Wrapping Up Truth

As one leader put it on Sunday, kids are great at “wiggling out” of the truth sometimes.  Kids generally will do just about anything to avoid getting in trouble.  They will nip a little bit off the whole truth, they will remain silent to avoid the risk of self-incrimination, they will stretch the truth, and at times, they will outright lie.  (Of course, all of this can be said about adults as well)

This week as we continued our ARMED series, we put on the first piece of God’s Armor- the belt of truth.  Belts in our world are an accessory more than a necessity.  The belt of truth is not an accessory we put on only when it suits us- or when it matches our current circumstance.  The belt of truth is a necessity for fighting the battle we’re all facing.  Like the Roman soldier that Paul used as a model/visual for the armor, we need to wear this belt to hold all other armor together. 

In other words, without the Truth, none of the armor would fit, stay on, or even make sense.  (This is an example of the remarkable consistency of God’s Word!)  Jesus called Satan out as the father of lies, and said of Himself, “I am the truth…”  Wrapping ourselves in truth is not just about putting on a belt.  It’s about wrapping our lives with Truth.  It’s about filling our minds and hearts with Truth.  It’s about knowing and trusting Him who is Truth.

Kids (and adults) avoid, stretch, or hide the truth at times.  We cannot be ARMED against the father of lies if we are taking off and putting on the belt of truth when it suits us.  We have to make a conscience decision…our kids have to make a conscience decision…to put on the belt of truth. 
Ephesians 6:14a- “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist…”

This Week’s Announcements:
1. We still have a few ministry spots to fill. If you’d like to learn more about how you too can make an investment in the lives of kids, please contact me at penny@stonebridgemarietta.org or Christina Busey at christina@stonebridgemarietta.org

2. BRING YOUR BIBLE!  I’ve challenged the elementary (1st-5th grade) children to bring their own Bible each week.  As we ARM ourselves with God’s Truth, one of the most important tools will be God’s Word.  If you’re unsure if your child has the Bible that is appropriate for his or her age/maturity/reading level, I’m happy to be a resource for you.  Contact me and I can give you suggestions about good options for your age child. Contact me at penny@stonebridgemarietta.org

3. Registration is now open for our annual PathFinders Camping Day!  REMEMBER THAT REGISTRATION ENDS ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11TH SO DON’T DELAY! Click the link below to register your 1st-5th grade child. https://stonebridgemarietta.org/events/event/pathfinders-camping-day-2/

What God is Teaching Us:
For Toddlers-3k:
Even our youngest are getting ARMED as they explore what coming to church is all about.  They are learning that Church is God’s house, and about the things we do together in His house.  They are learning that we play, pray, praise, and learn about the Bible.  As they continued to learn about prayer, the focus was listening when we pray. 
Click the link to see the nursery lessons: This link is no longer available

For 4k-5th Grade:
We continued our new Fall Curriculum- “ARMED” on Sunday.  This week’s lesson focused on the belt of truth and what it means to wrap our lives in Truth. Click on the link below to see the lessons for 4k/K, 1st&2nd grade, and 3rd-5th grade small groups.
This link is no longer available

*Also- we are ARMING ourselves by learning a memory verse together each week. 
This week’s Memory Verses:
For 2/3 year olds: “Call to me and I will answer you.”  Jeremiah 33:3a
For 3k preschool: “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and wonderful things you do not know.”  Jeremiah 33:3
For 4k/K:  “You will know the truth. The truth will set you free." John 8:32(NIrV)
For 1st-5th grade: “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  John 8:32 (NIV)

Amazing Things Kids Do and Say…
The 4k/K class was on a roll this week with lots of funny things being said!  Here are just a few:

During the 4k/K large group lesson, the kids were being asked to recall what was talked about last week.  (STANDING FIRM against the enemy).  When asked what we need to STAND, many kids answered things like “truth” or “God’s Word.”  One little girl…slightly confused by everyone else’s answers- even looking at them like they were crazy- said, “Our two feet!”

Kids were asked to shout out what we’re learning.  (The phrase is “We’re getting ARMED and ready for battle!”) One little girl shouted, “We’re getting ARMED and ready for battleship!”
All I could think about was the old commercial… “D6!  Ahh…you sunk my battleship!”

One little boy was reciting last week’s Bible verse (James 4:7). When he got to the end, he said, “James 4:7…NIrV.  I don’t think you have to say that last part- the NIrV-but I did just in case.”
 
As the children learned the new Bible verse (John 8:32) this week, they practiced saying it several times, along with the Scripture reference.  One little guy couldn’t understand how 8:32 was not 832 (eight hundred thirty-two).  An adult tried to explain it several times with no luck.  The little boy, getting fed up, said... “Well, it’s 832 and that’s past my bedtime.  I go to bed at 830 [eight hundred thirty]!”