printable leaders manual - live like a king

Thank you for purchasing this curriculum series from High Voltage Kids Ministry. All material, both written and recorded, is protected under universal copyright laws. As the purchaser of this product, you are

given permission to photocopy necessary materials found in this volume for your workers and volunteers. Please do not photocopy materials for

another church to use. Additional volumes of this and other valuable Children’s Ministry resources can be ordered online at

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Lessons Written By: Brian Dollar

Character Skits Written By: Josh Clinton

Family Devotions Written By: Donna Hill

Student Take-Home Devotions Written By: Melody Jones

Cast: Harrison: Harrison Russell The Voice: Josh Clinton The String King: Rocky Hopper String King’s Sister: Shannon Clinton String King’s Brother: Tyler Loy String King’s Mom: Peggy Clinton Skittles: Brian Dollar

Directed By: Josh Clinton

Camera Operators: Josh Clinton

Edited By: Josh Clinton and Brian Dollar

Bible Story Illustrations By: Josh Clinton

Scriptures from the New Living Translation Used by permission.All photos/images used are royalty free images and/or are public domain.

Used by permission.

“Live Like A King” Credits

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction……………………………………………………………………….page 1

The Elements……………………….…………………………………………….page 2

How To Use The Lesson Plan Worksheet…………………………………..page 3

Music CD Track Listing…………………….…………………………………. page 4

Lesson 1: “Crippled”………………..........................................................page 6

Lesson 2: “Welcome To The Family”…………...…................................page 14

Lesson 3: “Adopted”…………..…………………….................................. page 23

Lesson 4: “Watch Out For Zibas”...……………................................... page 32

“Live Like A King” Table Of Contents

Introduction

Mephibosheth was a poor, crippled boy who was the son of Jonathan, one of David’s best friends. David had made a promise to Jonathan before he died. David had prom-ised Jonathan that he would take care of Jonathan’s family and show kindness to them for generations to come.

Many years later, David remembers the promise he had made and asks “Is there any-one left in Jonathan’s family that I can show kindness to for Jonathan’s sake?” When he finds out about Mephibosheth, King David ended up bringing him into his own house and making him like one of his own sons. Mephibosheth went from being a poor crippled boy to Living Like A King.

In this series, the children will learn many lessons from the story of Mephibosheth. In the first lesson, they will learn how life can sometimes “cripple” us, causing extreme hurt and pain. But, God can restore us and get us back where we belong.

In the second lesson, the children will learn from the example of King David how each one of us should respond to those who are desperate and hurting. In the third lesson, they will learn how God has adopted each of us into His family, even when our lives were “crippled” by sin.

In the final lesson, the children will learn about the importance of choosing the right friends through the bad example of Ziba, Mephibosheth’s servant. It is an amazing series that we know your children will enjoy!

For This Generation,

The High Voltage Kids Ministry Team

“Live Like A King” Page 1

The ElementsThe DVD:

Included on the DVD are the Lesson Intro Video segments featuring Harrison and the Power Verse Videos featuring “The String King.” You will also find the “Rap It Up” Videos featuring Skittles, a five-minute Countdown video to begin each service, plus many Misc. Videos that will be used in the lessons. You can also find the mpg-1 files on the Data Disc. (just put the Data Disc into your computer and click “explore” on the disc from “My Computer”; go to the folder labeled “Mpg-1 files”)

The Music CD:Contained on this music disc are instrumental game songs, the “BIG IDEA” sound byte, “Let’s

Play A Game” intro song, and the world famous “OFFERING TIME” song to introduce the Offering.

The Data CD:This CD contains the Printable Lesson Manual and graphics/artwork you can use to promote

this amazing series. Also included are PowerPoint games, slides for use during illustrated sermons, and PowerPoint slides for each Big Idea and Power Verse. The Student Weekly Take-Home Activity Sheets are a great way to keep your kids thinking throughout the week about what they learned on Sunday. In addition, you will find a “Family Devotion” for each lesson. These are designed to either send home with the parents (to reinforce the lesson during the week), OR they can be used as ten-minute “small group segments” in your service (to reinforce the lesson right away).

The BIG IDEA:This is the main thought you want to get across to the kids during the weekly lessons. The BIG

IDEA is a simple statement that sums up the entire week’s lesson. Sometimes it rhymes, sometimes it relies on rhythm, and other times it is just crazy fun! The goal is to have the kids learn the BIG IDEA by repetition. Included on the CD is the sound byte “Hey! What’s The Big Idea?” (track #1). This is a sound byte that your sound engineer can play as many times during the service as desired. Each time the kids hear the sound byte, they should stand up on their feet and say the week’s BIG IDEA.

Game Time:Each week a game has been provided. Most of them are themed with the lesson being taught

that week. There are also high energy instrumental game songs included on the Music CD. Some of them are 60-second versions (to be used for games with a one-minute time limit), and some of them are extended versions. More music can be downloaded from our website at www.highvoltage-kids.com.

Character Skits:These skits feature “Chuck Foo” (you can choose to have him as a puppet or a human charac-

ter) who interacts with another person (you or any member of your team). Names can be changed for each specific church and situation if you wish. Use the skits in whatever way works best for you.

Illustrated Messages:Because kids tend to learn best if you combine speaking the truth with visual illustrations, we

have written an illustrated sermon to be used each week. Materials are listed, and manuscripts are provided. Each illustrated sermon comes with a PowerPoint slide for each main point.

The Elements Page 2

How To Use The Lesson Plan Worksheet

The first page of each lesson includes a lesson plan for the service with a suggested order of service that you may follow. On the second page of each lesson is a worksheet with a schedule of events for your service with blanks that you fill in and photocopy for your team of workers.

Please note that each lesson worksheet includes “Intro Video,” “Game Time,” “Illustrated Sermon,” and the other lesson segments we provide with the curriculum. Just fill in the blanks as you plan your service and give them to the people who help with your service.

How To Use The Lesson Plan Worksheet Page 3

Music CD Track Listing Page 4

Sound Effects and Weekly Songs

1. What’s The Big Idea?

2. OFFERING TIME

3. Let’s Play A Game

4. “Chuck Foo” Theme Music

60 Second Game Songs

5. In The Groove

6. Strange

7. Boom

Extended Game Songs

8. Hot Peppers

9. Cutting Edge

10. Move On

*BONUS* Songs

11. “God, You’re Good” from “High Voltage Power Praise Vol. 3” (available at

www.highvoltage-kids.com)

12. “Speak Again” from the “Quiet Times For Kids Vol 2” CD (available at

www.highvoltage-kids.com)

When we are “crippled” by what happens in life, God can restore us!

“God Will Help Me Live Like A King!”

Intro Video“Crippled”

Character Skit“Chuck Foo”

Offering Time

Praise Songs

Game Time”Hop Along”

Power Verse Video“… restore me, for you alone are the LORD my God.”

– Jeremiah 31:18

Worship Songs

Illustrated Message“Crippled”

“Rap It Up” Video

Review Questions

Life can be really tough. Circumstances and situations can cause a lot of hurt and damage to us—emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Often, we may feel like we are “crippled” by life, unable to move forward.

In the story of Mephibosheth, we discover an interesting picture of grace and love. King David represents God—gentle, loving, desiring to bless. Mephi-bosheth represents those of us who have been “crippled” by life’s difficulties.

Just as King David seeks to restore Mephibosheth to his rightful place at the King’s table, God desires to restore our hearts and lives to where they were intended to be. God wants to take “crippled” lives and help them to “Live Like A King.”

“… restore me, for you alone are the LORD my God.”

– Jeremiah 31:18

Lesson One — “Crippled” Page 5

“Crippled”

When we are “crippled” by what happens in life, God can restore us!

“God Will Help Me Live Like A King!”

Intro Video“Crippled”


Offering Time

Praise Songs

Game Time”Hop Along”

Power Verse Video“… restore me, for you alone are the LORD my God.”

– Jeremiah 31:18Worship Songs



Review Questions

“… restore me, for you alone are the LORD my God.”

– Jeremiah 31:18


“Crippled”

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“Crippled”

Character SKITCharacter: Chuck Foo (A wanna-be karate instructor with a Minnesota accent)

(Play Chuck’s theme music on the Music CD Track #4)

(Chuck runs in hollering and making high pitched noises like Bruce Lee)

Leader: WHOAH! Hey everybody! It’s Chuck Foo!

Chuck: Thaaaaat’s RIGHT! The name is CHUCK FOO! I am a Kung Fu expert and amateur stuntman, and I’m here to MELT YOUR FACES with my brand new moves!!

Leader: Whoah-whoah-whoah, did you just say, “Melt your faces?”

Chuck: Yes I did! It’s gonna be AWESOME. Like a grilled cheese sandwich! (Chuck slaps his hands together and makes a hissing noise, mimicking a grilled cheese sandwich)

Leader: Chuck, I’m not sure I want my face melted.

Chuck: You’ll be THANKING me after I show you this amazing new Kung Fu move I just learned! It’s called “Crouching Weasel, Whispering Hippo.” You guys want to see it? (kids respond) Ok! Here we go! (gets into some ridiculous pose and tries to kick, but immediately doubles over in pain) OW…OW…OWWWWWOWOWOWOWOWOW!

Leader: Chuck! Are you ok?

Chuck: Am I okay?? Didn’t you just hear me say “OWWWWWOWOWOWOWOW”?! No I’m not ok! Ohhhhh it burns.

Leader: What happened?

Chuck: Oh…Oh this is bad. This is REALLY bad.

Leader: What is?? Are you seriously hurt?

Chuck: Yes! I’ve got…a CHARLIE HORSE!

Leader: A Charlie horse?? Chuck that’s just a cramp, you’ll be fine in a second!

Chuck: FINE?! I’m CRIPPLED! Now I’ll never be able to do kung Fu or ANYTHING for God EVER AGAIN!

Leader: Chuck, you’re blowing this thing WAY out of proportion! Today we’re talking about the restoring power of God!

Chuck: The whos-y whatsit now?

(CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)


“Crippled”

Character SKIT (Continued)Leader: We’re talking about how God can restore us! Sometimes in life, bad stuff can happen.—

someone you love gets sick, or your parents going through a divorce, and how that can emotionally CRIPPLE us!

Chuck: Does getting a Charlie horse fall into that category?

Leader: I doubt it. ANYWAY, God can restore us! He loves us and has the power to heal our broken hearts and lives! No matter how bad things get, God wants to build us back up and help us lead a good life for him!

Chuck: Are you for serious?

Leader: Yes! And when God restores us, it’s AWESOME, and we should give Him ALL the glory!

Chuck: (lets go of his “hurt” leg, jumps up in the air in excitement) WOOHOO!!

Leader: Hey! You’re not hurt anymore!

Chuck: (looks down at his own leg in amazement) BOO-YA! GOD RESTORED ME! HE IS SOOOOOO AWESOME! Now I can show you that brand new Kung Fu move! (goes back into a ridiculous pose)

Leader: I don’t think that’s such a good idea…

Chuck: (gives a high-pitched yell and kicks up into the air, only to immediately grab onto his back) Oh dear….I think I just pulled my asparagus….or maybe my rutabaga…I’ll see you later boys and girls, my name’s Chuck Foo! (feebly karate chops the air) Kick it!

(Chuck’s theme music plays as he hobbles offstage)


“Crippled”

Game Time“Hop Along”

Items Needed For Game:

* The Music CD

* Two pairs of crutches

How To Play: Choose three boys and three girls to compete. In this relay race,

the players will take turns going from a preset starting line to a certain point on the opposite side of the room, turning around, and heading back to the starting line. They will do this on crutches (thus the “hop” in the game title). When they return, they pass the crutches on to the next team mate. The first team to have all three players make it through the course WINS!


“Crippled”


Materials Needed: The Data CD; a set of crutches (or a wheelchair)

Preparation: Open the PowerPoint presentation on the Data CD titled “Lesson One,”

begin with the slide titled “Crippled”; familiarize yourself with the

Bible Story found in 2 Samuel 4:4 and 2 Samuel 9

The Message: (title slide)

(come out from backstage walking on the crutches or rolling in the wheelchair) “Have you ever thought about what it would be like to be crippled? It would be pretty tough. You would have a hard time playing sports. You would most likely never able to run in a race, and during recess you’d have to sit down and watch the other kids play kickball. In the summer, you might have to sit on the side of the pool watching people jump off the diving board and kick around in the pool—and you can’t join them.

Luckily, with the miracles of modern medicine, now we have ways that can help people get around and walk. But in the Old Testament times, it was much worse than it is now. The people of that day did not see the value of crippled people. If you were crippled, you were seen as worthless. If you couldn’t fight in the army, then you meant nothing.

Today, I want to tell you guys a cool story in the book of 2 Samuel about a guy name Mephi-bosheth. (Have kids say “Mephibosheth”) When Mephibosheth was young, his father, Jonathan, was fighting in a battle. Mephibosheth’s nurse got word that Jonathan was killed in the battle, so the nurse became afraid that Mephibosheth’s life was in danger. So, she grabbed Mephibosheth and began to run away. Her plan didn’t go as well as she planned. (show pic) As she was running away, she dropped Mephibosheth and broke both of his legs. At that moment Mephi-bosheth became crippled and never was able to walk again.

Now you heard me mention Mephibosheth’s dad, Jonathan. You might remember that Jona-than was best friends with a young man named, David. David is the boy who killed the giant, Goliath. Jonathan had shown great kindness toward David, even while Jonathan’s father, King Saul, was trying to kill David. Because of Jonathan’s kindness towards David, David made a promise. David promised



“Crippled”

Illustrated Message(CONTINUED)

that he would always show the same love to Jonathan and his family that Jonathan had showed to him.

Fast forward further into the story many years, and we find that David has become the King of Israel. King David in his throne room. Suddenly, he remembers the promise he made to Jonathan. Jonathan was no longer alive, so King David he asked (show pic), “Is there anyone from the house of Saul that I can show kindness to for Jonathan’s sake?” A man named Ziba came forward and said, “King David, there is one, his name is Mephibosheth, but he is a crippled in both of his legs.”

There’s something about Mephibosheth that reminds me of some of us…

1) In Life, You Can Become “Crippled” (slide)

I am not talking about being physically crippled. I am talking about being emotionally crippled. You know what I’m talking about. Something happens in your life, it hurts you terribly, and it has you stuck. You feel like you’re in a place where you can’t move forward, you’re just stuck. Maybe your best friend turned their back on you. Perhaps your parents got a divorce or you got bullied at school. Maybe you moved to a new school and feel like you don’t have any friends. We all have things in our lives. We all have things that can “cripple.” We feel like the pain is too much and we’re just too sad. You feel you are at a place where you can’t move forward in your life.

Let’s get back to the story. King David found out that one of Jonathan’s sons, Me-phibosheth, was alive. He also found out he was crippled. King David tells the servant to go find Mephibosheth and bring him to the palace. When Mephibosheth arrives at the palace, he does-n’t know what to expect. (show pic) Is King David going to punish him? What’s going to happen?

Mephibosheth bows before the King. At that moment, King David looked at Mephi-bosheth and said, “Because of your father’s kindness to me and the promise I made to him, you will no longer be a crippled beggar in a far off town. Instead, you will eat at my table, be part of my family, and “live like a king.” (show pic) Isn’t that amazing? At that moment, King David re-stored Mephibosheth. The same thing can happen to each of us...



“Crippled”


2) God Can Restore You (slide)

No matter what it is in your life that has “crippled” you, God can restore you. God sees the things that have crippled you in your life and says, “I want to restore you. I want to help you move for-ward. I want to help you to move past the things that have hurt you kept you stuck. I want to restore you and take you to the place where you belong.

King David restored Mephibosheth, and gave him the honor he deserves. But, the story doesn’t end there. Some time later, Mephibosheth had a son and he names him Micah. (show pic) The name Micah means “Who is like the Lord?”. Now, isn’t it interesting that King David was the one who restored Mephibosheth from a crippled beggar to allow him to “live like a king,”, but Mephibosheth didn’t name his son “Who is like David?” did he? He named him Micah, “Who is like the Lord?” Mephibosheth knew that GOD was the one who deserved the glory. This is the most impor-tant lesson we can learn from this story...

3) When You Are Restored, Give God The Glory (slide)

Just like Mephibosheth, God will restore us when we are crippled. We must never forget that God is the one who restored us. Just like Mephibosheth, we must give God the glory. When we are restored by God, the king of kings brings us to his table to receive from him. We were crippled and now we can “live like a king. “

ALTAR RESPONSE (play soft music)

Pray with the children who have gone through “crippling” experiences. Pray that God will heal their hearts and help them move forward. Then, spend some time in worship, giving God the glory!


“Crippled”

Review Questions1. What was today’s Big Idea?

Answer: “God Will Help Me Live Like A King!”

2. What was the name of the karate instructor who visited us today?Answer: Chuck Foo

3. Who was the King in the Bible Story?Answer: David

4. What was wrong with Mephibosheth?Answer: He was crippled in both feet

5. Who dropped Mephibosheth when he was a baby?Answer: his nurse

6. According to our lesson today, “In Life, You Can Become _________.”Answer: Crippled

7. According to our lesson today, “__________ Can Restore You.”Answer: God

8. According to our lesson today, “When You Are Restored, Give God The _________.”Answer: Glory

9. What is the name Mephibosheth gave to his son?Answer: Micah

10. Where was our Power Verse found? Answer: Jeremiah 31:18

We must do our part to love and welcome the poor and discarded!

“When I Help Others, I Help The Lord!”

Intro Video“Welcome To The Family”


Offering Time

Praise Songs

Game Time”There’s No Place Like Home”

Power Verse Video“…I assure you, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.”

– Matthew 25:45

Worship Songs

Illustrated Message“Welcome To The Family”

“Rap It Up” VideoReview Questions

How do you respond when you see a homeless beggar on the side of the road? How about a car that is broken down or a child who is lost?

It is easy for each of us to convince ourselves that we are too busy or too important to stop and help those who are hurting—especially when it is inconvenient and difficult to help. But, Jesus said that when we overlook the hurting and discarded of society, we are overlooking Him.

In this lesson, we will learn from King David’s treatment of Mephibosheth to see how each of us must treat the poor, hurting, and discarded in our society. After all, “true religion is looking after the poor, the fatherless, and the widow in their affliction.”

“…I assure you, when you refused to help the least of these my

brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.”

– Matthew 25:45

Lesson Two — “Welcome To The Family” Page 14

“Welcome To The Family”

We must do our part to love and welcome the poor and discarded!

“When I Help Others, I Help The Lord!”

Intro Video“Welcome To The Family”

Character Skit

“Chuck Foo”Offering Time

Praise Songs

Game Time”There’s No Place Like Home”

Power Verse Video“…I assure you, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.”

– Matthew 25:45Worship Songs



Review Questions

“…I assure you, when you refused to help the least of these my

brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.”

– Matthew 25:45



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Leader: WHOAH! Hey everybody! It’s Chuck Foo!















Chuck: The whos-y whatsit now?




Character SKIT (continued)

















Game Time“There’s No Place Like Home”

Items Needed For Game: * The Data CD (Open the PowerPoint

presentation for Lesson 2; begin with the Game Title slide “There’s No Place Like Home!” )

How To Play: Choose one boy and one girl to compete in this game (with the help

of their team members in the audience). Say, “We are going to play a crazy quiz game called “There’s No Place Like Home.” All of the questions have to do with the word “HOME.” It’s going to be wild and crazy! Here we go!”

They will take turns answering the questions with the help of their team members in the audience. For every correct answer, their team will receive a point. The team with the most correct answers wins the game.




Materials Needed: The Data CD; an actor dressed as a homeless person

Preparation: Open the PowerPoint presentation on the Data CD titled “Lesson Two,”

begin with the slide titled “Welcome To The Family”; familiarize yourself with

the Bible Story found in 2 Samuel 9


I am so excited about today’s lesson. It’s going to be amazing! (as you are talking, the actor/”homeless person” walks out and stands over on the side of the stage with a “Will Work For Food” sign) Hmmm. It looks like we have a visitor. Have you ever seen anyone who looks like this? You might have seen them on the side of the road, or in a parking lot, or under a bridge. What is the first thing you want to do? If you are like most people, you want to look away.

There’s only one problem with that. When you turn away from this person, when you ignore this person, when you refuse to help this person—you are actually refusing to help Jesus. I know what you are thinking. “What? That person isn’t Jesus! They don’t even have a beard!” Well, I don’t mean they are Jesus in the flesh. I am referring to what Jesus said in our Power Verse today. "I assure you, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.'" –Matthew 25:45

It is our job as Christians to help those who are hurting. When we ignore the hurting, we are basically ignoring Jesus. At the same time, when we help those who are hurting, it is like we are helping Jesus. That’s what being a Christian is all about. Let’s look at the story of Mephibosheth again and see what we can learn about how you and I should respond to hurting people.

David and Jonathan were best friends. They made a promise, an agreement with each other to care for each other and each other’s families. Now, Jonathan is dead and David is king, wealthy, and the most powerful man in the world. One day, David remembered his promise to Jonathan and began to wonder (show pic):

“David asked, “Is there anyone from the house of Saul (Saul was Jonathan’s

father) that I can show kindness to for Jonathan’s sake?” - II Samuel 9:1(CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)




It had been a long time, but David remembered his promise. David remembered his responsi-bility to care for Jonathan’s family. That’s the first key:

1) Remember Your Responsibility (slide)

What is our responsibility? The Bible tells us in James 1:27, “Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress…” Now, what does that mean? Does that mean we are only to minister to orphans and widows? No - James is drawing a pic-ture. Pure religion is to reach out to those whom everyone else has forgotten. Pure religion is to help those who can’t take care of themselves. Pure religion cares for the overlooked and ignored.

What is our responsibility? To love and minister to everyone for whom Christ died – not just those who look like us, dress like us, or can help us back. We need to remember that we are Chris-tians. As a Christian, we have a responsibility to help the hurting, the lonely, and the needy.

King David didn’t just remember his responsibility. One of Saul’s servant’s named Ziba spoke up and said, “Yes, there is one of Jonathan’s sons named Mephibosheth, but he is crippled in both of his legs.” King David said, “Go find him and bring him to me.” WOW! So, King David didn’t just remem-ber that he had a responsibility, he actually conducted a search to try to find this hurting young crippled boy. You and I could learn a lesson from David…

2) Look For Hurting People (slide)

Most likely, the hurting people of the world are not going to come knock on your door. You have to LOOK for people who are hurting. They are everywhere. There is the kid on the playground who is sitting with no one to talk to. There is the new student who has no friends. There is the person who’s parent is out of work, so they don’t have the money to dress nicely. There is the handicapped child in your class. Everywhere, all around us are hurting people. We have to open our eyes to find them.

If you will look for hurting people, you will find them. When you do find them, what should you do? Let’s look at what King David did. When Mephibosheth arrived, he bowed (show pic) before the king. King David said, “Don’t be afraid,” David said to him… “for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.”





WOW! King David invited showed kindness to Mephibosheth. That is what you and I must do as well. When we find someone who is hurting, we must...

3) Show Kindness To The Hurting (slide)

How can we show kindness to them? If someone does have any friends, invite them to sit by us at lunch. If someone is alone on the playground, invite them over to play with you and your friends. If someone doesn’t have any snacks at lunchtime, share yours with them. If someone has no money for toys, give them some of your own toys.

There are many things we can do to show kindness to the hurting. Pray and ask God what you should do. Talk to your parents or your pastor. They will help you figure out a way to show kindness to the hurting people you see. Ultimately, we should…

4) Treat Hurting People Like You Would Your Family (slide)

King David invited Mephibosheth into his home and allowed him to eat at the king’s table (show pic). He treated him as if he was his own son. That doesn’t mean that we have to invite everyone over to our house to eat. It means that we should treat everyone who is hurting the same way we would treat our own family. We love our family. When they hurt, we hurt. It should be the same way when we see hurting people. When they hurt, God hurts. So should we.

Never forget that when you seek out the hurting and help them, it is the same as if you are help-ing Jesus. At the same time, when you ignore the hurting—it’s like you are ignoring Jesus. Let’s decide that we will always look for and show kindness to the hurting.


Pray with the children that they will look for the hurting in their schools and neighborhoods this week. Pray that God will open their eyes to see those who need kindness. Pray that the Lord will help them show kindness to the hurting, treating them just like family.




Answer: “When I Help Others, I Help The Lord!”

2. What’s the name of the crippled boy in our Bible Story?Answer: Mephibosheth

3. King David remembered he had made a promise to whom?Answer: Jonathan, Mephibosheth’s dad

4. We learned in our lesson today, “Remember Your _________.”Answer: Responsiblity

5. We also learned in our lesson today, “_________ For Hurting People.”Answer: Look

6. We also learned in our lesson today, “Show _________ To The Hurting.”Answer: Crippled

7. We also learned in our lesson today, “Treat Hurting People Like You Would Treat Your Own _________.”Answer: Family

8. What is the name of the guy who is teaching us our Power Verses?Answer: The String King

9. When we ignore hurting people, who are we really ignoring?Answer: Jesus

10. Where was our Power Verse found? Answer: Matthew 25:45

God adopts us into His royal family when we receive His forgiveness!

“God Brings Me Into His Royal Family!”

Intro Video“Adopted”


Offering Time

Praise Songs

Game Time”Adopted?”

Power Verse Video"But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God..." – John 1:12

Worship Songs

Illustrated Message“Adopted”


Sin separates us from God. Each of us are guilty of sin and, therefore, do not deserve to be in relationship with God. Thank God, He sent His Son, Jesus to pay the price for our sin.

When we receive the forgiveness of God, we are given the right to become His children. Even though our sin made us spiritually “crippled”, God adopted us into His family.

In today’s lesson, we will learn all about how God has adopted us into His family. When we receive His forgiveness, we become His children.

King David adopted Mephi-bosheth into his family, and God does the same for each of us.

"But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to

become children of God..."

– John 1:12

Lesson Three — “Adopted” Page 23

“Adopted”

God adopts us into His royal family when we receive His forgiveness!

“God Brings Me Into His Royal Family!”

"But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to

become children of God..."

– John 1:12


“Adopted”

Intro Video“Adopted”


Offering Time

Praise Songs

Game Time”Adopted?”

Power Verse Video"But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God..."

– John 1:12

Worship Songs



Review Questions

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“Adopted”




Leader: Hey there Chuck Foo! How’s it going today, buddy?

Chuck: Confused.

Leader: You’re confused?

Chuck: YES, I’M CONFUSED!

Leader: Why’re you so confused?

Chuck: I’m wondering why on Earth God wants to get me CROP DUSTED!

Leader: Crop-dusted?? What in the WORLD are you talking about?

Chuck: CROP DUSTED! I’m backstage, hangin’ out, havin’ a snack, and all of the sudden I hear you guys talkin’ about how God wants to crop-dust us!

Leader: Chuck, I think you misunderstood…

Chuck: What’s there to misunderstand?! God wants to crop-dust us! He’s gonna fly a plane over us and crop-dust us like a bunch of corn!

Leader: Chuck--

Chuck: (interrupts) I mean it just doesn’t make any sense! I don’t wanna be crop-dusted! I’m not a vegetable! Now God’s tryin’ to turn me into CORN-FU!

Leader: CHUCK!

Chuck: (ignores the leader) I mean, don’t get me wrong, I LOVE corn! Corn on the cob, corn flakes, cream corn, I even got corns on my feet--

Leader: WHOAH, Chuck, slow down! We’re not talking about crop dusting or corn or ANYTHING like that!

Chuck: You guys said that God’s going to “CROP DUST” us into His family.

Leader: NO! I said ADOPT US! God wants to ADOPT US into His family!

Chuck: Say what now?



“Adopted”

Character SKIT (CONTINUED)

Leader: Today we’re talking about how sin can cripple us spiritually, but God sent his son Jesus to SAVE us!

Chuck: Oh yeaaah…but what does that have to do with corn?

Leader: Nothing! Listen, Chuck, God loves us and wants us to be a part of our family! He wants to get rid of the sin in our lives so we can join Him one day in heaven!

Chuck: Oh wow! So, God wants to adopt us into His royal family!

Leader: That’s right!

Chuck: That still doesn’t explain to me something…

Leader: What’s that?

Chuck: What if you’re ALLERGIC to corn?

Leader: Chuck will you please stop talking about corn?!

Chuck: I’m sorry, that was corny, I know. (laughs loudly to himself) GET IT?! CORNY!! I’ll see you later boys and girls, my name’s Chuck Foo! KICK IT!!

(Chuck’s music plays as he exits)


“Adopted”

Game Time“Adopted?”

Items Needed For Game: * The Data CD (Open the PowerPoint

presentation for Lesson 3; begin with the Game Title slide “Adopted?” )

How To Play: Choose one boy and one girl to compete in this game (with the help

of their team members in the audience). Say, “We are going to play a crazy quiz game called “Adopted?.” There are a lot of famous people in history who were adopted. We are going to show you their picture and a clue. See if you can figure who these famous adopted people are!”

They will take turns answering the questions with the help of their team members in the audience. For every correct answer, their team will receive a point. The team with the most correct answers wins the game.


“Adopted”


Materials Needed: The Data CD

Preparation: Open the PowerPoint presentation on the Data CD titled “Lesson Three,”

begin with the slide titled “Adopted”; familiarize yourself with

the Bible Story found in 2 Samuel 9


Have you ever known someone who was adopted? Isn’t that such a cool thing? I have always loved the idea of adoption. It’s such an amazing thing when a child who didn’t have a home, a mother, or a father—is brought into a total stranger’s family. Now, they have all the things they didn’t have be-fore: love, protection, family. It’s awesome!

We’ve been looking at the story of Mephibosheth in the book of 2 Samuel. You remember what happened, right? King David had made a promise to his best friend, Jonathan. He promised to show the same love that Jonathan had showed to him, to Jonathan’s family. Jonathan died in battle. When his family nurse found out Jonathan had died, she grabbed his son, Mephi-bosheth, and ran from the city. While she was running (show pic) she dropped Mephi-bosheth, and he became crippled in both legs.

Fast forward further into the story and find King David in his throne room. And suddenly he has remembered about the promise he had made to Jonathan. But Jonathan was no longer alive. King David he asked (show pic), “Is there anyone from the house of Saul that I can show kindness to for Jonathan’s sake?”

King David finds out that Jonathan has a son who is crippled, named Mephibosheth. King David finds Mephibosheth living alone in a far away city (show pic). He is definitely not living a very happy life. So, King David has Mephibosheth brought to his palace.

King David adopts Mephibosheth into his family. He says, (show pic) “From now on, you will eat at my table, as one of my own sons.” Isn’t that amazing? Mephiboseth went from a life of sadness and loneliness to a living like a king!



“Adopted”


There are some very important lessons we can learn from this story. Today, I want you to look at it in a different way. The first lesson we learn is that...

1) We Are All “Crippled” Spiritually (slide)

What do I mean by that? I am talking about how SIN cripples our spiritual lives. The Bible says in Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned; we all have fallen short of God’s glorious standard.” Sin breaks our lives. Sin causes us to be separated from God. The Bible teaches us in Romans 6:23, “The wages of sin is death…” That’s not good! Talk about being CRIPPLED!

We all have sinned. Whether it is lying, cheating, stealing, disobeying our parents, whatever. Sin breaks our lives and keeps us from being able to be in a relationship with God. Just like Mephi-bosheth was sad, lonely, and living in a far away city—we can find ourselves sad, lonely, and far away from God. That’s what sin does to us. It’s not good.

But, remember what King David did? He went looking for Mephibosheth, didn’t he? He didn’t wait around waiting to see if the crippled boy would ever show up. He searched until he found Mephi-bosheth and brought him into his palace.

2) God Came Looking For Us (slide)

It’s true. Jesus didn’t sit around in Heaven waiting on us to come to Him and get things figured out. He recognized we were crippled, left Heaven, came to us, and died on the cross for our sins. Just like King David put forth the effort to bring Mephibosheth to him, God put forth all the effort to bring you and I back to His side. He sent His Son, Jesus, to pay the price for our sin.

Then, when we asked Jesus for His forgiveness of our sin, do you know what God did? He did the same thing that King David did for Mephibosheth…

3) God Adopted Us Into His Family (slide)

Our Power Verse teaches us, “But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.” God gave us a way out of our sinful, lonely life that was far from Him. He adopted us into His family so that we could be His children. When we believe in Him and accept Him,



“Adopted”


we no longer are “crippled” by sin. We are brought into the life we were always meant to live. We be-come children of the King of Kings. We all are able to “live like a king.”


Give the children a chance to accept Christ as their Savior. Remind them that sin cripples us, but God wants to adopt us. Lead them in a prayer of repentance. Celebrate the fact that we are all adopted into God’s family!


Answer: “When I Help Others, I Help The Lord!”

2. What’s the name of the crippled boy in our Bible Story?Answer: Mephibosheth

3. King David remembered he had made a promise to whom?Answer: Jonathan, Mephibosheth’s dad

4. We learned in our lesson today, “Remember Your _________.”Answer: Responsiblity

5. We also learned in our lesson today, “_________ For Hurting People.”Answer: Look

6. We also learned in our lesson today, “Show _________ To The Hurting.”Answer: Crippled

7. We also learned in our lesson today, “Treat Hurting People Like You Would Treat Your Own _________.”Answer: Family

8. What is the name of the guy who is teaching us our Power Verses?Answer: The String King

9. When we ignore hurting people, who are we really ignoring?Answer: Jesus

10. Where was our Power Verse found? Answer: Matthew 25:45


“Adopted”

We must watch out for people who don’t have our best interests at heart!

“I Must Be Careful When I Choose My Friends!”

Intro Video“Watch Out For Zibas”


Offering Time

Praise Songs

Game Time”A Little Bit Of Time”

Power Verse Video"Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble."

– Proverbs 13:20

Worship Songs

Illustrated Message“Watch Out For Zibas!”


Ziba was supposed to be Mephi-bosheth’s friend. It turns out that Ziba was only looking out for himself. He ended up deceiving, badmouthing, and even lying about Mephibosheth to King David. In the end, it cost Mephibosheth half of what he owned.

We have to be careful who we choose to be our closest friends. We must choose those who are going to lead us closer to God and help us become who He wants us to be. We must “watch out for Zibas!’

In this lesson, the children will see very clearly the damage that can come from choosing the wrong friends. They will learn how to spot a “Ziba” in their own lives.

"Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get

in trouble."

– Proverbs 13:20

Lesson Four — “Watch Out For Zibas” Page 32

“Watch Out For Zibas”

We must watch out for people who don’t have our best interests at heart!

“I Must Be Careful When I Choose My Friends!”

Intro Video“Watch Out For Zibas”


Offering Time

Praise Songs

Game Time”A Little Bit Of Time”

Power Verse Video"Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble."

– Proverbs 13:20

Worship Songs



Review Questions

"Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get

in trouble."

– Proverbs 13:20



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Chuck: (Chuck sneaks in behind the leader with a large net and wraps it around the leader) I GOTCHA!!

Leader: AGH! Chuck, what’re you doing?!

Chuck: (looks up, surprised) OH, it’s just you.

Leader: JUST ME?? (tosses the net off of themselves) Who were you expecting?

Chuck: SHHHHH!!! Not so loud! I’m on a mission!

Leader: What mission?

Chuck: SHHHHHH!! They have excellent ears! They’ll hear you! You don’t wanna be heard by them!

Leader: (suddenly a little afraid) By whom?

Chuck: Not a “who”…but “WHAT!” I’m hunting for one of the most terrible animals on the face of the earth!

Leader: Oh no…lions!

Chuck: NO, not lions.

Leader: Tigers?

Chuck: NO, not tigers.

Leader: Bears??

Chuck: OH MY, no! These creatures are crafty, vicious, backstabbers! I’m talking about the wild, the mean, all-around-no-good-ZEBRA!

Leader: (starts laughing) Zebras?! Those horses with the black and white stripes??

Chuck: YES! SHHHHH!!! I heard you guys talking about how DANGEROUS Zebras were!

Leader: Chuck, we are NOT talking about zebras! We’re talking about “ZIBAS!”

Chuck: ZIBA…. what in the world is a Ziba?! Is that like some kind of mutant zebra from outer space??




Character SKIT (Continued)Leader: Noooo, a Ziba is not from outer space! “Ziba” is actually the name of a character in the Bible,

and he was NOT a nice guy.

Chuck: Really?

Leader: REALLY! He did all kinds of bad stuff! He pointed out the faults in others, he never told the truth, he betrayed people that trusted him, and he talked about people behind their backs!

Chuck: Oh my goodness! He sounds WAAAAY meaner than a zebra!

Leader: That’s right! We have to be careful when choosing who we hang out with! We need to be around people who build us up, not tear us down! Because having a relationship with a “ZIBA” will ALWAYS cost us something in the end!

Chuck: Like what?

Leader: Well the boys and girls are going to find out later in today’s lesson, but I don’t want to spoil it just yet!

Chuck: Okay, well if you don’t mind, I’m gonna continue my zebra hunt backstage.

Leader: Chuck, I doubt there are any zebras backstage.

Chuck: Oh there will be after I do my special zebra call!. (makes a long loud stupid noise) HEEEEERE ZEBRA ZEBRA, YOU LIL’ STRIPED RASCAL!! I’ll see you later, boys and girls! I’M CHUCK FOO! KICK IT!

(Chuck’s music plays as he exits)



Game Time“A Little Bit Of Time”

Items Needed For Game:

* The Music CD (use one of the

60 second timed versions of game music provided)

* Two 10-12 piece jigsaw puzzle (designed for pre-school children)

How To Play: Choose one boy and one girl who thinks they are obviously smart

enough to put the puzzles back together. Dump the puzzle pieces on the floor (both puzzles mixed in together). When you say, “GO!”, both try to put their puzzles back together.

Whichever contestant finishes the most of their puzzle within the “little bit of time” they are allotted—WINS!


“Watch Out For Zibas!”


Materials Needed: The Data CD

Preparation: Open the PowerPoint presentation on the Data CD titled “Lesson Four,”

begin with the slide titled “Watch Out For Zibas!”; familiarize yourself with

the Bible Story found in 2 Samuel 9 and 2 Samuel 16


Have you ever had somebody that you THOUGHT was a friend, but they ended up not acting much like a friend at all? Perhaps they lied about you, talked bad about you, or they turned their back on you when you were going through a hard time?

It is really sad when someone that we THOUGHT was our friend turns out to not be much of a friend. Mephibosheth found that out the hard way. We are going to find out “the story behind the story” today. Do you remember when (show pic) King David asked, “Is there anyone from the house of Saul that I can show kindness to for Jonathan’s sake?” There was a man named Ziba who answered him.

Ziba said, (show pic) “Yes, one of Jonathan’s sons is still alive, but he is crippled.” Why did Ziba say that? David didn’t ask if the guy was crippled or not. I’ll tell you why. Ziba knew how David felt about crippled people. He saw them as weak and useless. He pointed out that Mephibosheth was crippled because that’s what people like Ziba do. “Zibas” in your life will do the same thing.

1) A “Ziba” Points Out The Fault In Others (slide)

You can always tell a “Ziba” in your life because they point out the weaknesses of others in order to make themselves look better. To get on your side, they talk bad about leaders, friends, other people - anyone. Don’t fall for that. That’s not how a true friend acts, is it? Not at all! You have to watch out for “Zibas”!

Fast forward the story. As you remember, Mephibosheth is brought in to King David’s house(CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)




and allowed to eat at the king’s table. He begins to “live like a king.” King David tells Ziba that he now is going to be Mephibosheth’s servant. If you thought Ziba was a bad friend before, just wait until you hear what he does next.

Years go by, and King David’s own son tries to take over the kingdom. King David had to run for his life out in the countryside. While he is out there, he runs into Ziba. (show pic) He asks Ziba, “Where is Mephibosheth?” Ziba says, “Oh, he is in Jerusalem. He figures this is the day that you are no longer going to be King, and that he will take his rightful place on the throne.”

2) A “Ziba” Does Not Tell The Truth (slide)

As you will find out at the end of this story, Ziba was lying. Mephibosheth said nothing like that at all. Mephibosheth loved the king. He would never try to steal back the kingdom from David. But, Ziba was a liar and convinced the king otherwise. Believing the lie, David felt betrayed. David had helped Mephibosheth when he needed help. Now, at the time when King David was in deep need, David believed the lie that Mephibosheth had turned his back on him.

You can always tell a “Ziba” in your life because they don’t tell the truth. Be careful! Don’t choose a liar as a friend. If they will lie to you or others, they will certainly betray you. Watch out for “Zibas!”

(show pic) King David told Ziba, “If Mephibosheth has done this, then I am going to punish him. All of the land and possessions I gave to Mephibosheth, everything that belonged to him, is now yours!” Ziba was excited! Of course he was! He had just betrayed his friend, Mephibosheth. It’s sad, but when you put your trust in a “Ziba”...

3) A “Ziba” Will Betray You (slide)

It’s so sad. Mephibosheth thought Ziba was his friend. He wasn’t. Ziba betrayed Mephibosheth. We have to be careful when we choose our friends. We want to choose friends who love Jesus and are living for God. If we choose people who can’t be trusted, they will eventually betray us. We must watch out for “Zibas!”





King David continued on his journey. Who do you think he ran into next? It was Mephibosheth riding on a donkey. (show pic) King David asked, “Where have you been?” Mephibosheth said, “My King, since I was crippled, I could not go with you. So, I waiting and mourned and worried about you the entire time. I have been looking forward to the time you would come back safe! But, Ziba has betrayed me!”

Suddenly, King David knew that Ziba had lied to him. So, he said, “Say no more. You and Ziba can divide all the money and property.” Divide it? What? For the first time in this story, I am mad at David. How could he do this? How could he make this decision? Instead of giving everything back to Mephibosheth, Ziba got half. This just doesn’t seem fair. What does this teach us?

4) Relationships With “Zibas” Will Always Cost You In The End (slide)

You may finally discover the truth. You may finally get them out of your life. But, the relation-ship will cost you. It will cost you peace and joy. You will miss out on God’s blessings because you al-lowed a “Ziba” to stay in close friendship in your life. We can’t hang out with “Zibas.” The price is too high. We must show EVERYONE God’s love, but we should not choose “Zibas” as our close friends. They will only hurt us and bring us down.


Pray with the children who realize they have made friendships with those who do not have their best interest at heart. They are friends with someone who has lied to them, turned their back on them, and betrayed them. Pray that God will give them the strength to choose friends who are going to stand with them, help them, and bring them closer to God.




Answer: “I Must Be Careful When I Choose My Friends!”

2. What’s the name of the so-called friend of Mephibosheth?Answer: Ziba

3. King David had been chased out of the palace by his ______________.Answer: son, Absolom

4. Ziba told King David that Mephibosheth was planning to _____________.Answer: take back his rightful place as King

5. We learned in our lesson today, “A Ziba Point Out The __________ In Others.”Answer: Fault

6. We also learned in our lesson today, “A Ziba Does Not Tell The _________.”Answer: Truth

7. We also learned in our lesson today, “A Ziba Will ____________ You.”Answer: Betray

8. We also learned in our lesson today, “Relationships With Zibas Will Always ____________ You In The End.”Answer: Cost

9. True or False: We must be very careful when we choose our friends.Answer: True

10. Where was our Power Verse found? Answer: Proverbs 13:20

printable leaders manual - live like a king

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