You Decide • Session 1 Lessons for the Leader Salvationperson on your team must locate the verse...

What do these symbols mean?

Application Activities Format:

1t Follow the numbers with arrows for a 30-minute, large group plus 20-minute Application Activities format.

Large Group Format:

1 Follow all the numbers for a 45- to 60-minute large group only format.

®

®

You Decide • Session 1

Lessons for the LeaderHow many decisions do you make on a daily basis? How many of these decisions have eternal consequences? Consider the choices made by Nicodemus (NIK uh DEE muhs). • Think about who Nicodemus was. He was a

Pharisee, "a ruler of the Jews," as well as a member of the Sanhedrin (san HEE drihn), "the Jewish ruling council." Nicodemus was also a teacher of Israel and an authority on interpreting the Scriptures.

• Read John 3:1-15. Notice how Nicodemus began his visit with Jesus. How did Nicodemus know Jesus had come from God? Do you think Jesus answered Nicodemus' questions in the manner he expected?

• Read John 3:16-17. Possibly the most frequently quoted verse in the Bible, John 3:16 outlines the whole gospel. Reread the verse, focusing on each word. When was the first time you remember hearing these words? When was the first time you truly understood them? What difference do they make in your life today?

• Read Romans 3:23; 5:8-10; 6:23; 10:9-10 and 1 John 1:8-10. What do these verses tell you about the love of God? How do they help you prepare to tell children about life's most important decision?

• Pray for each child by name. Ask God to speak to each child, helping her understand the plan of salvation and for the Holy Spirit to speak to her. Prepare to share how a person becomes a Christian.

tAdmit to God you are a sinner. t Believe Jesus is God's Son and accept God's gift of forgiveness from sin. tConfess your faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

SalvationFocus Passages: John 3:1-17; Romans 3:23;

5:8-10; 6:23; 10:9-10; 1 John 1:8-10

Key Bible Verse: John 3:16

Life ApplicationI can accept God's gift of salvation when the Holy Spirit guides me.

Session at a GlanceIntroduction to Worship (8 minutes)

Welcome the ChildrenPlay "Hands-free Puzzle Assembly"

Worship (30 minutes/45 minutes)

Introduce the SessionSing "Jesus Messiah"Sing "My Best Friend"PrayIntroduce ABCs of Becoming a Christian Tell the Bible StoryMake Life ApplicationDiscuss the ABCs of Becoming a ChristianReview the Bible StoryLearn the Key Bible VerseSing "There Is None Like You"/

Receive Offering/PrayShow "Backyard Explorers" Video #2

Application Activities (20 minutes)

Wrap-Up (10 minutes)

OK to copy.

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1tWelcome the Children

Pull It TogetherPrint and copy "You Decide—Parent Connection" (CD) (1 per child).• Distribute copies of "You Decide—Parent

Connection" as parents arrive with their children.

2tPlay "Hands-free Puzzle Assembly"

Pull It TogetherBrightly colored wrapping paper, scissors, ruler, markers, drinking straws (1 per child)• Cut the wrapping paper in 12-by-18-inch

rectangles (1 rectangle per group).

Teacher Tips• Use construction paper instead of wrapping paper.• Display the statement "I can accept God's gift" for

the children to copy.

• Form groups of four to five children. • Give each group a paper rectangle and marker.• Instruct the children to write I can accept God's

gift on the paper.• Distribute scissors.• Direct the children to cut their rectangles into

six to eight jigsaw puzzle pieces.• Say: "Mix up and place your puzzle pieces in

front of you. Working together as a group, use only your straws to assemble the puzzle. You may not touch the puzzle pieces with your hands. When you finish the puzzle, shout 'We did it!'"

• Permit the children to work together to assemble the puzzles.

• Exchange puzzles with groups and replay as time permits.

• Say: "Today we will learn about a gift God wants all of us to receive."

Worship

3 Introduce the Session (1 minute)• Say: "I'm glad you made the decision to come

today. Speaking of decisions, did you know we make hundreds of decisions every day? Some decisions are not as important as others, such as pen or pencil, milk or juice, and paper or plastic. Other decisions are more important, like whether we study or goof off, obey or disobey,

or use drugs and alcohol or not. Today we'll discover life's most important decision."

4 Sing "Jesus Messiah" (DVD, 3 minutes)

5tSing "My Best Friend" (DVD, 3 minutes)

6tPray (1 minute)

7t Introduce ABCs of Becoming a Christian (5 minutes)

Pull It TogetherWorship Guides, pencils

• Distribute Worship Guides and pencils. • Complete "A, B, C and 1, 2, 3" or "What's the

Buzz?"

8tTell the Bible Story (7 minutes)

Pull It TogetherPrint "Jesus and Nicodemus" Teaching Picture (CD). Display.

• Guide the children to open their Bibles to John 3.

• Tell the Bible story in your own words.

Jesus Spoke with NicodemusBased on John 3:1-17; Romans 3:23; 5:8-10;

6:23; 10:9-10; 1 John 1:8-10

One night, a man by the name of Nicodemus came to talk with Jesus. Nicodemus was a member of the Pharisees, the religious and political rulers of the Jewish society. He said to Jesus, "Rabbi (which means 'teacher'), we know You are from God because no one can perform the things You do unless God is with him."

Jesus said to Nicodemus, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." Nicodemus did not understand what Jesus said. Nicodemus said, "How can a grown man be born again like a baby?"

Jesus explained a different kind of birth—not a physical birth, but a spiritual, heavenly birth. Jesus said God's Holy Spirit makes a person's spirit alive and gives him new life. Jesus explained that the Holy Spirit is like the wind, invisible yet powerful.

Introduction to Worship

Salvation

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Jesus explained He was sent by God from heaven to earth. He taught Nicodemus what God had shown and told Him. Jesus said He would be lifted up so everyone who believed in Him would be saved and live forever with God.

9tMake Life Application (6 minutes)

Pull It TogetherSticky notes, scissors• Print, copy, and cut apart "ABC Bookmarks" (CD)

(1 per child).

Teacher TipProvide highlighting markers and allow the children to mark their Bibles.

• Say: "Jesus told Nicodemus the words recorded in John 3:16."

• Read aloud John 3:16.• Explain: "God loves us so much He sent Jesus

to be our Savior. Other verses in the Bible tell us how to ask Jesus to be our Savior and Lord too. Let's locate and mark these verses in our Bibles."

• Distribute sticky notes and "ABC Bookmarks."• Say: "These bookmarks can help people

understand how to become Christians. We can use the information to tell people about Jesus. This information can help them make the most important decision of their lives—the decision to ask Jesus to be their Savior and Lord."

• Direct the children to place sticky notes at the verses with edges extending out of their Bibles.

• Guide the children to locate and read aloud each verse printed on the bookmarks.

10t Discuss the ABCs of Becoming a Christian (5 minutes)

• Share your testimony of how you became a Christian.

• Say: "The Holy Spirit will let each of you know when it is the right time to ask Jesus to be your Savior and Lord. God wants everyone to ask Jesus to be his Savior and Lord, but He wants you to really mean it and not just say words. If you want to talk with me about becoming a Christian, I will be glad to talk with you today."

11 Review the Bible Story (4 minutes)• Ask: "What did Jesus teach Nicodemus about

being born again? Which of these is the same as being born again? A. being saved;

B. becoming a Christian; C. trusting Jesus as Savior and Lord; D. all of the above."

• Guide the children to complete "An Important Visit" on the Worship Guides.

• Read aloud and discuss the questions. • Ask: "If you met face to face with Jesus, what

would you ask Him? Why?"

12 Learn the Key Bible Verse (3 minutes)

Pull It TogetherPoster board, marker, flashlight• Make and display a poster with the words and

reference of John 3:16.

Teacher TipInvite the children to read aloud the verse together if using Application Activities.

• Guide the children to form a circle.• Call attention to the verse poster.• Read aloud the verse as a group.• Say: "Let's say the verse, one word at a time. If

I shine the flashlight on your feet, say the next word of the verse."

• Repeat several times, increasing speed each time.

• Discuss the verse. Explain words the children do not understand.

13t Sing "There Is None Like You" (DVD, 3 minutes)/Receive Offering/Pray

14t Show "Backyard Explorers" Video #2 (DVD, 7 minutes)

• Show the video.• Say: "Elizabeth stated she had thought about

becoming a Christian for some time. How did she know it was time to become a Christian?"

• Continue: "Many people accept Jesus as their Savior and Lord when they are children. The important thing for us to remember is that we should not feel pressured by people to ask Jesus to be our Savior and Lord. We should wait on the Holy Spirit to tell us when the time is right."

15t Transition to Application Activities or Wrap-Up


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Wrap-Up(Large Group Only Format)

16 Play "Find the Verse" (7 minutes)

Pull It TogetherScissors, gift bag• Print and cut apart "ABC Verses" (CD). Place each

card in the bag.

Teacher Tips• Provide additional Bibles. • Remember not all children have the same level of

Bible skill knowledge. Encourage the children to work together.

• Use the marked Bibles (step 9).

• Form teams of four to five players.• Ensure each child has a Bible. • Explain: "Let's see how quickly we can locate

some verses in the Bible. I'll select a card from the bag and show you a Bible reference. Each person on your team must locate the verse in her Bible. When your teammates all locate the verse, shout, 'Got it!'"

• Continue: "The first team to locate the verse earns a point. You can earn an additional point if you tell me correctly if the verse tells us to Admit, Believe, or Confess."

• Play the game. Use the bookmark as the key to the answers.

• Say: "Knowing how to locate verses in the Bible is important. The verses we located are part of the ABCs of becoming a Christian. We can use these verses to tell people how they can accept Jesus as Savior and Lord."

17 Pray (1 minute)• Pray for opportunities to tell people about

Jesus and for children to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit working in their lives.

18 Sing "Oh, What a Day" (DVD, 3 minutes)

19 Dismiss the Children to Their Parents

Wrap-Up(Application Activities Format)

16tShare Application Activities (6 minutes)• Invite the children to share their Application

Activity experiences. tArts and Crafts—ABC Face Paint tDramatic Play—"Flip the Answer" Game Show tGames—Trashketball t Exploration and Discovery—"ABC Stickers"

17tSing "Oh, What a Day" (DVD, 3 minutes)

18tPray (1 minute)• Pray for opportunities to tell people about

Jesus and for children to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit working in their lives.

19tDismiss the Children to Their Parents

You Decide • Session 1 Worship KidStyle Children's Edition Leader Guide, Volume 3© 2013 LifeWay.

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Application Activities Select from the following choices. Each choice is designed for 20 minutes of small group time.

"Flip the Answer" Game Show• Discuss decisions children make on a daily basis.• Review the Bible story and key Bible verse. • Say: "The most important decision a person will ever make is asking Jesus

to be his Savior and Lord. God wants each of us to do this, but He wants us to mean it and not just say words."

• Offer to talk with any child interested in becoming a Christian.• Guide the children to form two teams. • Call attention to the game mat.• Say [in a game-show-host tone of voice]: "Let's play 'Flip the Answer!' In

this game you will be asked to locate verses in your Bible. Each person on your team must locate the verse in her Bible. When your teammates all locate the verse, shout, 'Flip the Answer!' I'll select a person to read aloud the verse. You earn an additional point if you correctly tell me if the verse tells about Admit, Believe, or Confess."

• Select a child to pick a numbered space. • Reveal the verse and play the game. Alternate between teams.• Say: "Knowing how to locate verses in the Bible is important. The verses

we located are part of the ABCs of becoming a Christian. We can use these verses to tell people how they can accept Jesus as Savior and Lord."

• Pray for opportunities to tell people about Jesus and for children to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit working in their lives.

Pull It TogetherGiant Game Floor Mat*, paper, marker, scissors• Print and cut apart

"ABC Verses" (CD). • Fold the game mat to

reveal 12 pockets. • Place an "ABC Verses"

card in each pocket.• Write the numbers 1 to

12 on the paper. Insert 1 page on top of the verse slips in each pocket.

Teacher TipJazz up the game show with props, such as lights, buzzers, microphones, video camera, and "applause" cue cards.

Worship Through Dramatic Play

ABC Face Paint• Discuss decisions children make on a daily basis.• Review the Bible story and key Bible verse. • Say: "The most important decision a person will ever make is asking Jesus


• Offer to talk with any child interested in becoming a Christian.• Review the ABCs of becoming a Christian. • Say: "Let's make face paint so we can paint ABC on our faces. When

people ask us what the letters stand for, we can tell them the ABCs of becoming a Christian."

• Read aloud the recipe and guide the children to mix the face paint.• Instruct the children to carefully apply the face paint on each other using

cotton swabs. Suggest the children paint ABC on their faces.• Say: "When people ask you what the ABC is for, share with them the ABCs

of becoming a Christian." • Choose volunteers to pray. Thank God for sending Jesus to be Savior and

Lord.

Pull It TogetherFacial cream, cornstarch, water, food color, disposable bowls, stir sticks, cotton swabs, paper towels, mirrors, measuring spoons

Teacher Tips• Prepare and post an

allergy chart. • Use smocks or plastic

to keep paint off clothing.

• Allow kids to paint the back of their hands or on paper instead of painting their faces.

Face Paint1 tbsp. facial cream2 tbsp. cornstarch1 tbsp. water• Mix ingredients

together until smooth.• Add 4 drops food

color.• Blend together.

Worship Through Arts and Crafts


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"ABC Stickers"• Discuss decisions children make on a daily basis.• Review the Bible story and key Bible verse. • Say: "The most important decision a person will ever make is asking Jesus


• Offer to talk with any child interested in becoming a Christian.• Review the ABCs of becoming a Christian. • Distribute magazines, sales papers, newspapers, and scissors.• Guide the children to cut out the letters A, B, and C, or letters to spell

Jesus, admit, believe, or confess. • Mix together the gelatin and water in a bowl.• Brush the mixture on the back of the letters and attach to paper or allow

to air dry. When the mixture dries, it can be dampened again to become sticky.

• Suggest the children give their stickers to people and tell them how they can make the most important decision of their lives by accepting Jesus as Savior and Lord.


Pull It TogetherChildren's scissors; old magazines, sales papers, or glossy printed newspapers; hot water (½ cup); measuring cup; gelatin; stir sticks; bowls; brushes; paper

Teacher Tips• Allow the stickers to

dry. Moisten the back and stick them on the paper.

• Use hot, but not boiling water.

• Use glue if gelatin is not available.

• Each box of unflavored gelatin usually contains 4 packets—enough to make 4 batches of stickers.

Worship Through Exploration and Discovery

Trashketball• Discuss decisions children make on a daily basis.• Review the Bible story and key Bible verse. • Say: "The most important decision a person will ever make is asking Jesus


• Offer to talk with any child interested in becoming a Christian.• Review the ABCs of becoming a Christian. • Say: "Let's play 'Trashketball.' These are the balls for the game. [Display

paper wads.] I will read aloud a Bible verse and show you the reference. Your team must decide if the verse relates to Admit, Believe, or Confess. If you are correct, you must decide if you want a free throw (one point), an inside shot (two points), or a mid-court shot (three points). Each person on your team will get one shot from wherever he decides. The team with the most points wins."

• Form two teams. • Select a team to begin. Alternate verses between teams and allow the

children to shoot their "trashketballs."• Record points. • Play as time permits. • Say: "Knowing how to locate verses in the Bible is important. These verses

are part of the ABCs of becoming a Christian. We can use these verses to tell people how they can accept Jesus as Savior and Lord."


Pull It TogetherScrap paper, box to use as basketball hoop, masking tape, scissors, paper, tape measure• Print and cut apart

"ABC Verses" (CD).• Crumple the paper

into paper balls.• Place the box against

the wall.• Make 3 lines: free

throw–4 feet away; inside shot–8 feet away; and mid-court shot–12 feet away.

Worship Through Games

OK to copy.Worship KidStyle Children's Edition Leader Guide, Volume 3© 2013 LifeWay.

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Jesus Spoke with Nicodemus (John 3:1-17; Romans 3:23; 5:8-10; 6:23; 10:9-10; 1 John 1:8-10) You Decide • Session 1Worship KidStyle Children's Edition, Volume 3 Douglas Klauba© 2013 LifeWay. Printed in the USA. OK to copy.

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You Decide—Parent Connection (You Decide • Session 1)Worship KidStyle Children's Edition, Volume 3© 2013 LifeWay. Printed in the USA. OK to copy.

Session 1: SalvationTh e Big Idea: I can accept God's gift of salvation when the

Holy Spirit guides me to.Th e Bible Story: Jesus Spoke with Nicodemus

(John 3:1-17; Romans 3:23; 5:8-10; 6:23; 10:9-10; 1 John 1:8-10)

Key Bible Verse: John 3:16Connecting Points: Read aloud John 3:16. As a family, decide on motions to go with key words in the verse, and practice saying and signing the verse together. Say: "God knows we make mistakes, so He sent Jesus to make a way to forgive us for our sins. When the Holy Spirit tells us it's time to become a Christian, we can ask Jesus to be our Savior and Lord." Offer to talk further with your child if he is interested in knowing more about becoming a Christian. (See "The ABCs of Becoming a Christian" for help.) Pray, thanking God for the salvation Jesus provides when we confess Him as Savior and Lord.

Session 2: Baptism Th e Big Idea: I can know God wants people to be baptized

after they become Christians.Th e Bible Story: Jesus Was Baptized (Matthew 3:1-6,11-17;

28:19; Acts 2:36-41; Romans 6:1-4)Key Bible Verse: Matthew 3:16Connecting Points: Arrange to have your family time near a lake, river, or even a pool, if possible. Read aloud Matthew 3:13-17 (Jesus' baptism). Ask: "What is baptism?" ("lowering a person under water and bringing him back up") Explain that Jesus obeyed God by being baptized. Say: "Being baptized shows a person has asked Jesus to be her Savior and Lord. Being baptized does not make a person a Christian. God wants people to be baptized after they become Christians." Share your baptism experience with your child. Pray, asking God to help people be obedient to follow Jesus' example of baptism after they become Christians.

Session 3: Lord's SupperTh e Big Idea: I can remember what Jesus did for me, when

my church celebrates the Lord's Supper.Th e Bible Story: The Last Supper (Matthew 26:17-30;

1 Corinthians 11:23-26)Key Bible Verse: Luke 22:19

Connecting Points: Discuss the Lord's Supper during one of your family mealtimes. Use bread and drink from your table to illustrate how Jesus chose to use bread and drink during His last supper with His disciples to represent His body and blood that would be shed on the cross for our sins. Read aloud 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. Say: "The Lord's Supper is an event Jesus commanded His followers to do. When we celebrate the Lord's Supper, we can remember what Jesus did for us." Pray, asking God to help people always remember what Jesus did for us.

Session 4: ServiceTh e Big Idea: I can use my God-given abilities to serve

in my church.Th e Bible Story: Paul Taught About Responsibility

(1 Corinthians 12:4-7,12-20,26-27)Key Bible Verse: Galatians 6:10Connecting Points: Provide each family member with a square of aluminum foil. Challenge them to form the foil into a shape that represents something people do to serve in the church. Allow family members to tell about their creations. Read aloud Galatians 6:10. Say: "Church members are called by God to do His work. God gives different gifts and abilities to people so they can serve." Ask: "What are some ways we can serve in the church?" Pray, asking God to help your family use their gifts and abilities to serve Him.

The ABCs of Becoming a Christian:

A— Admit to God you are a sinner. Repent, turning away from your sin. Read Romans 3:23; 6:23; and Acts 3:19.

B— Believe Jesus is God's Son and accept God's gift of forgiveness from sin. Read John 3:16; 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 5:8; Ephesians 2:8-9; and John 1:11-13.

C— Confess your faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Read 1 John 1:9 and Romans 10:9-10,13.

Worship KidStyle Children's EditionParent Connection

Parents: Check out what your child is learning about in Worship KidStyle! The information on this page will help you carry out your role as your child's primary spiritual developer by continuing the discussions we have in class.

You DecideThis unit will help boys and girls learn about decisions they must make related to their faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord.

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ABC Bookmarks (You Decide • Session 1)Worship KidStyle Children's Edition, Volume 3© 2013 LifeWay. Printed in the USA. OK to copy.

A

dm

it t

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od y

ou

are

a si

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. R

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way

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Rom

ans

3:23

; 6:2

3;

and

Act

s 3:

19.

Bel

ieve

Jes

us is

G

od's

Son

and

ac

cept

God

's g

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of

forg

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from

sin

. R

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Joh

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16; 1

4:6;

A

cts

4:12

; Rom

ans

5:8;

Ep

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ans

2:8-

9; a

nd

John

1:1

1-13

.

Conf

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your

fai

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in J

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from

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4:6;

A

cts

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ans

5:8;

Ep

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2:8-

9; a

nd

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.

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A B C

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ABC Verses (You Decide • Session 1)Worship KidStyle Children's Edition, Volume 3© 2013 LifeWay. Printed in the USA. OK to copy.

Rom

ans

3:23

Rom

ans

6:2

3

Acts

3:1

91

John

1:

9

of 12


John

3:

16Jo

hn

14:6

Acts

4:

12Ro

man

s 5:

8

of 12


Ephe

sian

s 2

:8-9

John

1:

11-1

3

Rom

ans

10:9

-10

Rom

ans

10:1

3

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You Decide • Session 1 Lessons for the Leader Salvationperson on your team must locate the verse...

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Transcript of You Decide • Session 1 Lessons for the Leader Salvationperson on your team must locate the verse...