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DISCOVERY PLUS DISCOVERING THE LOVE OF GOD
• In Book 1, the first of four books in Bible League International’s Project Philip for Children Discovery Series: Discovery PLUS, you will learn how valuable you are to God. You will learn how God loves you, created you in his image, and how he wants you to care for everything that he made. • You will learn some of God’s names, what he is like, and why he sent his Son, Jesus, to earth. • You will also learn about Jesus, what he did for you, and how he wants you to live as part of God’s family.
DISCOVERING THE LOVE OF GOD
DISCOVERY SERIES
Discovery PLUS 1 DISCOVERING THE LOVE OF GOD
This book belongs to:
Bible League International serves the under-resourced Church with Bibles and training to transform lives worldwide through God’s Word. © 2021 Bible League International Discovery Series Discovery PLUS 1 DISCOVERING THE LOVE OF GOD All rights reserved. Except as stated below, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or any other— without prior written permission of Bible League International. Scripture quotations taken from the Holy Bible: Easy-to-Read Version, (ERV) © 1987, 2004 Bible League International. Email:
[email protected] Web: www.bibleleague.org R-ENG-69055: ISBN: 978-1-62826-905-5 Please send any comments or questions you have about this product to:
[email protected]
2022-02
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome!...............................................................4 1
God loves you........................................................5
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Knowing God........................................................ 10
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Knowing God’s Son, Jesus..................................... 16
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Jesus loves you.................................................... 21
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Jesus loves children.............................................26
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Children of God.................................................... 31
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Summary.............................................................36 Removable: My information.................................. 41 Removable: Report 1............................................43 Removable: My testimony..................................... 45
But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them, because God’s kingdom belongs to people who are like these children.” (Matthew 19:14)
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WELCOME! Mei Ling, Nicole, Santiago, Kumar, and Emma are a super group of friends who are in the same Bible study group. They are on a journey together to discover the love of God and how to serve him! Join them on their journey through the Bible and learn for yourself how much God loves you and how you can serve him.
Hi, Friend: I want to give you this book to help you discover how much God loves you and what his Son, Jesus, did for you. I also want to read along with you so that you can discover how valuable you are to God and what he wants for you as his child. Sincerely,
Your Project Philip Leader
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God loves you In this lesson, you will learn just how valuable you are to God.
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ne morning, Kumar and his father were walking to town. They avoided the many puddles in the road left by the spring rains the night before. Kumar looked down at his reflection in the water. He noticed how strange the ripples in the water made him look. It made Kumar laugh when he looked at his reflection in funny shapes and sizes.
One puddle made Kumar look chubby and short. When he came to the next one, he looked at his reflection, and it made him look tall and thin. In another, his head looked like a soccer ball. In the next, it looked square. This continued until the two got to town and Kumar saw his reflection in a store window. He was glad to finally see his reflection clearly.
After they passed by the store, Kumar asked his father, “Dad, why does my reflection look so different in the puddles?” His father answered, “Well, Kumar, you saw yourself like that because the puddles do not reflect the way you really look.” Just as our reflection in puddles can twist the way we really look, people sometimes say things about us that are not true. Things like, we are “stupid, ugly, clumsy, or fat.” Sometimes we begin to believe these lies about us, and believing them makes us feel bad. It keeps us from seeing ourselves the way God created us. The truth is, God formed us and made us perfect and very valuable. God made people, including you, to be like he is.
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God created you The Bible says: So God created humans in his own image. He created them to be like himself. He created them male and female. (Genesis 1:27)
Discovering and writing Who does this verse say created you?
Choose the correct options and put a check mark in the circles. If God created me, then I am: POOR
FOOLISH
IGNORANT
WISE
IMPORTANT
VALUABLE
Sharing with my group Tell your friends why you are important and valuable.
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God made you to be like him The Bible says: Then God said, "Let the earth produce many kinds of living things. Let there be many different kinds of animals. Let there be large animals and small crawling animals of every kind. And let all these animals produce more animals." (Genesis 1:24) Then God said, "Now let’s make humans who will be like us. They will rule over all the fish in the sea and the birds in the air. They will rule over all the large animals and all the little things that crawl on the earth." (Genesis 1:26)
Discovering and writing Using the Bible verses from Genesis 1:24-27, who did God create you to be like?
Put a check mark in the box next to the words that you think mean “to care for” the things God created: SUBMIT DESTROY CONTROL MISTREAT
RULE OVER POLLUTE CARE FOR PROTECT
Sharing with my group Tell your friends the ways that you care for God’s creation.
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God wants you to take care of his creation God told Adam and Eve: God blessed them and said to them, “Have many children. Fill the earth and take control of it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the air. Rule over every living thing that moves on the earth.” (Genesis 1:28)
Discovering and writing Write a list of some things that you believe God wants you to care for.
Sharing with my group Tell your friends about how you enjoy the things God has given you.
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Finding hidden words Find the hidden words in the puzzle and circle them.
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GOD CREATED RULES OVER
BIRDS ME
Prayer Dear God, thank you for creating me just the way you wanted. Thank you for trusting me to rule over your creation. Please help me love and care for everything you made. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Working at home
Make a list of the kinds of trees you see in your area.
If you need to, ask a parent or other family member to help you with the following homework: Make a list of the animals that live in your area.
Make a list of things in your house that God created.
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Knowing God In this lesson, you will meet the most important person of all. He created the heavens and the earth. You will find out his names, what he is like, and what he does.
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ear Friend, Do you like to make new friends? Of course! Everybody does! Besides making new friends, we also like to visit new places and discover new things.
What's the first thing you want to know when you make a new friend? Right! First, we want to know: their name, something about them, something about their family, if they are kind, if they get mad easily, and what they enjoy doing.
Getting to know each other In a group everyone is important. When everyone knows each other better, the group is better. Here’s a game that will help you do that: Everyone stand in a circle. The first person (choose anyone) says their first name, age, and favorite fruit. Then the person to their right does the same. They also repeat what the first person said. Continue one by one around the circle until everyone has had a turn. Now, the one who went first has the most important job. They must repeat the name, age, and favorite fruit of everyone in the group. (The others in the group can help them if they need help.)
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Have you ever met a very important or famous person, such as an athlete, a singer, or someone who has done something good for people? If you have not met anyone like this, who would you like to meet?
The names of God The Bible says: He blessed Abram and said, “Abram, may you be blessed by God Most High, the one who made heaven and earth.” (Genesis 14:19) When Abram was 99 years old, the Lord appeared to him. He said, “I am God AllPowerful. Obey me and live the right way.” (Genesis 17:1) Abraham planted a special tree at Beersheba and prayed to the LORD, the God who lives forever. (Genesis 21:33) And God said, “Tell the Israelites that you were sent by Yahweh, the God of your ancestors—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob. This will always be my name. It is how I want the people to remember me from now on.” (Exodus 3:15) “I appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They called me God All-Powerful. They did not know my name, the Lord.” (Exodus 6:3) “I am the Lord your God. I am the one who freed you from Egypt, where you were slaves.” (Deuteronomy 5:6) Listen, people of Israel! The Lord is our God. The Lord is the only God. (Deuteronomy 6:4) People of Zion, shout about these things! The Holy One of Israel is with you in a powerful way. So sing and be happy! (Isaiah 12:6)
Discovering and writing Write the names of God that you found in the Bible reading.
Which names of God did you already know? What other names for God do you know?
Sharing with my group Tell your friends which names for God you found. Share with them other names for God that you know. Write down some different names your friends thought of.
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What God is like The Bible says: Surely you know the truth. Surely you have heard. The Lord is the God who lives forever! He created all the faraway places on earth. He does not get tired and weary. You cannot learn all he knows. (Isaiah 40:28) But the Lord is the only true God. He is the only God who is alive. He is the King who rules forever. (Jeremiah 10:10) Honor and glory to the King who rules forever. He cannot be destroyed and cannot be seen. Honor and glory forever and ever to the only God. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:17) Moses left Egypt because he had faith. He was not afraid of the king’s anger. He continued strong as if he could see the God no one can see. (Hebrews 11:27) Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? Only God is good.” (Luke 18:19) Be holy in everything you do, just as God is holy. He is the one who chose you. (1 Peter 1:15) Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1 John 4:8)
Discovering and writing Using the Bible verses you just read, describe what God is like.
Sharing with my group Tell your friends what you have learned about God. 12
What God does The Bible says: So God created humans in his own image. He created them to be like himself. He created them male and female. (Genesis 1:27) Give all your worries to him, because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7) “I have been the Lord your God since the time you were in the land of Egypt. You did not know any other god except me. I am the one who saved you.” (Hosea 13:4) "Lord God, with your great power you made the earth and the sky. There is nothing too hard for you to do." (Jeremiah 32:17) "God is always fair. God All-Powerful does what is right." (Job 8:3) Don’t turn away from me. Don’t be angry with your servant. You are the only one who can help me. My God, don’t leave me all alone. You are my Savior. (Psalm 27:9) Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life. (John 3:16) He provides food for all living things. His faithful love will last forever. (Psalm 136:25) God is the one who gives life to everything. (1 Timothy 6:13)
Discovering and writing Using the Bible verses you just read, describe the things that God does.
If you believe God has done some things for you, write them here.
Sharing with my group Tell others in your group what God has done for you and what you have learned from this lesson. 13
Finding hidden words Find the hidden words in the puzzle and circle them.
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Hidden words: ALL POWERFUL CARES FOR ETERNAL FEEDS GOD IS LOVE
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GOOD HELPS HOLY HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL GOD MOST HIGH
IMMORTAL INVISIBLE KING PROTECTS SAVIOR
Write the words that you and your friends found in the puzzle on the proper scrolls below.
Names of God
Characteristics of God (What he is like)
Activities of God (What he does)
Prayer Dear God, thank you for showing me that you love me and take care of me. I know that you are God AllPowerful. Help me to trust you more and more each day. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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Knowing God's Son, Jesus In this lesson, you will learn about a real hero, God’s Son, Jesus. Jesus has many names, and he came to save you and bring peace to everyone in the world.
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uperheroes in movies and on television often have amazing names and superpowers. Many of them are very smart and use their power and intelligence to save the world from evil enemies, destruction, and death.
These heroes do everything they can, even risking their own lives, to save the world and protect its people. But, sadly, these heroes are not real. The good news is that you do have a superhero from God! His name is Jesus. The Bible describes him as “wisdom from God”! He sets you free from sin and makes you right with God. Jesus is your superhero! The apostle Paul wrote: Brothers and sisters, God chose you to be his. Think about that! Not many of you were wise in the way the world
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judges wisdom. Not many of you had great influence, and not many of you came from important families. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise. He chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. And God chose what the world thinks is not important—what the world hates and thinks is nothing. He chose these to destroy what the world thinks is important. God did this so that no one can stand before him and boast about anything. It is God who has made you part of Christ Jesus. And Christ has become for us wisdom from God. He is the reason we are right with God and pure enough to be in his presence. Christ is the one who set us free from sin. (1 Corinthians 1:26-30)
The names of Jesus The Bible says: This will happen when the special child is born. God will give us a son who will be responsible for leading the people. His name will be “Wonderful Counselor, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6) "She will give birth to a son. You will name him Jesus. Give him that name because he will save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21) The virgin will be pregnant and will give birth to a son. They will name him Immanuel. (Immanuel means “God with us.”) (Matthew 1:23) Jacob was the father of Joseph. Joseph was the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus, who is called the Messiah. (Matthew 1:16) “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16)
Discovering and writing From the Bible verses you just read, write some of the names of Jesus.
Immanuel: Messiah (Christ):
Write down what the following names mean: Jesus:
From the Bible verses you just read, who would you say Jesus is?
Sharing with my group Now that you know these names of Jesus, which one of them is the most important name to you? Tell the others in the group what you think.
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What Jesus is like The Bible says: Everything was made through him, and nothing was made without him. In him there was life, and that life was a light for the people of the world. (John 1:3-4) But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them, because God’s kingdom belongs to people who are like these children.” (Matthew 19:14) Jesus went everywhere in the country of Galilee. He taught in the synagogues and told the Good News about God’s kingdom. And he healed all the people’s diseases and sicknesses. (Matthew 4:23) Jesus is the one who loves us and has made us free from our sins. (Revelation 1:5)
Discovering and writing Using the Bible verses you just read, describe what Jesus is like.
How does knowing what the Bible says about Jesus help you know him better?
Sharing with my group Tell your friends what you learned about Jesus in this lesson. 18
What Jesus did for you The Bible says: The Son of Man [Jesus] came to find lost people and save them. (Luke 19:10) I gave you the message that I received. I told you the most important truths: that Christ died for our sins, as the Scriptures say; that he was buried and was raised to life on the third day, as the Scriptures say. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection. I am life. Everyone who believes in me will have life, even if they die." (John 11:25) Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me.” (John 14:6) When people sin, they earn what sin pays—death. But God gives his people a free gift—eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23) But Christ died for us while we were still sinners, and by this God showed how much he loves us. (Romans 5:8) The Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world, and this is what we tell people now. (1 John 4:14)
Discovering and writing Using the Bible verses you just read, describe what Jesus did for you when he was on the earth.
Now that you know what Jesus did for you, what could you do for him? For others?
Sharing with my group Tell your friends what you are going to do for Jesus and how you are going to do it.
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Finding hidden words To find the hidden message use the coded letters (K,Q,X,W,Z) to replace the missing vowels and crack the code. Then write the message in the boxes. Coded letters: K=A Q=E X=I W=O Z=U
JQSZS CKMQ
TW FXND MQ
KND TW SKVQ MQ
HQ XS MY SKVXWR
Prayer Dear God, thank you for coming to save people and giving them eternal life. Show me more about who Jesus is and what he wants me to do with my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Working at home Memorize one of these verses and tell someone what Jesus has done.
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"The Son of Man came to find lost people and save them." (Luke 19:10) But Christ died for us while we were still sinners, and by this God showed how much he loves us. (Romans 5:8)
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Jesus loves you In this lesson, you will learn what Jesus wants for you and how to show him that you love him.
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ei Ling came home from school one day and went outside to play with her doll. Mei Ling's mother always made her a good dinner in the evening. Mei Ling’s mother called her to help prepare dinner, but this time Mei Ling ignored her mother and stayed outside. Mei Ling did not want to help. She wanted to be by herself. Her mother thought about going to find Mei Ling to insist that she help with dinner. But she chose not to. Mei Ling’s mother decided to wait for Mei Ling to show her love and respect by coming back inside herself. She did not make her come back inside to help.
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Jesus wants to be your Savior The Bible says: But some people did accept him. They believed in him, and he gave them the right to become children of God. (John 1:12)
Discovering and writing Using the Bible verse, you just read, who lets people become children of God?
What does it mean to you to accept Jesus?
What happens when you believe in Jesus?
Sharing with my group
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If your friends or family asked you about Jesus, what would you tell them? Who would you say he is? What would you say he’s done for you?
Jesus wants you to love him The Bible says: Jesus answered, “The most important command is this: ‘People of Israel, listen! The Lord our God is the only Lord. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second most important command is this: ‘Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.’ These two commands are the most important.” (Mark 12:29-31)
Discovering and writing Using the Bible verses you just read, who does Jesus ask you to love?
How will you show Jesus that you love him?
If you obey Jesus, does this show that you love him? How does Jesus ask you to love God?
YES Why or why not?
NO
Sharing with my group Tell your friends how you show Jesus that you love him.
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Jesus wants you to obey him God said: “I only gave them this command: ‘Obey me and I will be your God, and you will be my people.’” (Jeremiah 7:23)
Jesus said: “All who love me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them. My Father and I will come to them and live with them.” (John 14:23) “You are my friends if you do what I tell you to do.” (John 15:14)
Discovering and writing Using the Bible verses you just read, who must you obey before anyone else?
What happens when you do what Jesus tells you to do?
Sharing with my group Tell your friends what happens when you obey Jesus. 24
Discovering what Jesus wants from you Think about all of the Bible verses that you read in this lesson. They describe the kind of friendship that God wants to have with you. They also describe how Jesus wants you to follow him. Write out your favorite verse from this lesson in the box.
Now, think about what Jesus wants you to do. Check the boxes that describe what Jesus wants you to do. Accept him Believe in him Love him Obey him Be his friend
Prayer Dear God, please forgive me for all the times that I have disobeyed you. I believe that Jesus died for the bad things I have done. I believe that he took the punishment that I deserved on himself. I want to follow Jesus. I put my trust in him. Help me to love and obey you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Working at home What are five ways you can obey Jesus? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
We hope these lessons are helping you learn more about God’s love and the things Jesus did for you. If you believe with all your heart that Jesus is the Son of God and that God raised him from death, he will save you. You can tell him in your own words, or pray something like the prayer above.
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Jesus loves children In this lesson, you will learn that Jesus loves you, wants to help you, and wants you to live a happy life.
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worm named Little Eyes lived with his mom in a beautiful garden.
His mom loved Little Eyes very much. She fed him and looked after him. If Little Eyes had a problem, his mom was always there to help him. But Little Eyes was always looking for new adventures outside the safety of the garden. His mom warned him many times, “Don’t go out into the open, because there are birds out there that eat little worms!”
One day, Little Eyes ignored his mom’s warnings. He crawled out of the garden and into the open. He was not careful, and a bird attacked him. Luckily, his mom came just in time to distract the hungry bird so the little worm got away. She made sure that Little Eyes wasn’t hurt. Little Eyes was shaken up and began to cry. He told his mom, “If I had believed you and done what you said, this wouldn’t have happened to me. Please forgive me, Mom!” And of course, she did.
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Jesus loves you God says: “I love you people with a love that continues forever.” (Jeremiah 31:3)
Jesus says: “I have loved you as the Father has loved me.” (John 15:9)
Discovering and writing Mark the boxes in front of the things that Jesus does for you.
How do you feel knowing that Jesus loves you? Check any boxes that apply.
He loves me. He saves me. He hears me. He forgives me. He forgets about me. He doesn’t want me.
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What is Jesus’ love for you like?
Sharing with my group In John 15:9, you learned that Jesus loves you the same way that God, his Father, always loved him. Describe what the love of Jesus is like for you.
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Jesus helps you with your problems God said: “Don’t worry—I am with you. Don’t be afraid—I am your God. I will make you strong and help you. I will support you with my right hand that brings victory.” (Isaiah 41:10)
The apostle John wrote: My dear children, I write this letter to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone sins, we have Jesus Christ to help us. He always did what was right, so he is able to defend us before God the Father. (1 John 2:1)
Discovering and writing Using the Bible verses you just read, describe why you don't have to be afraid, stressed out, or sad.
Using the Bible verses you just read, how does Jesus help you? Gives me strength Helps me Gives me wisdom Keeps me safe Forgets me Makes me feel all alone
Sharing with my group Tell your friends about something in your life that concerns you, and together, ask Jesus to help you solve it. 28
Jesus gives you life that lasts forever The Bible says: Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
The apostle Paul wrote: I gave you the message that I received. I told you the most important truths: that Christ died for our sins, as the Scriptures say; that he was buried and was raised to life on the third day, as the Scriptures say. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
Jesus said: “I give my sheep eternal life. They will never die, and no one can take them out of my hand.” (John 10:28)
Discovering and writing Using the Bible verses you just read, describe how God shows his love for you.
What happens when you believe in Jesus and give yourself to him?
Sharing with my group What does the sentence “They will never die” mean? Share your thoughts. 29
Finding hidden words Find 16 hidden words in the puzzle. Draw a line under each word as you find it. When you are finished, write the words, in order, in the space provided to discover the hidden message. A hidden message
UXNBVKODJESUSNHULOVESDFKSTJFCHILDRENSDLOANDOIR DKSYHELPSDSKGYSWTHEMSGWITHFHFJTHEIRPSEPROBLEMS QQSGVUYANDDKJDPGIVESQNCVRETHEMXLIFEFHPABCMEPH DSIYTHATCJSHTGDPLASTSKLDGTEQFOREVERCVBMNLPZJAYW
Hidden words: Jesus loves children and helps them with their problems and gives them life that lasts forever.
The Bible tells us that if we accept Jesus and believe in him, we will have eternal life. If you have not yet put your trust in Jesus, you can do it now with these words:
Prayer Dear God, please forgive me for all the times that I have disobeyed you. I believe that Jesus died for the bad things I have done. I believe that he took the punishment that I deserved on himself. Thank you for rising again to give me a new life forever. Help me to love and obey you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Working at home Ask a parent or someone at home to help you memorize this verse. Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection. I am life. Everyone who believes in me will have life, even if they die.” (John 11:25)
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Children of God In this lesson, you will find out how God wants his children to treat people, speak with kindness, and show all the fruit of his Spirit.
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eople all over the world eat fruit. The fruit in every part of the world is a little bit different. Some fruit is soft and juicy. Some is hard and crunchy. Some fruit is full of hard seeds and has a thick peel. Other fruit is easy to eat. Some fruit has a strange taste. But when a piece of fruit is ripe, nothing tastes better! Fresh fruit is the best! Good fruit makes life so much better.
Which kinds of fruit have you eaten? What are your favorites?
God made the delicious fruit that you like. God also makes another kind of fruit that is good for you. His fruit makes your life better in many ways. When you decide to follow Jesus and trust in him, God's Spirit produces good things in you. Those good things help you live a better life and do good things for other people. God likes these good things and he calls them “fruit.” When people see the fruit of the Spirit in your life, it is proof that God's Spirit is at work in you.
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Fruit of the Spirit The Bible says: But the fruit that the Spirit produces in a person’s life is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these kinds of things. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Discovering and writing Using the Bible verses you just read, make a list of the kinds of fruit that God’s Spirit produces in a person's life.
Who produces the fruit in your life that pleases God?
Sharing with my group Discuss with your group why the fruit of the Spirit is important. 32
Finding hidden words Find the hidden fruit in the puzzle and circle them. G
X
F
Z
G
K
O
E
I
E
L
F
J
O
E
L
V
B
C
V
L
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A
K
G
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N
U
D
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A
R
I
I
B
S
D
E
S
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Z
B
E
T
T
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J
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H
R
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T
G
L
E
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G
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C
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F
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A
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R
Q
C
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M
Y
S
C
U
P
A
C
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H
M
U
S
U
O
R
L
S
S
E
N
E
L
T
N
E
G
J
N
U
L
W
H
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G
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D
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S
S
G
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Y
S
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Write the nine fruit of the Spirit. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
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Use God's words The Bible says: Good people know the right things to say, but the wicked say things to make trouble. (Proverbs 10:32) So you must stop telling lies. "You must always speak the truth to each other." (Ephesians 4:25)
Discovering and writing What kinds of words come from the mouths of people who love God?
When someone is a friend of Jesus, what kinds of things should they not say?
What should a follower of Jesus always say?
Sharing with my group Share with your group the things that you should no longer say to others. Talk about the good things that you could say. 34
Respect God's people The Bible says: Children, obey your parents the way the Lord wants, because this is the right thing to do. The command says, “You must respect your father and mother.” This is the first command that has a promise with it. And this is the promise: “Then all will go well with you, and you will have a long life on the earth.” (Ephesians 6:1-3) Suppose a believer who is rich enough to have all the necessities of life sees a fellow believer who is poor and does not have even basic needs. What if the rich believer does not help the poor one? Then it is clear that God’s love is not in that person’s heart. My children, our love should not be only words and talk. No, our love must be real. We must show our love by the things we do. (1 John 3:17-18)
Discovering and writing From the Bible verses you just read, describe how children should act toward their parents.
What happens to those who respect their parents?
If you are not rich, but you have God’s love in you, how can you help other people?
Prayer Dear God, thank you for the fruit that your Holy Spirit produces in me. I want to have this fruit in my life. I want your love to live in me. I want others to see that love and want it for themselves. In Jesus’ name, amen. 35
7
Summary Discovery PLUS Book 1: DISCOVERING THE LOVE OF GOD
A
t the end of the school year, Kumar came to his history class very excited. History was his favorite class, and it was time to take his final exam. Kumar had learned many things that year. Now he was excited because this was his chance to remember all he had learned and write it all down. Just like Kumar, you have finished all of the lessons in Discovery PLUS Book 1: DISCOVERING THE LOVE OF GOD. You learned about God and about Jesus. Now you know what Jesus wants you to do and how a true child of God should live.
36
God loves you
Knowing God
Knowing God's Son, Jesus
1
2
3
Jesus loves you
Jesus loves children
Children of God
4
5
6
1
God loves you
What have you learned about yourself through these lessons?
Choose the statement that best describes how you feel. Very valued Somewhat valued
How valuable do you feel now?
2
Of little value Of no value
Knowing God Write what you have learned about God.
What are his names?
What is he like?
What does he do?
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3
Knowing God's Son, Jesus
What have you learned about Jesus?
What are his names?
4
What is he like?
What did he do for you?
Jesus loves you Jesus wants you to love him, believe in him, and accept him. Do you love Jesus?
YES
NO
Do you believe in Jesus?
YES
NO
Have you accepted him?
YES
NO
How do you feel about Jesus?
38
5
Jesus loves children
Now that you have learned what Jesus does for people, how much do you think Jesus loves you?
What kinds of problems can Jesus help you with? School Family
A lot
Money
A little
Any
Not at all
6
Children of God
Make a list of the fruit of the Spirit that God wants you to show in your life.
1.
6.
2.
7.
3.
8.
4.
9.
5.
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Prayer Dear God, thank you for everything that you taught me in these lessons. Thank you for letting me get to know you. Now I know your name, how much you love me, and what you did for me. I know you take care of me. I know you are concerned about me. Thank you so much. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Now that you know Jesus, let’s look at Discovery PLUS Book 2: DISCOVERING MY NEW LIFE WITH GOD and see why he is your best friend!
Congratulations! You completed Discovery PLUS Book 1: DISCOVERING THE LOVE OF GOD!
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My information
PLEASE FILL IN THE INFORMATION, CUT IT OUT, AND GIVE IT TO YOUR PROJECT PHILIP LEADER.
Let your Project Philip leader* help you complete this information. My name: My age: My address: My telephone number:
My Project Philip leader’s information Name: Church: Address: Telephone number: City: Country:
* Who is a Project Philip leader? Your Project Philip leader is the person who guides you, teaches you, helps you, and goes through this book together with you. 41
PLEASE FILL IN THE INFORMATION, CUT IT OUT, AND GIVE IT TO YOUR PROJECT PHILIP LEADER.
Report 1
YES
NO
he wants me to do for him.
YES
NO
I know how to live as a child of God.
YES
NO
YES
NO
YES
NO
I finished Discovery PLUS Book 1.
I know what Jesus does for children and what
I learned that Jesus took my punishment on himself and died on the cross to save me from my sins.
I want to receive Discovery PLUS Book 2: DISCOVERING MY NEW LIFE WITH GOD.
What is the name of a friend who might like to be part of this group and receive a book like this one? Name: Age: Address:
City:
Telephone number:
43
WRITE YOUR TESTIMONY ON THE BACK OF THIS PAGE, CUT IT OUT, AND GIVE IT TO YOUR PROJECT PHILIP LEADER.
PLEASE FILL IN THE INFORMATION, CUT IT OUT, AND GIVE IT TO YOUR PROJECT PHILIP LEADER.
Hopefully your Project Philip leader can take a picture of you and your classmates studying your Discovery PLUS Book 1 and make copies for everyone. Paste it here.
What is a testimony? It is a story you tell about your life before knowing Jesus and after knowing him. Your testimony should: 1. Describe what your life was like before you knew Jesus. 2. Tell how Jesus came into your life. 3. Explain your thoughts when you accepted him. 4. Share how your life is different now that you know Jesus.
Name
45
My Testimony
46
®
Your Project Philip Leader
Date
Congratulations! You completed Discovery PLUS 1: DISCOVERING THE LOVE OF GOD
Name
This certificate is awarded to
Certificate of Achievement
1
DISCOVERY PLUS DISCOVERING THE LOVE OF GOD
• In Book 1, the first of four books in Bible League International’s Project Philip for Children Discovery Series: Discovery PLUS, you will learn how valuable you are to God. You will learn how God loves you, created you in his image, and how he wants you to care for everything that he made. • You will learn some of God’s names, what he is like, and why he sent his Son, Jesus, to earth. • You will also learn about Jesus, what he did for you, and how he wants you to live as part of God’s family.
DISCOVERING THE LOVE OF GOD