus?

• What does taking up our cross look like in everyday life?

• Why do you think we need to follow Jesus every day?

• What are some rewards of following Jesus, even when it’s hard

 

This lesson focuses on the deeper challenge of discipleship, encouraging children to understand the sacrifices required and the importance of daily commitment.

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Week 3: 

Main Lesson: Living Out the Great Commission
As followers of Jesus, we are called to share His love and message with others. The Great Commission tells us to go and make disciples, teaching others to follow Jesus and live according to His Word.

 

Bible Passages:

• Matthew 28:16-20 – Jesus commissions His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations.

• Mark 16:15 – Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

• Acts 1:8 – Jesus tells His disciples to be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Key Points:

1. The Great Commission:
   Jesus commands us to go into the world, make disciples, and share the good news (Matthew 28:16-20).

2. We Are All Called to Share the Gospel:
   It’s not just for adults or missionaries—everyone who follows Jesus is called to tell others about Him

3. (Mark 16:15).

4. Spreading the Gospel Starts Where We Are:
   We can share Jesus' love and truth right where we live—at school, at home, and with our friends.(Acts 1:8).

 

Bible Study Activities:

Activity: “The Mission - Gospel Rocks”​

• Instructions:

  1. Introduce the Purpose: Explain to the kids that they’ll be painting rocks with simple gospel messages or Bible verses. These “Gospel Rocks” can be left in places around their neighborhood, like parks or sidewalks, for others to find. It’s a small way of sharing Jesus’ love with those who may need encouragement or hope.

  2. Design Ideas:

     • On one side, they can paint words like “Hope,” “Jesus Loves You,” “You Are Loved,” or “God Cares.”

     • On the other side, they can add a short Bible verse reference, like John 3:16 or Matthew 28:20, or even a small cross.

  3. Painting and Decorating: The kids can use bright colors to make the rocks stand out. They can also add designs, such as hearts, rainbows, or other simple symbols of love and hope.

  4. Seal for Durability : Once the rocks are dry, we will coat them with a sealant to protect the paint. 

• Wrap-Up:
  Encourage kids to place their Gospel Rocks in safe, visible spots around their community with an adult. Remind them that each rock is a reminder of Jesus’ love and that sharing this love is part of following Jesus’ command to “go and make disciples.” ​

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1. “Mission Impossible” Relay

   • Instructions: Set up a relay race where kids must “deliver the message” by passing a small item (like a Bible or note with a gospel verse) from one person to another. Along the way, they must perform small tasks related to the Great Commission (e.g., telling one another something kind or reading a Bible verse aloud). This will illustrate the importance of spreading the gospel to others.

2. Memory Verse: Matthew 28:19

   • Verse: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

   • Activity: Kids memorize and act out the verse, moving as if they are “going” and “making disciples.”

 

Discussion Points:

• What is the Great Commission, and why is it important?

• How can we share the gospel with others?

• How can we start spreading Jesus’ love right where we are?

 

This lesson focuses on the importance of sharing the gospel and living out the Great Commission, with activities to encourage children to think about how they can make disciples in their everyday lives. 

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​The amount of classes depends on the number of weeks are within the month - classes will vary. 

Please have studen bring a lunch or snack and drink, as we will take breaks  during the class. 

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Start Date: December 2nd, 2024

End Date: December 23th, 2024

Day: Monday ( We will meet every Monday during the month)

Time: 10:30 - 1:00pm 

Duration: 2.5 hours

For Ages: 7-14

Price of Class: $40 per class ( $40 x 3classes = $120 (3 weeks/3 classes )

Material Fee: $20 per family (this breaks down to $6 per class)

Payment options available - please ask and we will accommodate 

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We are approved with student scholarships - the StepUp scholarship - we can provide you with the proper paperwork for reimbursement. 

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