Introducing Biblical Worldview

Today, we embark on an extraordinary adventure into understanding a Biblical Worldview. But what does that mean?

Well, a worldview is like a pair of glasses through which we see everything around us – it shapes how we understand the world, make decisions, and interact with others.

And a Biblical Worldview? That’s seeing the world the way God teaches us in the Bible!

A Biblical Worldview is a set of beliefs and ideas that Christians use to understand and respond to the world around them.

Hello Adventure!

Objective: Our mission is to discover how a Biblical Worldview can guide us in our daily lives, helping us make choices that honor God. We’ll explore how this viewpoint affects our understanding of nature, human relationships, and our own purpose.

Materials Needed:

• Your imagination and an open heart.
• Copies of selected Bible passages.
• Worldview Exploration Sheets (worksheets with questions and scenarios).
• A large world map or globe.

Opening Prayer:

“Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing us together today. Help us to understand Your world the way You see it. Guide us as we learn about a Biblical Worldview and show us how to apply Your truths in our lives.

Help us, Lord, to see the world through Your eyes—to recognize truth from falsehood and right from wrong. Give us the courage to stand firm in our beliefs and to live according to Your Word, even when it’s challenging or when others walk a different path.

Strengthen our faith, Lord, and deepen our understanding of who You are and who You’ve called us to be. Let Your Holy Spirit guide us in all truth, filling us with Your peace and wisdom.  Amen.”

Ice Breaker: “The Worldveiw Web:

This ice breaker is designed to visually demonstrate how our individual beliefs connect to form a larger worldview, highlighting our interconnectedness and the diversity of thoughts within our group. It’s a fun, interactive way to start our session on exploring different worldviews and understanding how each person’s view contributes to the tapestry of our class’s collective perspective.

Materials Needed:

• A large ball of yarn or string
• Space to form a circle with the group

Have all participants form a large circle. This can be done in a classroom, outdoors, or any space where you can move a little.

Introduce the Concept: Explain the activity by saying, “Today, we’re going to create a giant spider web, which will help us see how our beliefs are woven together to form a bigger picture called a worldview. Each of you will contribute to building this web by sharing something you believe about the world.”

Start the Web: Hold onto the end of the yarn, and share your own belief to start. For example, you might say, “I believe in the importance of honesty.” After sharing, gently toss the ball of yarn to a student across the circle.

Student Participation: The student who catches the yarn will then hold onto a part of the string and share their belief. For example, they might say, “I believe that everyone deserves respect.” They then hold their piece of the yarn, creating a line from you to them, and toss the ball to another person in the circle.

Continue Weaving the Web: This process continues with each student catching the yarn, holding a piece, sharing their belief, and then tossing the yarn to another student. Remind them to choose someone who hasn’t had a turn yet.

Observe the Web: Once everyone has shared and the yarn has been passed around to form a complex web, take a moment to observe how interconnected the yarn—and thus, your beliefs—are. Point out how each piece of yarn relies on the others to maintain the structure of the web, symbolizing how our shared and differing beliefs create a community.

Discussion:
Ask questions like, “What did you notice about our web? Were there any beliefs that surprised you or that you strongly relate to? How does this web reflect the idea of a worldview?”

Concluding the Activity:
To conclude, emphasize the value of understanding and respecting diverse beliefs within a community. Highlight that while we may hold different views, together they create a rich and complex network of ideas that define our class’s unique worldview.

Introducing the Story:

Every day, without even realizing it, we see the world in a certain way. This is shaped by our beliefs, what our families teach us, and what we learn from the Bible. Today, we’ll explore what it means to see the world through God’s eyes – that’s what we call a Biblical Worldview. We’ll talk about how this view can change the way we see nature, treat other people, and understand our place in the world.”

Imagine if we could put on special glasses that helped us see everything the way God does. What do you think we would see differently? That’s what we’re going to find out today!

Get ready to dive deep into understanding how a Biblical Worldview can transform the way we live, think, and interact with the world around us. Are you excited to see the world through God’s special glasses? Let’s get started!

Understanding Biblical Worldview

Today, we’re diving into a big idea called “Biblical Worldview.” Now, what does that mean? Imagine you’re wearing a pair of glasses, but these aren’t ordinary glasses. These glasses are special because they help you see the world the way God wants us to see it. That’s what a Biblical Worldview is like—seeing life through God’s eyes.

Before we dive into our story, let’s think about what the Apostle Paul said in Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This verse is like our guide, telling us not to just follow what everyone else does or thinks, but to let God change the way we think and see the world.

Storytelling:

Let’s tell a story to make this clear. There was once a group of four friends, all from different parts of the world, with different ideas and beliefs. They decided to go on a treasure hunt in a vast, mysterious jungle. Each friend had a different map, guiding them based on their beliefs and understanding of the world.

The first friend, Alex, thought the jungle was scary and full of danger. His map showed him where to go to avoid scary things, but because he was always careful to stay away from danger, he missed seeing some really cool parts of the jungle, like hidden waterfalls and colorful birds.

The second, Bailey, treated the jungle like a giant playground. She rushed from one adventure to another, always looking for the next fun thing to do. Her map led her to the biggest trees and the fastest rivers, but she moved so fast that she missed quieter, beautiful moments, like watching butterflies or finding cool, calm spots to rest.

Charlie, the third friend, didn’t have a map, so he got lost a lot. He wandered around, feeling confused and not knowing which way to go. This made it hard for him to enjoy the jungle because he was too worried about trying to find the right path.

Finally, there was Paityn. Paityn had a special map that her family had given her, filled with wisdom and good advice. It helped her see the jungle as a beautiful, peaceful place. She followed paths that showed her how everything in the jungle worked together. Paityn’s journey was calm and full of purpose, helping her appreciate the beauty of nature and learn important lessons about life.

She was living out Romans 12:2, not just following along with everyone else but being transformed by God’s truth.

Key Moments to Discuss:

• Differences in Perspective: Just like in our story, everyone sees the world differently. But Paityn’s perspective, guided by her special map, represents a Biblical Worldview. She saw the world not just for what it is, but for what it could be through God’s eyes.
• Choices and Consequences: Each friend made choices based on their map, leading to different experiences. This shows us how our worldview affects our decisions and our journey through life.
• Finding the Treasure: The real treasure was not a chest of gold but understanding, peace, and seeing the world filled with God’s love and purpose. Paityn, with her Biblical Worldview, helped her friends see the jungle and life in a new, hopeful way.

Discussion Questions:

1.  “How do you think following Romans 12:2 and not just copying everyone else can change the way we see the world and treat others?”

Potential Response: “I think if we follow Romans 12:2, it means we’re trying to do what God wants instead of just doing what everyone else is doing. This could make us kinder because we’d be thinking about what’s really good and right, not just what’s popular.”

2. “What kind of ‘map’ do you think you’re using to navigate your life? Is it one of fear, fun, confusion, or guided by God’s wisdom?”

Potential Response: “I think sometimes I use a ‘fun’ map because I just want to do things that are exciting. But I’m learning that a map guided by God’s wisdom is better because it helps me make smarter choices, not just fun ones.”

3. “How can looking at the world through God’s eyes change how we treat others and the decisions we make?”

Potential Response: “If we look at the world through God’s eyes, we might see people the way He does. Like, maybe we’d see that someone who is mean sometimes might be having a tough time and needs kindness. So, we might decide to be nicer to them instead of getting mad back.”

4. “Can you think of a time when you saw something one way, and then learned something new that changed your view?”

Potential Response: “Yes, once I thought a new student was unfriendly because she was always quiet. But then I learned she was just really shy and missed her old school. After I knew that, I tried to be more understanding and started talking to her more. We’re friends now!”

Connecting the Story to Their Lives:

Like the jungle adventure, life is full of paths and choices. A Biblical Worldview, guided by verses like Romans 12:2, helps us see beyond the immediate and understand God’s greater plan. It encourages us to make decisions filled with love, wisdom, and purpose.

Remember, each day gives us a chance to put on our ‘God glasses’ and see the world through His love and truth, just like Paityn did. By doing so, we can find the true treasure in loving God and loving others, and lead a life transformed by His grace.

Play & Learn

Now that we’ve dived into the concept of a Biblical Worldview through our storytelling, let’s put these ideas into action with some interactive activities.

These will help reinforce our understanding and application of seeing the world through God’s eyes, guided by Romans 12:2, which tells us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”

Activity 1: “Worldview Glasses”

Objective: The goal is for the children to create glasses that symbolize seeing the world through a Biblical lens, reinforcing the concept of a Biblical Worldview.

Materials:

• Eyeglasses Cutout Template . Enough for each child.
• Sizzors, Glue or double-sided tape
• Cellophane. Clear or colored (or both)
• Set up a decoration station with markers, stickers, and other craft supplies.
• Worldview Glasses Activity Scenario Cards

Step-by-Step Guide:

Explain to the children that they will be making special glasses that help them see the world as God wants us to see it. Relate this back to our story and Romans 12:2, discussing the idea of viewing the world differently from how others might.

Assembly: Hand out the glasses frame outlines and cellophane pieces for the lenses. Show the children how to attach the cellophane to the frames using tape or glue to create their ‘worldview glasses.’ Ensure each child has their own set to work on.

Have students write the words of Romans 12:2 on the inside of the glasses arms. Use an abbreviated version if needed. 

Decoration: Once the glasses are assembled, invite the children to the decoration station. Encourage them to decorate their glasses in a way that reflects kindness, love, and God’s creation. While they work, engage them in conversation about how a Biblical Worldview might change the way we see everyday situations.

Reflection: After everyone has finished decorating, gather the children and ask them to put on their glasses. Present different scenarios or pictures, and ask how they might view these situations through their ‘worldview glasses.’ Encourage them to think about choices they can make that align with God’s teachings.

Reinforce the idea that these glasses represent the choice to see the world in a kind, loving, and God-pleasing way. Remind them of Romans 12:2 and encourage them to try to see the world through these lenses every day.

Using the Glasses and Scenario Cards in Role-Playing:

Divide the children into small groups and distribute one scenario card to each group. Ensure each group has a diverse set of scenarios over the course of the activity to cover a range of issues.

Setup: Instruct each group to read their scenario aloud and discuss it among themselves first. They should decide who will play each role in the scenario. Encourage them to use their decorated glasses while role-playing to remind them to view the situation from a biblical perspective.

Role-Playing: Each child takes a turn acting out what they would do in the situation based on their understanding of biblical teachings. Other group members can offer suggestions or alternative actions based on different virtues like kindness, patience, or honesty.

After acting out the scenario, the group discusses the actions taken and talks about how those actions reflect a biblical worldview. This discussion should focus on why certain choices might please God and how they can apply these lessons in real life.

Activity 2: “My Worldview Map”

Objective: This activity helps children visualize how they can navigate life using the Bible as their guide, similar to how a map guides someone on a journey.

Materials:

• Prepare large sheets of paper or butcher paper, enough for each child. These will serve as the base for their maps.
• Write out or print small papers with Bible verses, including Romans 12:2, and prepare them along with glue or tape.
• Arrange markers, crayons, and colored pencils in an accessible area for children to use.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Start by explaining that just as explorers use maps to find their way, we can use the Bible and God’s teachings to help guide us through life. Each child will create their own life ‘map’ that includes roads, paths, or landmarks representing different parts of their lives (home, school, church, etc.).

Map Creation: Distribute the large sheets of paper and drawing materials. Assist the children in outlining their life maps, encouraging them to think about the important areas and paths in their lives. Help each child start by drawing a large circle in the middle of their paper, representing themselves.

From this center point, guide them to draw lines outward, leading to different significant areas or aspects of their lives. These could include:

    🏠 Home: A house symbol

    🏫  School: A book or school building symbol

    ⛪  Church: A cross or church building

    🫂  Friends: Interconnected smiley faces

    🎮  Hobbies: Icons representing their favorite activities

Applying Scripture: Introduce the Bible verses, including Romans 12:2, and explain how these can act as signposts on their maps. Help each child decide where to place their verses on the map, guiding them to consider where they need guidance or wish to remember God’s will in their daily lives.

Assist children in choosing which verses to place along the paths on their map. For instance, they might place Romans 12:2 on the path to school to remind them to stay true to their values in that setting.

Here are a few Bible verses that align well with the idea of using Scripture as guidance in our daily lives, suitable for inclusion in your map-making activity to help children visualize how biblical principles influence various areas of their life:

★ Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

This verse is perfect for the path leading to school or decisions, emphasizing reliance on God rather than solely on personal judgment.

★ Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Great for paths related to challenges, such as learning new subjects or participating in sports.

★ Matthew 5:9 – “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

Ideal for the area involving friendships or social interactions, encouraging children to foster peace and understanding among peers.

★ Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Suitable for family and home paths, reminding children of the importance of kindness and forgiveness within their family unit.

★ Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

A powerful encouragement for areas related to personal fears or challenges, such as moving to a new school or dealing with personal difficulties.

★ Colossians 3:23-24 – “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

This verse can be placed along paths dealing with work or hobbies, emphasizing the importance of doing one’s best as a form of service to God.

★ Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

This verse can be central on the map, symbolizing how Scripture guides every step and decision in life.

Personalization: Encourage the children to personalize their maps with drawings, symbols, or words that represent their journey and aspirations. They can illustrate their families, favorite places, dreams, or how they can show kindness and faithfulness.

Once the maps are complete, allow each child to share their map with the group, explaining the significance of the places and verses they chose. This is a great opportunity for children to learn from each other and to understand different perspectives.

Wrap up by discussing how these maps can help remind them to live according to God’s guidance, making choices that reflect a Biblical Worldview. Encourage them to hang their maps in a place where they will see them every day as a reminder of the path they wish to follow.

Discussion Questions for Activities:

“How do your ‘worldview glasses’ help you see situations differently?”
Possible Response: “They help me see how I can be kinder or how Jesus would want me to act.”

“What part of your ‘worldview map’ do you think is most important, and why?”
Possible Response: “The part where I put Romans 12:2 because it reminds me not to just do what everyone else does, but to think about what God wants.”

Conclusion of Activities:

Wrap up by reinforcing that our worldview affects how we see and respond to the world around us. Just like Paityn from our story, we can choose to navigate our lives with a map guided by God’s wisdom and love, helping us to see and act according to His will, as encouraged by Romans 12:2.

Jesus Connection

In our lesson on a Biblical Worldview, we’ve been learning about seeing the world through God’s eyes, like wearing special glasses that help us understand right from wrong and good from bad. Now, let’s talk about someone very special who lived His whole life this way: Jesus.

Understanding Romans 12:2:

First, let’s talk about what Romans 12:2 means: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”

Conforming vs. Transforming:

“Conforming means doing things just because everyone else is doing them. But God asks us to be different—to transform. That means changing our thinking to be more like Jesus’ thinking. Can you think of a time when you decided to do the right thing, even when others were doing something else? That’s transforming!”

Renewing Your Mind:

“Renewing your mind means to make your thoughts fresh and new with God’s help. It’s like updating an old, slow computer to work fast and correctly. We renew our minds by reading the Bible, praying, and doing things that please God. What are some things you do to feel close to God?”

Testing and Approving God’s Will:

“This part is like being a detective. By learning more about Jesus and what He teaches us, we can figure out what is good and what God likes. When you’re kind to others, help your friends, or forgive someone, you’re living in a way that makes God happy. What’s one kind thing you did this week?”

Jesus’ Life: A Model of Non-Conformity

Jesus lived His life in a way that was often different from everyone else. He didn’t just go along with what others were doing or saying if it wasn’t part of God’s plan. For example, when people were mean or unfair, Jesus chose kindness and fairness.

When everyone else walked past someone who needed help, Jesus stopped and helped. He showed us that being part of God’s family means sometimes doing things differently from others.

Discuss: Can you think of a story where Jesus did something unexpected or different from what others were doing?

Our Biblical Worldview: Being the Hands and Feet of Jesus

Having a Biblical Worldview means we try to live like Jesus. We can be His hands by helping others, and His feet by going places to spread kindness and love. When we make choices that show love and respect, we are following Jesus’ example.

How Jesus Never Conformed to the World:

Even when it was hard, Jesus stayed true to God’s ways. He didn’t lie, cheat, or ignore people who needed help. He showed us what it means to be brave and kind, even when others aren’t. That’s not conforming to the world; that’s transforming it, just like Romans 12:2 tells us. By living like Jesus, we can help transform our world too.

Reflect: What are some ways we can live like Jesus at school, at home, or with our friends? How can we show we’re following a Biblical Worldview and not just doing what everyone else does?

Concluding the Connection:

Remember, a Biblical Worldview isn’t just about what we believe inside; it’s about how we show those beliefs through our actions, just like Jesus did. He never conformed to the wrong things of the world but instead showed us a better way to live—a way filled with love, kindness, and truth.

Every day, we have choices to make. Let’s choose to be like Jesus, to be the hands and feet that spread God’s love wherever we go. That’s what having a Biblical Worldview is all about.

Creative Expressions

In this craft, we’re going to create something that will remind us every day how we can walk in Jesus’ footsteps, embodying a Biblical worldview by being the hands and feet of Jesus in the world around us.

Objective: To create a visual and interactive reminder for children to live out their faith through actions, just like Jesus did, and not conform to worldly behaviors.

Materials Needed:

• Construction paper or cardstock 
• Yarn or ribbon
• Markers, crayons, and decorative items (stickers, glitter glue, etc.)
• Hole punch
• Scissors 

Detailed Instructions:

1. If you’re starting with plain paper, have kids trace their footprints and handprints. (It can be done with shoes on or off.)  You may need to assist some of the less coordinated.

2. Allow kids to then cut out their four prints using scissors.

3. Punch a hole at the top of each footprint and handprint shape for hanging later.

4. Personalizing: Have the children think about the ways they can follow Jesus in their daily lives – how can they show love, kindness, and courage like He did?

5. On the handprints, have them write or draw actions that represent being Jesus’ hands – acts of kindness and service.

On the footprints, have them note ways they can be His feet – going out into the world to spread love and positivity.

6. Decorating: Encourage the children to decorate their hands and footprints with markers, stickers, and other materials. This is a chance for them to creatively express their commitment to living like Jesus.

Discussion While Crafting: As the children work, engage them in conversation. Ask them to share what they’ve written or drawn and why. Discuss how these actions can make a difference in their lives and the lives of those around them.

Creating the Hanging Display: Once the handprints and footprints are decorated, thread yarn or ribbon through the holes to create a hanging display. This can be placed in their room or home as a daily reminder to walk in Jesus’ footsteps.

Sharing and Reflection:

Reflect on the completed project: “Every time you see your footprints, remember that you’re following Jesus’ path. Just like He helped and loved others, you can do the same in your home, school, and community.”

Craft Discussion:

1. “How can following these footprints help us be more like Jesus?”
Possible Response: “By doing what the footprints say, we’re doing kind and good things, just like Jesus did.”

2. “What might make it hard to follow these steps in real life?”
Possible Response: “Sometimes other people might make fun of us, or it might be easier to do something else. But we can remember Jesus and try to be strong like Him.”

3. “How do you feel when you follow Jesus’ example and do something kind?”
Possible Response: “I feel happy and proud because I know I’m doing the right thing.”

Conclusion:

Wrap up by affirming each child’s work and their commitment to living out a Biblical worldview, just like Jesus. Encourage them to hang their handprints and footprints somewhere they will see them every day as a reminder of the path they’re choosing to walk – one of kindness, love, and faith.

Parting Thoughts

As we wrap up today’s lesson on developing a Biblical Worldview and following in Jesus’ footsteps, let’s gather around and think about what we’ve learned and how we can apply it in our daily lives.

Biblical Worldview Recap:

• A Biblical Worldview is a set of beliefs and ideas that Christians use to understand and respond to the world around them.
• “We started today by exploring what it means to have a Biblical Worldview, like wearing special glasses that help us see the world the way God wants us to.”
• “We talked about how Jesus lived His life differently from others, not conforming to the wrong things in the world but transforming it with love, kindness, and truth. Remember, our big verse for today, Romans 12:2, teaches us not to follow what everyone else is doing but to let God change the way we think and act.”

Encouraging for the Week Ahead:

“This week, I challenge you to be the hands and feet of Jesus in your world. Look for ways to help others, to be kind, and to make choices that would make God happy. Remember the crafts we made? Let them be your reminder this week to see the world through God’s eyes and to spread His love everywhere you go.”

Prayer:

Let’s close our eyes and bow our heads for our final prayer. “Dear God, thank you for teaching us about Your love and how to see the world through Your eyes. Help us to remember everything we learned today about being like Jesus and not conforming to the world. Give us strength and courage to make good choices and to be kind to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Final Encouragement:

“Before we say goodbye, I want to remind you to take home your crafts and the handouts we’ve provided. They’ll help you remember to keep looking at the world in a way that pleases God. And don’t forget, next week we’ll explore more wonderful stories from the Bible and learn how we can live out God’s truths every day.”

“Have a fantastic week, and I can’t wait to hear all the wonderful things you’ll do by being the hands and feet of Jesus. Remember, you are loved, and you have the power to make a difference!”

Keep Exploring

After exploring what it means to have a Biblical Worldview and how we can be the hands and feet of Jesus, here are some follow-up activities to continue learning and growing outside of our lesson time. These activities are designed to engage both the children and their families, reinforcing the concepts we’ve discussed and encouraging real-world application.

1. Worldview Week Diary:

Objective: Encourage children to keep track of how they apply their Biblical worldview in daily life.

Materials Needed:

• A small notebook or diary for each child
• Pens, pencils, or crayons

Instructions for Parents and Teachers:
Give each child a diary and challenge them to write down one action each day that reflects living out a Biblical worldview. This could be a kind act, a moment of honesty, a decision that was different from the crowd, or a time when they shared Jesus’ love with someone.

At the end of the week, have a discussion about what they wrote. Share how these actions made them feel and how they think it impacted others.

2. Family Service Project

Objective: Put faith into action by planning and participating in a service project as a family or class.

Instructions for Parents and Teachers:
Discuss with your children or class about a community service project you can do together. It could be as simple as cleaning up a local park, visiting a nursing home, or helping a neighbor in need.

Plan and carry out the project together. Afterward, reflect on the experience and how it relates to being the hands and feet of Jesus.

3. Kindness and Worldview Challenge Cards

Objective: Provide tangible reminders and challenges for children to act out their Biblical worldview.

Materials Needed:

• Pre-made cards with various kindness challenges or worldview reflection questions (e.g., “Help someone in need today,” “Share something you are thankful for,” “Find a way to show God’s love to a friend”)

Instructions for Parents and Teachers:
Distribute challenge cards to the children and encourage them to complete the challenges during the week.

Set aside time in the next class or at home to discuss the challenges: which ones they completed, how it felt, and what they learned about living out their faith.

4. Reflection and Sharing Time

Objective: Create a safe space for children to share experiences and reflections on applying their Biblical worldview.

Instructions for Parents and Teachers:
Once a week, set aside time for children to share experiences where they felt they were living out their Biblical worldview.

Encourage open discussion and positive reinforcement for shared stories and experiences. This can be a time of encouragement and growth for both the sharer and the listeners.

These follow-up activities aim to bridge the gap between learning about a Biblical worldview and living it out in everyday life. By engaging in these activities, children can see the practical implications of their faith and learn to navigate the world around them with love, kindness, and a perspective rooted in the teachings of Jesus.

Additional Tips for Teachers and Parents

Navigating the journey of instilling a Biblical worldview in children can be both rewarding and challenging. Here are some additional tips for teachers and parents to enhance the learning experience and ensure the message resonates deeply with the children.

1. Model the Behavior:
Children learn a lot by observing the adults around them. Strive to model a Biblical worldview in your own actions. Let them see you making choices and reacting to situations in ways that reflect Jesus’ teachings. Share your own experiences where you had to choose between conforming to the world or following God’s way.

2. Encourage Questions:
Create an environment where children feel safe to ask questions about what they’re learning. Some concepts might be difficult to understand, and having open discussions can help clarify their thoughts and feelings. Remind them that it’s okay to have questions about the Bible and their faith.

3. Use Everyday Situations:
Find teachable moments in everyday situations to discuss the Biblical worldview. Whether it’s a decision about how to treat a sibling or an ethical dilemma in a movie, use these opportunities to discuss what a Jesus-centered response looks like.

4. Provide Resources:
Offer children access to age-appropriate Bibles, storybooks, and online resources that reinforce Biblical teachings. Encourage them to read or watch stories from the Bible, and discuss how those stories can apply to their own lives.

5. Continuous Learning:
Encourage continuous learning and exploration of the Bible at home and in the classroom. Suggest setting aside a regular time for Bible reading and discussion, which can help deepen their understanding and application of a Biblical worldview.

6. Praise Efforts:
Acknowledge and praise children when you see them applying their Biblical worldview in real life. Positive reinforcement can motivate them to continue making choices that align with God’s teachings.

7. Pray Together:
Incorporate prayer into your discussions about a Biblical worldview. Pray with the children for wisdom, guidance, and strength to live according to God’s will, and encourage them to pray on their own as well.

8. Connect with Community:
Engage with your church or faith community to provide additional support and learning opportunities for the children. Group activities, Sunday school, and church services can all reinforce the lessons learned in class and at home.

9. Be Patient:
Understand that developing a Biblical worldview is a process that takes time. Be patient with the children as they grow and learn, and be there to guide them through their questions and challenges.

10. Feedback and Reflection:
Regularly ask for feedback from the children about what they’re learning and how they’re applying it to their lives. Encourage them to share their successes and struggles, and reflect together on how they can continue to grow in their understanding and application of a Biblical worldview.

By incorporating these tips into your teaching and parenting, you can help children build a strong foundation in their faith and navigate the world with a perspective that honors God and reflects His love and truth.

Joyful Noises

“I Have Decided to Follow Jesus”

This song emphasizes the personal commitment to follow Jesus, regardless of others’ choices. It’s a declaration that fits well with the theme of not conforming to the world but being transformed by renewing our minds, as encouraged in Romans 12:2. It can help children think about their own decisions to choose God’s ways over the world’s.

“This Little Light of Mine”

While this song is often suggested for its simplicity and joy, it’s also profoundly relevant to a lesson on Biblical Worldview. It encourages children to shine their light—representing truth, kindness, and Jesus’ love—in a world that often promotes the opposite. It’s a fun way for kids to remember to live out their faith and show others what it means to follow Jesus.

“My Lighthouse” by Rend Collective

This energetic song can help children understand that God is our guide and lighthouse, leading us through life. It reinforces the trust we should place in God’s guidance when shaping our worldview and making decisions.

Our world is full of questions about who we are and where we belong. There are so many places and things that people say can give us these answers—like what we’re good at, what we look like, or even what others say about us.

But the Bible shows us something different. It tells us that our true identity and purpose come from God. He made each of us in His image, unique and full of worth.

Hello Adventure!

Objective: Our mission is to discover that our true identity and purpose is not found in culture or society, but comes from God.

Opening Prayer:

“Dear God, thank You for loving us and making each of us special. As we learn more about our identity and purpose in You, help us to understand and remember that we are Your children, made in Your image. Show us how to live out the unique plan You have for each of us.

Guide us in Your ways, so we may walk in the path You have set for us, using our talents and gifts to glorify You. Teach us to serve others with love and to fulfill the roles You have designed for us in this world. Amen.”

Ice Breaker: “The Worldveiw Web:

This ice breaker helps students get to know each other while also introducing the concept of identity through a fun and interactive game. It emphasizes that, much like we may not immediately recognize the Bible character on our own sticky note, sometimes our own identities might feel like a mystery to us—but they are always known to God.

Materials Needed:

• Sticky notes (one for each participant)
• Markers
• List of Bible characters (ensure a diverse mix of well-known and lesser-known characters to increase the challenge and educational aspect)

Instructions:

Before the session, write the name of a different Bible character on each sticky note using the markers. Make sure the names are clearly legible.

Gather all participants in a circle and explain the objective of the game: “You will each have a sticky note with the name of a Bible character on it placed on your forehead. Without looking at your own note, you’ll ask yes or no questions to figure out which character you are!”

Hand out the sticky notes randomly to each participant. Ask them to avoid looking at their note and help each other place them on their foreheads without revealing the character names.

Playing the Game:
Participants take turns asking the group yes or no questions about their character, such as “Am I a woman?” or “Did I interact with Jesus directly in the Bible?”
Allow each person to ask only one question per turn to keep the game moving smoothly.

The game continues until each participant successfully guesses their Bible character.

Follow-Up Discussion Questions:

“How did it feel to not know your own identity in the game? Does this relate to how we sometimes feel about ourselves in real life?”

“What helped you figure out who you were? How can we apply these strategies to understanding our own identities?”

“In what ways does knowing the stories of these Bible characters help us understand different aspects of God’s plan?”

“How does realizing that God knows each of us intimately, just as we came to know the characters, impact your feelings about your relationship with God?”

“How can we help each other in our community or church to better understand and support each other’s identities?”

“What are some ways we can remind ourselves and others about how God sees us, especially on days when we might feel uncertain about who we are?”

Conclusion:
Wrap up the discussion by emphasizing the importance of community in helping us explore and affirm our identities as God’s children. Highlight that just as they worked together to discover the identities of the Bible characters, they can support each other in their spiritual journeys and personal growth.

Introducing the Story:

In our culture, it’s common to look for our identity in many places—our hobbies, our looks, or even our friendships. But what if we told you that there’s something much more stable and true that can tell us who we are? Today, we’re exploring how being followers of Jesus changes everything about our identity and purpose. We’ll see how God’s view of us is the most important and discover the incredible plans He has for our lives.

Get ready, explorers! We’re about to uncover the most wonderful truth about ourselves through the eyes of our Creator. Let’s embark on this adventure with open hearts and eager minds.

Discovering Our Identity and Purpose in Christ

Gather around, as we dive into a story that’s not just a tale from long ago but a guide to understanding who we are today. This story isn’t about a far-off land or mythical creatures; it’s about you, me, and a journey to discover our true identity and purpose through God’s eyes.

Our Story Begins…
Imagine standing in front of a giant mirror, but instead of showing your reflection, it shows you as different characters: an astronaut, a teacher, a doctor, a chef… With each change, you wonder, “Is this who I’m meant to be?” This mirror is like the world around us, offering endless reflections of who we could be, based on what we do or what others say about us.

But then, the mirror changes once more, and this time, it shows something different—not a job, a title, or a role, but you, surrounded by light, with the words “Loved, Chosen, Forgiven, Redeemed” floating around. This is how God sees you.

Let’s explore what these words mean, diving into the Bible to uncover the treasure of our true identity and purpose.

1. Loved Unconditionally

The Bible tells us in 1 John 3:1, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!“

Before you did anything to earn it, God already loved you immensely. You are His child, loved for who you are, not what you do.

“Think about this: even before you were born, before you did your first good deed or made your first mistake, God’s love for you was already overflowing. It’s like when your family loves you just because you’re you, not because you cleaned your room or got good grades. You are incredibly precious to God, simply because you exist. He loves you more than you can imagine, and nothing you do can make Him love you any more or any less. That’s the kind of unconditional love God has for you, His child.”

How does knowing you’re loved by God just because you’re you change how you see yourself?

2. Chosen for a Reason

In Ephesians 1:4-5, we learn that “He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love, He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, according to His pleasure and will.”
God chose you to be part of His family, with a special role only you can fulfill.

“Did you know that out of all the people in the world, God picked you to be part of His amazing family? It’s true! Just like a coach picks team members for their unique skills, God chose you because He has a special plan that only you can do. Your role in God’s family is like a puzzle piece that fits perfectly. Without you, the picture wouldn’t be complete. This doesn’t mean you have to be perfect; it means that being yourself is exactly what God’s team needs. He’s excited about the part you’ll play in His big story.”

What does it feel like to know you were chosen by God even before the world was made?

3. Forgiven Completely

Colossians 1:13-14 reveals, “For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.“

Our mistakes don’t define us; God’s forgiveness does. He sees us as new creations, free from the past.

“Everyone makes mistakes; it’s part of being human. But here’s some really good news: our mistakes don’t have to stick to us like permanent stickers. Because of Jesus, God offers us forgiveness, which is like a do-over. When we say sorry and accept God’s forgiveness, He doesn’t just wipe our slate clean; He gives us a brand new one. It’s as if we get to start fresh, not as people weighed down by our past, but as new creations who are free to live joyfully and confidently. With God, every day is a new beginning, full of hope and possibilities.”

How does understanding God’s forgiveness help us forgive ourselves and others?

4. Redeemed and Made New

Finally, 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!“

Again, our mistakes don’t define us; God’s forgiveness does. He sees us as new creations, free from the past.

What does being a “new creation” in Christ mean for how we live our lives every day?

Concluding Our Journey:
As our story comes to a close, remember, the mirror showing “Loved, Chosen, Forgiven, Redeemed” is the truest reflection of who you are. Your identity isn’t built on shifting sands of opinions or circumstances but on the solid rock of God’s truth about you.

Discussion Questions

“How does it make you feel to know God loves you all the time?”
Possible Response: “It makes me feel really special. Even if I do something wrong or if my friends are being mean, I know God still loves me.”

“How cool is it that God picked you for His team before you were even born?”
Possible Response: “It’s awesome! It makes me feel important and like I have a special mission to find out.”

“How does knowing God forgives you help you forgive yourself or others?”
Possible Response: “It helps a lot. If God can forgive me for anything, I can forgive others too. It’s like letting go of a heavy bag I didn’t know I was carrying.”

“What does it mean to you to be a new person because of Jesus?”
Possible Response: “It’s like getting a brand new start every day. I can try to be better because I know I’m already made new by Jesus.”

“What word would you pick to describe you, knowing God loves and chose you?”
Possible Response: “Loved, because no matter what, I know God will always love me. That’s something I’m always sure about.”

“How do you think knowing you’re loved and chosen by God changes the way you decide to act?”
Possible Response: “It means I can choose to be kind and brave because I’m not scared. I want to be like that new kid’s friend because that’s what someone loved by God would do.”

Now, with hearts full of these truths, let’s step into some activities that will help us bring these concepts to life and discover more about our unique purpose and identity in Christ.

Play & Learn

Now that we’ve dived into what the Bible says about our identity and purpose, let’s put those concepts into action with some interactive activities designed specifically for you, our 4th through 6th graders.

These activities will help reinforce our understanding of how deeply loved, chosen, and forgiven we are by God, and how we can live out our unique purpose.

Activity 1: “Identity Puzzle Pieces”

Objective: This activity aims to help children explore and articulate various aspects of their identity in a fun and interactive way, reinforcing the concept that each person is uniquely created by God with a purpose. It emphasizes how individual traits and talents come together to form a complete picture, reflecting God’s design.

Materials Needed:

• Large poster boards (one per group of 4-5 children)
• Pre-cut puzzle pieces from card stock (large enough for children to write on)
• Markers, crayons, and colored pencils
• Stickers and other decorative items
• Glue or double-sided tape

Instructions:

Start by discussing the concept of identity, explaining that just like a puzzle, our identity is made up of many different pieces—interests, talents, relationships, and beliefs.

Mention that each of us is like a unique puzzle designed by God, and each piece is important.

Divide the children into small groups and give each group a large poster board and a set of blank puzzle pieces.

Ask each child to choose a few puzzle pieces and write or draw something about themselves on each piece. Examples might include:

– One piece for a talent or hobby they have.
– One piece for an important relationship (like family or friends).
– One piece for something they believe in or value (like a verse from the Bible or a personal motto).
– One piece for their aspirations or dreams for the future.

Puzzle Assembly:
Once all the children in the group have decorated their pieces, they should work together to assemble their puzzle on the poster board. They can arrange the pieces however they like, but they should fit together to form a complete picture.

Encourage them to discuss how their individual pieces contribute to the group’s overall picture, reflecting on how our individual identities contribute to our communities.

Group Discussion and Sharing:
Have each group present their completed puzzle to the class. Each child can share one of their pieces and explain how it represents a part of who they are.

Discuss how all the different pieces are necessary to complete the puzzle, just like each person’s unique abilities and qualities are important in God’s eyes.

Lead a reflection on how this activity might help them see themselves and others differently. Ask questions like:

“How does seeing everyone’s pieces together change how you think about your own identity?”
“What did you learn about someone else that surprised you?”

Conclusion:
Wrap up by emphasizing that just as every puzzle piece was needed to complete the picture, every child is valuable and plays a unique role in their community and in God’s plan.

Encourage the children to think about how they can help others in their community fit in and feel valued, just like they worked together to fit every piece into the puzzle. Suggest they bring this mindset to their interactions at school, at home, and during extracurricular activities.

Activity 2: “Path To Purpose Obstacle Course”

Objective: This interactive game helps children understand the journey of discovering their purpose in a fun, physical way. Through a series of obstacle challenges, the game simulates the various hurdles and decisions we encounter in life, emphasizing that each choice and challenge helps shape our God-given purpose.

Materials:

• Cones or markers to set up different sections of the obstacle course.
• Various props for obstacles, such as hoops, ropes for a tug-of-war section, bean bags for a throwing station, and puzzles or riddles.
• Signs with Bible verses or inspirational quotes that relate to purpose and determination.
• A bell or buzzer at the finish line.

Setup:

Create an obstacle course using cones, tape lines, chairs, and/or tables, that includes different types of challenges – each one designed to represent a different aspect of life’s journey toward discovering and fulfilling one’s purpose. Here are the stations/challenges:

Puzzle Station – Symbolizes solving problems and figuring out where talents and interests lie. Kids arrive at a table where a simple puzzle or a riddle awaits them. They must solve the puzzle or riddle before moving on. This station tests problem-solving skills and symbolizes piecing together one’s talents and interests.

Proverbs 16:9 – “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” This verse helps children understand that while we make plans, God guides us, helping us piece together our life’s purpose as He sees fit.

Tug-of-War Section – Represents overcoming personal and external challenges. This station involves a short tug-of-war challenge, either against a fixed object or as a team challenge. It represents overcoming personal and external challenges through strength and perseverance.

Ephesians 6:10 – “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” This verse emphasizes reliance on God’s strength when facing challenges, reminding participants that overcoming obstacles is part of God’s plan for building resilience and character.

Precision Throw – Using bean bags to hit targets, symbolizing focusing on goals and making precise decisions. Students must throw bean bags into designated targets that vary in difficulty. This station emphasizes the importance of making precise decisions and aiming for goals.

Philippians 3:14 – “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” This verse encourages focus and determination, inspiring children to aim for their goals with the confidence that God has set a purposeful path for them.

Balance Beam – Walk across a beam or a line of tape, representing staying balanced and focused amidst distractions. Students walk across a balance beam or a marked line while carrying a book or another object on their heads, focusing on maintaining balance and concentration amidst life’s distractions.

Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” This verse underscores the importance of God’s Word in guiding us, helping maintain spiritual balance and focus amidst the distractions of life.

Verse Memorization – Quick station where participants must read and then recite a Bible verse about purpose and perseverance. At this station, kids pick a card with a Bible verse about purpose and perseverance, read it, and then recite it from memory to a volunteer or record it on a provided device. This emphasizes the importance of scripture in guiding life’s path.

Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This well-loved verse reinforces the theme of divine purpose, encouraging children to trust in God’s plan for their lives, which is always for their good and His glory.

Instructions:

Explain to the children that each part of the course represents different challenges and milestones in understanding and living out their God-given purpose.

Divide children into small teams or have them run the course individually, depending on the group size.

Running the Course: Children begin the obstacle course at the starting line, progressing through each station. At each station, they must complete the designated task before moving on.

Have participants line up at the start line. If in teams, the first member of each team will begin the course on your signal. If individuals are running the course, stagger their start times to manage congestion at the stations. Start the course with a clear signal (whistle, shout, or bell).

Navigate the Stations

Volunteers or staff should be positioned at each station to ensure safety, provide instructions, and help keep the activity moving smoothly. They can also offer encouragement and hints if a child struggles with a task. Ensure that all participants are engaged and that no one is left struggling alone for too long. Adjust challenges on the fly if necessary to accommodate younger or less able participants.

As participants complete the final station, cheer them on to the finish line where they can ring a bell or buzzer to signify their completion. Have volunteers or staff members guide completed participants to a designated waiting area where they can cheer on their peers and await the group debrief.

A few notes for this activity:

Keep track of time for each participant or team if the course is being timed for competitive purposes. However, emphasize that the goal is personal best and learning, not just speed.

Ensure smooth transitions between stations, adjusting the flow of participants as needed to avoid bottlenecks.

Continually monitor each station for potential safety issues. Be prepared to pause the course or make necessary adjustments to ensure all children are safe.

As children engage with each station, encourage them to think about how each activity could relate to real-life scenarios where they might need to apply their faith, make decisions, or use their talents.

Once all participants have completed the course, gather them together. Discuss what they learned about facing challenges and how these can relate to discovering their life’s purpose.

Discussion Questions:

1. “Which part of the course was the most challenging and why?”

2. “How do you think the challenges on this course can relate to finding your purpose in life?”

3. “What did you learn about teamwork and helping others through challenges?”

Conclusion of Activities:

Conclude by emphasizing that like the obstacle course, life’s path to purpose is filled with various challenges and learning opportunities, and that each step, whether easy or difficult, is part of God’s plan to shape us into who we are meant to be.

Jesus Connection

Let’s dive into how knowing Jesus helps us figure out who we are and what we’re meant to do. Imagine Jesus as the best guide on our adventure to discover our true selves.

Loved and Chosen Just Like Jesus:

Even before Jesus started doing all the amazing things He did—like teaching, healing, and showing kindness—God made it clear to everyone that Jesus was His beloved Son. When Jesus was baptized, it was a special moment. Imagine the sky opening up and God’s voice saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)

Wow, right? Before Jesus performed any miracles, God was already pleased with Him, just because He was His Son. In the same way, before we do anything, God loves us immensely. We don’t have to earn God’s love by being perfect or the best at something. We’re already loved and chosen by Him, which is pretty awesome. It’s like being chosen for the best team before you even try out, simply because the coach—God—thinks you’re fantastic just as you are.

• Just like your parents have special nicknames for you because they love you, God has special names for us, like “beloved” and “chosen.” This makes us super special to God, no matter what.

Helping Others Like Jesus Did:

Think about this: Jesus could have spent His time here being treated like a king, but instead, He chose to serve others. He made friends with people who had no one else, healed those who were sick, and always had time to listen and care. Jesus once said, “I came not to be served but to serve others” (Mark 10:45).

He showed us that what makes us truly important isn’t how many people do things for us, but how many people we can help and love. Being important in God’s eyes is about making a difference, even in small ways, like sharing your lunch or standing up for someone who’s being picked on. Jesus teaches us that our hands are meant for helping, not just for holding onto things for ourselves.

• Think of someone who needs a friend or some help. How can you show them kindness this week? It could be as simple as sharing your snacks or helping with homework.

Starting Fresh with Forgiveness:

Everyone messes up sometimes, right? But here’s the amazing news: because of Jesus, it’s like we can press the reset button whenever we need to. When Jesus died on the cross and then came back to life, He made it possible for us to start over—no matter what. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” That’s like turning over a new leaf every single day.

Our past mistakes? Gone. Our failures? Erased. Every morning, we wake up as new creations, ready to live our best day yet. It’s like playing a video game where you always have another chance to win, no matter how many times you’ve lost before.

• Imagine if every bad choice or mistake was like a stain on your favorite shirt. Jesus’ forgiveness is like the ultimate stain remover, making everything new again. How does it feel knowing you can start each day fresh?

Following Jesus’ Footsteps:

Knowing all this—knowing we’re loved, chosen, and can start fresh—fills us with confidence and happiness. And when we live like Jesus, showing kindness, love, and helping those around us, we’re doing exactly what we were made to do. It’s like if you were designed to be the world’s greatest inventor, painter, or storyteller; when you’re inventing, painting, or telling stories, you feel right.

That’s how we feel when we live like Jesus, doing good things for others and loving them just like He loves us. It’s not always about doing big things; even small acts of kindness show the world who we are and whose we are—God’s kids, living out our amazing purpose.

• Let’s make a “Following in Jesus’ Footsteps” chart. For one week, write or draw one thing you did each day that was like Jesus—maybe you shared, helped someone, or chose to be kind even when it was hard. See how being like Jesus can make a big difference in your day!

Wrapping Up:

Friends, Jesus shows us the best way to understand who we are and what we’re meant to do. Remember, in God’s eyes, you are super special—loved, chosen, and given a brand new start because of Jesus. Let’s live out that love by helping and caring for those around us, just like Jesus would.

Creative Expressions

Let’s get creative and make something that will help us remember everything we’ve learned about being loved, chosen, forgiven, and made new by God. This craft will be a daily reminder of our identity in Christ and how we can live out our purpose.

Objective: To create a personal bookmark that reflects each student’s understanding of their identity in Christ and serves as a reminder of how they can live out their God-given purpose.

Materials Needed:

• Heavy paper or cardstock cut into bookmark-sized strips
• Markers, colored pencils, and crayons
  Stickers with Christian symbols (crosses, doves, fish, etc.)
• Glue and glitter (optional for decoration)
  Hole punch and ribbons or yarn
• Printed Bible verses related to identity in Christ (Ephesians 2:10, 1 John 3:1, Mark 10:45, 2 Corinthians 5:17)

Instructions:

Start by thinking about what colors or symbols best represent your identity in Christ. Maybe blue for peace, a cross for faith, or a bright color to show joy. Use the markers, pencils, and crayons to decorate your bookmark in a way that shows what being loved, chosen, forgiven, and made new means to you.

Adding Bible Verses:
Choose one or more of the printed Bible verses that speak to you the most about your identity in Christ. Glue these onto your bookmark. You can decorate around them with drawings or stickers that match the theme of the verse.

Making It Sparkle:
If you like, add some glitter to your bookmark to make it stand out. Remember, the glitter is like the special touch that God puts on our lives, making us shine in our own unique way.

Finishing Touches:
Punch a hole at the top of your bookmark and thread a piece of ribbon or yarn through it. This ribbon can be a reminder of the connection we have to Jesus, tying us to Him.

Reflection and Sharing:

After everyone has completed their bookmarks, it’s important to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for sharing. Arrange the seating in a circle to encourage a sense of community and togetherness. You might even light a candle (safely) in the center to symbolize the light of Christ that shines within each of us.

Before the sharing begins, guide the students through a brief moment of reflection. Ask them to hold their bookmarks and look at them quietly for a minute, thinking about what they’ve created and what it represents about their identity in Christ. Encourage them to think about the following questions silently:

“How do the colors, symbols, and verses on my bookmark represent who I am in God’s eyes?”

“What does this bookmark remind me about how I want to live out my purpose?”

Structured Sharing Time:

To ensure that everyone has a chance to share and feels comfortable doing so, you might introduce a “talking piece” — an object that only the person holding it can speak. This could be anything symbolic to the lesson, like a small cross or a heart-shaped rock.

As the talking piece is passed around the circle, invite each student to share their thoughts on the following:

The Design: “Explain the design of your bookmark. Why did you choose these particular colors, symbols, or decorations?”

The Verse: “Read the Bible verse(s) you included and share why it speaks to you about your identity in Christ.”

The Personal Meaning: “What does this bookmark mean to you personally? How will seeing it in your book remind you of who you are and how you want to live?”

Listening and Responding:

Encourage the rest of the group to listen attentively while each person shares. After someone has shared, before the talking piece moves on, invite anyone who feels moved to offer words of encouragement or a brief reflection on what was shared. This could be a simple affirmation like, “I really liked how you talked about forgiveness” or “Your bookmark reminds me that we’re all special to God.”

Wrapping Up the Sharing Time

Conclude the sharing session with a group affirmation. Have everyone place their bookmarks in the center of the circle (near the symbolic candle, if you used one) and say together, “We are all loved, chosen, forgiven, and made new by God.” This collective affirmation reinforces the lesson’s themes and the shared identity and purpose found in Christ.

Using Your Bookmark:

Keep your bookmark in your Bible or any book you’re reading as a constant reminder of who you are in Jesus. Every time you open your book, you’ll see your beautiful creation and remember that you are loved, chosen, forgiven, and made new to do great things for God.

Conclusion:
This craft isn’t just about making something pretty; it’s a way to express and remember the truths about our identity in Christ. It’s a personal reminder that we carry with us, helping us to live out our purpose with joy and confidence.

Parting Thoughts

As we come to the close of our journey today, exploring our identity and purpose through a Biblical worldview, let’s take a moment to reflect on the treasures we’ve discovered. Remember, each of you is a masterpiece created by God, loved immensely, chosen for a special purpose, forgiven completely, and made brand new in Jesus.

Recapping Our Adventure:

We Are Loved and Chosen: Just like Jesus was called God’s beloved Son, each of you is loved and chosen by God. You don’t have to earn His love; you are precious to Him just as you are.

Called to Serve: We learned from Jesus that being great means serving others. Looking for ways to help and show kindness is part of our purpose.

A Fresh Start: Jesus gives us a fresh start every day. Our mistakes from yesterday don’t have to define today or tomorrow. In Christ, we are new creations.

Living Out Our Purpose: Armed with the knowledge of who we are in Christ, we can confidently live out our unique purposes, shining His light in all we do.

Your Identity Bookmark and Walking in Jesus’ Footsteps Journal:

Remember the crafts we made today—the “My Identity in Christ” bookmarks and the journals. Let these be daily reminders of your true identity and the steps you can take to live out your purpose. Look at your bookmark every time you open a book, and let it remind you of God’s love and your incredible value to Him. Use your journal to track your journey, noting the ways you choose to serve and love others like Jesus.

A Final Prayer:
Let’s close with a prayer, giving thanks and asking for God’s guidance as we seek to live out our identities in Him.

“Dear God, thank You for showing us through Your Word how much You love us, that we are chosen, forgiven, and made new. Help us to remember these truths every day and to live out the special purpose You have for each of us. Guide our steps, help us to serve others with kindness, and to reflect Your love in all we do. Amen.”

Going Forth:
As you go from here, remember that you carry with you the light of Christ. You are equipped to face whatever comes your way because you know who you are in Him. Look for opportunities to be His hands and feet in the world, serving and loving those around you. And always remember, you are a cherished child of God, with a purpose only you can fulfill.

Thank you for joining in this adventure today. Keep exploring, keep serving, and keep shining bright for Jesus!

Keep Exploring

As we wrap up our lesson on discovering our identity and purpose in Christ, let’s look forward to how we can continue this journey of exploration and growth. Here are some follow-up activities and ideas to help you keep reflecting on and living out your God-given identity and purpose.

1. Identity and Purpose Journaling:

Keep using your “Walking in Jesus’ Footsteps” journal to reflect on your daily experiences through the lens of your identity in Christ. Each week, try to write down:

One way you saw yourself as loved, chosen, forgiven, or made new.

One action you took to serve or help someone else, showing God’s love through your actions.

2. Scripture Memorization Challenge:

Choose one of the key verses we talked about (Ephesians 2:10, 1 John 3:1, Mark 10:45, 2 Corinthians 5:17) and challenge yourself to memorize it. Write it on a card to keep in your pocket, or use your craft bookmark as a reminder. Share the verse with a friend or family member and explain why it’s important to you.

3. Purposeful Acts of Kindness:

Plan to do one deliberate act of kindness each week. This could be something simple like writing a thank-you note to someone who has helped you, doing a chore at home without being asked, or spending time with someone who might be feeling lonely. Before you act, remind yourself of your purpose in Christ—to love and serve others.

4. Family or Friend Discussion:

Share what you’ve learned about identity and purpose in Christ with your family or friends. You could:

Lead a family devotion time where you share the key points from our lesson.

Start a discussion with a friend about what it means to be loved and chosen by God.

Ask a parent or guardian to help you find ways to serve others together as a family.

5. Reflection and Prayer Time:

Set aside a quiet time each week to pray and reflect on your identity and purpose in Christ. Ask God to help you understand more deeply how much you are loved and chosen. Pray for opportunities to live out your purpose and for the courage to take those opportunities when they come.

6. Creative Expression:

Express what you’ve learned about your identity in Christ through a creative activity, such as drawing, writing a poem or song, or creating a collage. Focus on the themes of being loved, chosen, forgiven, and made new. Share your creation with a classmate, teacher, or family member, and explain the meaning behind it.

Conclusion and Encouragement:

Remember, discovering our identity and purpose in Christ is a lifelong journey. Each day is an opportunity to learn more about who God has created you to be and how you can live out your unique purpose. Keep exploring, keep asking questions, and keep trusting God to guide you every step of the way. You are a cherished child of God, with a special role to play in His grand story.

Additional Tips for Teachers and Parents

Navigating the journey of instilling a Biblical worldview in children can be both rewarding and challenging. Here are some additional tips for teachers and parents to enhance the learning experience and ensure the message resonates deeply with the children.

1. Model the Behavior:
Children learn a lot by observing the adults around them. Strive to model a Biblical worldview in your own actions. Let them see you making choices and reacting to situations in ways that reflect Jesus’ teachings. Share your own experiences where you had to choose between conforming to the world or following God’s way.

2. Encourage Questions:
Create an environment where children feel safe to ask questions about what they’re learning. Some concepts might be difficult to understand, and having open discussions can help clarify their thoughts and feelings. Remind them that it’s okay to have questions about the Bible and their faith.

3. Use Everyday Situations:
Find teachable moments in everyday situations to discuss the Biblical worldview. Whether it’s a decision about how to treat a sibling or an ethical dilemma in a movie, use these opportunities to discuss what a Jesus-centered response looks like.

4. Provide Resources:
Offer children access to age-appropriate Bibles, storybooks, and online resources that reinforce Biblical teachings. Encourage them to read or watch stories from the Bible, and discuss how those stories can apply to their own lives.

5. Continuous Learning:
Encourage continuous learning and exploration of the Bible at home and in the classroom. Suggest setting aside a regular time for Bible reading and discussion, which can help deepen their understanding and application of a Biblical worldview.

6. Praise Efforts:
Acknowledge and praise children when you see them applying their Biblical worldview in real life. Positive reinforcement can motivate them to continue making choices that align with God’s teachings.

7. Pray Together:
Incorporate prayer into your discussions about a Biblical worldview. Pray with the children for wisdom, guidance, and strength to live according to God’s will, and encourage them to pray on their own as well.

8. Connect with Community:
Engage with your church or faith community to provide additional support and learning opportunities for the children. Group activities, Sunday school, and church services can all reinforce the lessons learned in class and at home.

9. Be Patient:
Understand that developing a Biblical worldview is a process that takes time. Be patient with the children as they grow and learn, and be there to guide them through their questions and challenges.

10. Feedback and Reflection:
Regularly ask for feedback from the children about what they’re learning and how they’re applying it to their lives. Encourage them to share their successes and struggles, and reflect together on how they can continue to grow in their understanding and application of a Biblical worldview.

By incorporating these tips into your teaching and parenting, you can help children build a strong foundation in their faith and navigate the world with a perspective that honors God and reflects His love and truth.

Joyful Noises

“Who You Say I Am” by Hillsong Kids

Adapted for children, this song echoes the truth that we are who God says we are: chosen, not forsaken, children of God who are free indeed. It’s a beautiful affirmation of our identity in Christ, making it perfect for reinforcing the lesson’s themes.