Category Archives: From the Writers

A Word from the VBS Craft Book Writer

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Angela Crymes wrote the VBS Craft Book for VBS 2013, The Mighty God — God Leads Moses and Me.

Welcome to the Craft Shoppe where craft smiths will be hard at work. This week we will be focusing on how God worked in Moses’ life and how He works in a personal way in our lives. We will see that God loves us and has specific plans for our lives. He calls us to come to Him in repentance and put our faith in Him and what He did for us on the cross. He made salvation available to everyone. He saves people who turn to Him. We will also see that we can trust God to lead us in every area of our lives. He guides us in the direction He knows we need to go. He will give us direction through the Holy Spirit and His inspired Word. He cares for us and knows our needs. He is the One and only Mighty God who not only created us but cares about every detail of our lives.

The Craft Shoppe provides an opportunity to continue teaching the lessons that God is showing us in His Word. Our little craft smiths will be busy creating and having fun while seeds are being planted. The end result will be little reminders of what they have learned and tools that will help them share God with others. As we take a trip in the past, we will see how God is leading and directing our lives today.

 

2013 Craft Book with craft insertBefore you begin . . .

1. Spend time in prayer.

2. Read the Bible events for yourself. Take time to study each lesson text ahead of time.

3. Experiment with the crafts. See which crafts are best suited to you and your church.

4. Recruit help. This is not a one man job. You will need help with planning, organizing, and assisting the children with their crafts.

5. Prepare the room. You may want to put down tarps or plastic to protect the floor and work surfaces for some of the crafts. You will also have some crafts that require a sink or wet wipes for clean up. You may also want to bring a hair dryer to dry the painted crafts quickly.

6. Gather supplies early. If you wait until the last minute, you may not be able to find what you need in time.

7. Get organized. Things will flow much smoother if things are organized and ready to go for each class and lesson.

8. The patterns will be easier to use if they are copied onto cardstock rather than typing paper. This will make them a little more stiff and durable.

9. Look for ways to encourage and edify each child.

10. Be excited about God and the opportunity to serve Him. Your excitement will be contagious. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

 

 

CRAFTS FROM THE VBS CRAFT BOOK

 

 

 

A Word from the Writer of the Adult VBS Lessons

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Gene Smith is the Writer of the Adult VBS Lessons

 

Lesson 1—God Loves Me

Setting:
The Nile River

Bible Event:
God loved Moses and had great plans for his life (Exodus 1:16, 17; 2:1-10).

Student Application:
Each student is special to God (Psalm 139:14, 16), and He has a special plan for each life that begins by realizing God’s love for the student (John 3:16) and the student’s need to believe in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-10).

Student Objective:
I am loved by God.

Lesson Purpose:
The student will understand that God loves him and has a great plan for his life.

 

Introduction

God loved Moses and had a great plan for his life. Likewise, every believer in Christ is special to God (Psalm 139:14). Moses gave us the first five books of the Old Testament, known as the Pentateuch. God allowed Moses to write the Pentateuch, which includes the book of Exodus.

Moses died at the age of one hundred twenty years, while “his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated.” God referred to him as His faithful servant when he climbed Nebo’s lonely mountain. The Israelites wept for him in a valley in the land of Moab. Moses was the only man in the Bible to have God as his undertaker. (See Deuteronomy 34:1-8.)

Moses was special and his last days on earth were spent in intimate fellowship with God. God permitted no human to take part in his burial. However, the Israelites mourned for thirty days. The normal time for mourning a dead loved one was seven days. (See Genesis 50:10.) Centuries later, Moses appeared with Elijah at Christ’s transfiguration. (See Matthew 17:1-3.)

The Birth of Moses

Into the home of a devout couple of the tribe of Levi, a child was born. According to Pharaoh’s decree, that child should have been cast into the Nile River to perish. The parents, however, like the devout midwives who had defied the royal edict, determined to save the child. For three months Jochebed watched over her infant son, keeping him from prying eyes. She came to love him more and more each day. As the boy grew older, she knew that she could not keep her secret. Thus, she determined to save him by outwitting the king. Therefore, she placed him in an ark of bulrushes in the Nile River and trusted God to care for her child.

An older sister, by the name of Miriam, was watching the child in his floating bed when Pharaoh’s daughter came to the river to bathe and swim. Jochebed may have known the habits of the king’s daughter and trusted that her sympathy would be aroused by the helpless baby. According to her plans, when the princess saw the child, she determined to save him. When Miriam saw the princess’ interest, she offered to find a nurse to care for him. Miriam arranged for the baby’s mother to care for her own son with the blessing of Pharaoh’s daughter.

While there is no evidence to indicate the spot where the child was found, the general locale can be identified with little difficulty. It was near both the royal palace where Pharaoh’s daughter resided and the place where the Hebrews lived. The Bible describes it as the land of Goshen. (See Genesis 47:6, 11.) This limits the location to the eastern delta near Tanis or Bubastic.

The name, Moses, seems to be of Egyptian origin. Although the Hebrew form of this word is a play on words, signifying one who is drawn out of the water. (See Exodus 2:10; Acts 7:20-38; Hebrews 11:23-26.) However, when Moses was grown, he refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.

The Early Life of Moses

It would take a volume in itself to fully expound the virtues of Moses—the historian, orator, statesman, legislator and patriot. A holy intimacy existed between God and this prophet (Deuteronomy 34:10) who was supernaturally guided and aided in his life and labors. It is, therefore, no wonder this mighty leader of the people of Israel is a favorite biblical hero to many people.

The Believer’s Separation from Worldliness

The believer in Christ is commanded to come out from the unbelievers and be a separated people. (See 2 Corinthians 6:17.) God does not mean that believers in Christ are to isolate themselves from all other people. As God’s children, our bodies become the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. We are to keep His dwelling place pure and clean from worldly and sinful attitudes and practices.

God’s Love for Moses

There is no doubt that God loved Moses and worked providentially to spare and prepare him for the great task God planned for him. When that precious newborn baby was placed in the handmade basket and placed among the reeds on the bank of the Nile, God was watching over him. It was no accident that the daughter of Pharaoh was nearby and saw the basket among the reeds, then reacted with compassion as she picked up the child. It was not a coincidence that Miriam just happened to be near enough, watching, to step up and volunteer her mother’s services as a nursemaid for him.

Jochebed was able to nurse and rear her son in the fear and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). Moses had the advantage of knowing and loving his father and mother and his siblings, Aaron and Miriam, as well as critical exposure to the true God of Israel. At the same time, he was brought up in the house of Pharaoh with all the privileges, education and connections that riches bring. God allowed Moses the best of both worlds. He knew what it was to be a God-fearing Hebrew, yet enjoyed the benefits of royalty. Stephen preached that Moses “was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds” (Acts 7:22).

The blessing of godly parents was also in the plan of God for Moses. The Bible states, “They were not afraid of the king’s commandments” (Hebrews 11:23). Even his parents knew God had special plans for Moses. God’s love for Moses, and His plan for him became fruitful as Moses grew and “by faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season” (verses 24, 25). The child, Moses, grew into a man of great conviction and compassion for his people.

God’s Love for You

We never know what God has in mind for the lives of newborns. Every great man or woman of God began as a little speck of life in his or her mother’s womb. All great leaders began their lives the same way, as helpless little babies.

One thing we know for sure is that God specially designs each child in the womb before he or she is born. The psalmist praised God because he was “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). He described the work of God in the unborn like this: “My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought. . . . Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them” (verses 15, 16).

Not all children achieve God’s plan for their lives. Though God loves everyone and desires each person to come to know Christ and serve Him, God will never force anyone against his will. Moses made the decision to turn from “the pleasures of sin” (Hebrews 11:25) and to follow “the reproach of Christ” (verse 26) with the people of God, “when he was come to years” (verse 24). He decided to follow the Lord’s will for his life because he considered God’s way to be “greater riches than the treasures in Egypt” (verse 26).

The Mighty God who made and loves you also wants to save and bless you. But God will not force His salvation upon you. Instead, He offers you His love and sacrifice for your life. The Memory Verse states, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). It is obvious that all are sinners. And the only remedy for sin is to accept God’s loving provision, the death of Christ. Admitting sins, believing in Christ and calling upon His name can result in your salvation today.

Moses was loved by God and chose to follow God’s great plan for his life. God loves you and proved it by sending His Son to die in your place. Will you choose to follow God’s great plan for your life?

 

Reflections

• From what tribe in Israel was Moses’ parents?

• What was Moses’ mother’s name?

• Where were they when Moses was born?

• What is the name of the river in Egypt to which they were close?

• Why should Christians be a separated people?

 

Adult VBS Lessons are provided for the adult class. The lessons cover the same Bible topics as the children and youth lessons, but on an adult level. Each lesson includes activities and questions to facilitate discussion.
Click here for more information about Adult VBS Lessons.

 

 

 

 

Word from the Writer of the Teen VBS Lessons

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Jeff Haney, writer of the Teen VBS Lessons

May 1, 1776, Adam Weishaupt along with four other friends formed a secret society of free- thinkers, financiers and the brightest intelligentsia of the time which came to be known as The Illuminati. Mixed with some fact and fiction, the myth, mystery and magnetism of this movement has captured the thoughts and imaginations of conspiracy theorists for generations. There are some who insist that this mystifying legend is indeed a fact and serves as a shadow government to world affairs. In medieval times, a phrase was coined that captured the essence of this belief. Those who counseled the king were often viewed as controlling the king, and, therefore, the counselors were truly considered the power behind the throne. For centuries, people and societies have never quite shaken the belief that there is more to world affairs than meets the eye. Whether it’s Freemasons, the United Nations, the Counsel on Foreign Relations or the Boy Scouts of America, many men have come to believe that there is a power behind the thrones of the world, governing the governments, ruling the rulers and helping along the happenings of the affairs of our lives. This is only a small list of the alleged powers that be.

The Mighty God VBS 2013 - Teen Student

Teen Student page 15

While we shouldn’t be conspiracy sensationalists, such beliefs have brought to light legitimate questions. Does anyone rule the rulers? Is there anybody governing the governments? Who leads the leaders? While these are questions worth asking, the answers given by the world at large are lacking and imaginary. This doesn’t mean there aren’t legitimate answers. We can answer these questions with great confidence and a resounding yes; there is, in fact, someone governing governments and ruling rulers. However, He isn’t the power behind the throne, He is the power beyond the throne. He isn’t merely a counselor to kings. The reality is that He is King of kings. He presides over presidents and monitors the monarchs. He is the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. It is no mystery at all that He oversees what men see, overrules where men rule, and has a keen interest in the affairs of our lives. The Bible states in Psalm 29:10, “The Lord sitteth King for ever.” Psalm 47:7 states, “For God is the King of all the earth.” The Bible relates in Daniel 2:21 it is the Lord that “removeth kings, and setteth up kings.”

There are two primary objectives throughout the lessons in this book. The first is to learn about the Mighty God, and the second is to understand His concern and involvement in the lives of every man, woman, boy and girl on planet Earth. We are living in a time when the public debate and social sentiment seem to have shifted focus in the everyday discussion concerning God. In the past, Satan and unbelieving men tried to put out the light of God’s existence. Their poisonous plan now is to throw dirt on His goodness. One thing better than knowing God lives is knowing that God loves. If the devil can’t convince men of one, he will try to convince them of the other. The entire theme of this study is

From the Writer of the Teen Student

Teen Student page 31

essentially an exposition on the character of God, not the reality of God. It is not about the fact that God is. It is about the fact that God is good which is a necessary element of biblical faith. Hebrews 11:6 gives us the essence of true life-changing belief, “For he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” When it comes to faith in God, it isn’t enough to merely believe that God is. One must also believe that God is good. It is factual that God is, God is good, and God is good to me. Every teen needs to see this through the lessons on the life of Moses.

Vacation Bible School 2013, The Mighty God, God Leads Moses and Me teen class is an effort to demonstrate to the teachers and students that God is living, loving, moving and working in their lives for their good and His glory. The fundamental facts that undergird our lessons are found in Jeremiah 32:17, 18, “Ah Lord God! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee: . . . the Great, the Mighty God, the Lord of hosts.” May God bless you as you prepare to teach the young men and women whom God has put under your care.

 

Cover of Teen Student manual - The Mighty God VBS 2013

Teen Student

 

(This article was taken from the Teen Teacher Manual.)

 

Click here for more information about VBS 2013, The Mighty God – God Leads Moses and Me.

A Word from the Writer of the Young Teen VBS Lessons

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Weeks DuBose is the Writer of the Young Teen VBS Lessons

Why are there many anxious and worried Christians in the world? Could the reason be that they don’t have a clear understanding of several important facts? First, is the fact that God is mighty. In the Scriptures, the basic word for God is El which is formed from a root word that means “strength, might, or power.” The ancient patriarch Job said, “God is mighty” (Job 36:5). Deuteronomy 3:24 records the words of Moses who extolled the character of God by saying, “O Lord God, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might?” In Isaiah’s prophecy of Jesus, the prophet described Him as “The mighty God” (Isaiah 9:6). Revelation 19:6 declares Him to be the “Lord God omnipotent” who reigns over the affairs of humanity. This pertinent fact alone should be enough to relieve undue worry and concern in the lives of His children.

Young Teen Teacher (page 6)

However, if this weren’t enough to allay the anxiety of God’s children, they should consider that the mighty God of the universe cares for them personally. When children are frightened or are faced with unimaginable needs, they turn to their parents or close friends whom they are confident can help. There is no guarantee they can, however, God cares. Peter assured believers of this when he wrote that the mighty God of the universe cared for them (1 Peter 5:7). The Philippians were assured by the apostle Paul that God would supply all their needs (Philippians 4:19).

The children of Israel’s wilderness journey is one of the best real-life examples of God’s care for His children. For forty years, the Israelites wandered in the wilderness between Egypt and the land of Canaan. Their journey took them through a trackless and parched wasteland where under normal conditions they would have nothing to eat or drink, but where God led, He provided. During that time, in spite of their often grumbling and rebellious attitude, God supplied them with bread from Heaven and water from the rock.

After entering the Promised Land, the children of Israel encountered tribes along the way who worshiped cruel and uncaring deities. These false gods could do nothing for the people who served them while at the same time the worship demanded the lives of innocent babies as sacrifices. In every way, God proved Himself to the Israelites to be the mighty God of love and concern. In a similar way today, God, through His Son, proves Himself to be the mighty God who cares for us.

Young Teen Student

 

 

(This article was taken from the Young Teen Teacher Manual.)

 

Click here for more information about VBS 2013, The Mighty God – God Leads Moses and Me.

 

 

 

 

 

A Word from the Writer of the Junior VBS Lessons

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Darlene Walls is the Writer of the Junior VBS Lessons

 

Hear ye, hear ye! Thou art invited to join in a week of Vacation Bible School. The drawbridge is lowered and the entrance of the castle awaits. Hence, we will gain knowledge of our Mighty God. Wilt thou join in as we glean important lessons from the pages of Scripture?

Our lessons this week center around a man named Moses and God’s mighty power. We will take a journey through the pages of Scripture and focus on God’s care and leadership in the life of Moses.

Our first stop along this journey will take us into the land of Egypt. What were the Israelites doing in Egypt? In order to understand this, we have to look back in Scripture. God had His hand on a man named Joseph; it was through him the children of Israel came to be in Egypt in the first place.

Castle with shield icons

Bulletin Board Idea – Junior Teacher

God used Joseph to spare the life of His chosen people. Scripture informs us that approximately seventy souls went into Egypt, and from these seventy souls came the nation of Israel.

How did the Israelites become slaves? They were brought into Egypt and treated as royalty. How was it possible they could go from prosperity and freedom to poverty and bondage? Years passed and Joseph and Pharaoh died, and a new Pharaoh took over as a ruler. God had blessed the children of Israel and they multiplied greatly. The new Pharaoh was afraid they would one day choose to fight against them, thus began the Israelites’ years of slavery. God continued to bless Israel and they continued to grow in number, this was the reason Pharaoh ordered all baby boys to be killed.

God’s providential care is so amazing. He sees all and knows all. From the very beginning, God had plans for the life of Moses. God’s hand of protection was evident throughout his life. As an infant, Moses should have been killed; however, God was at work. Moses’ mother was able to hide him for the first three months of his life. She then made the decision to part with her child in hopes of saving his life. What she did not know was that God was already at work.

Pharaoh's daughter with baby Moses

Junior Teacher (page 12)

Moses was found by Pharaoh’s daughter, who decided to keep him as her own child. She hired Moses’ mother to care for the child. What an awesome blessing for this woman of faith. His mother had the privilege to raise and care for him while he was young and impart to him truths concerning God. When he was older his mother took him to Pharaoh’s house to live.

Moses was born a Hebrew and raised an Egyptian. This must have been hard for him. Day after day, he watched as his own people were beaten and treated harshly. When Moses was older, he killed an Egyptian for his harsh treatment of a Hebrew and hid the body. When Moses realized people knew about the Egyptian’s death, he fled for his life because he feared Pharaoh.

Moses ended up in the desert. From here he married, and he spent forty years tending to sheep. It was during this time that God called to Moses. God never forgot about him; God knew exactly where to find him. The time had come for Moses to do a special work for God.

After excuses were given, Moses finally consented to follow the leadership of God. This decision took him before Pharaoh, where he boldly proclaimed the Word of God. Let my people go, was the message of God, but Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he refused to obey. This was the beginning of the end for Pharaoh and those in the land of Egypt.

God sent a series of plagues that ravaged the land, culminating with the death of the firstborn. God made a way for the children of Israel to be saved. A lamb had to die, and the blood had to be applied to the doorposts in order for the Destroyer to pass over. No one was exempt. If the blood was not applied, death came to that household.

Moses parting the Red Sea

Junior Activity Pages (page 4)

After the tenth and final plague, Pharaoh sent the children of Israel out of Egypt. It wasn’t long before Pharaoh gave the command to pursue the Israelites. Of course, when the Israelites saw the advancing Egyptians following them they were afraid; however, this battle was not theirs to fight. God fought on behalf of the Israelites, they were to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. God parted the Red Sea, and they walked across on dry ground. The Egyptian army pursued, and God brought final victory. The sea returned, and the entire Egyptian army was drowned.

The Israelites often complained and murmured against God; yet, He provided for the needs of His people. He sent manna from Heaven to feed them. Can you imagine food from Heaven? In the evenings, God sent quail into the camp for them to eat. God also supplied water from a rock to quench their thirst. He is the Mighty God!

These lessons are an awesome testimony of God’s love and power. They should remind us that God is all powerful and that He is at work in our lives. Let us remember, “For I am the Lord, I change not” (Malachi 3:6). He is still our Almighty God.

God has a plan for each of us. Even before we were born God knew us. “For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well” (Psalm 139:13, 14). We are made in the image of God and for His purpose. God has a plan for you.

Israelites receive water in the wilderness

Junior Activity Pages  (page 5)

God called to Moses from a burning bush. Have you wondered what Moses must have thought to see a bush on fire, calling out to him by name? More importantly, God told him to go to Egypt! Moses began to do like any normal Christian would do. He began to give excuses why he couldn’t do it. “For with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:37). God knew Moses name, and God knows our name. “But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine” (Isaiah 43:1).

God is calling to all mankind to come to repentance, but there are many who refuse to answer that call. When someone is saved, God calls him to service. How sad it is that so many people accept Jesus into their hearts, then, never follow Him in service. Far too many saved individuals refuse to heed the call of God. Like Moses, we begin to offer excuse after excuse why we can’t do the things God calls us to do.

One area many of us fall short in is that of evangelism. God still saves! We, as born again children of God, are called to carry the gospel to a lost and dying world. Jesus, our Passover Lamb, shed His blood and purchased salvation for all people. It is each one’s responsibility to tell them about His saving power.

Water, Palm Trees, Desert, Sand Hill

Junior Visual

We have many powerful tools at our disposal. God gives us His Word. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). God’s Word is there to teach and guide us. In a darkened world, His Word gives light and direction. Consider for a moment how powerful the Word of God is. God spoke the world into existence.

It was His very words that created all things. It is by the Word of God that people were created. It is also through His Word that each person realizes his need for salvation. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).

God also has sent the Holy Spirit to each believer. The Holy Spirit is present to guide each believer into all truths. “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come” (John 16:13). “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26). Each believer needs the Holy Spirit to guide him in his Christian walk.

Man parting Red Sea

Junior Visual

God loves His children, and He is faithful to meet their needs. “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). The Heavenly Father will take care of His children. “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:31- 33). May His children seek to have the Lord first in their lives, and then they can rest assured God will take care of the rest.

Our lessons this week are God Loves Me, God Calls Me, God Saves Me, God Guides Me and God Cares for Me. May we take to heart these simple, yet profound lessons from the Word of God.

 

 

(This article was taken from Junior Teacher Manual.)

 

Click here for more information about VBS 2013, The Mighty God – God Leads Moses and Me.

 

 

 

 

 

A Word from the Writer of the Primary VBS Lessons

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Rhonda Blackerby | VBS WriterRhonda Blackerby is the Writer of the Primary VBS Lessons

“Ah Lord God! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:… the Great, the Mighty God, the Lord of hosts.” This theme verse found in Jeremiah 32:17, 18 for Vacation Bible School 2013 warms the heart of those who put their trust in God. Each child of God belongs to the winning side, and triumph over his trouble is assured; there is no doubt God will keep His promises to each of us. This study from the book of Exodus will show how God led Moses through the perils of his life and remained faithful to him in extreme circumstances.

Exodus 1—20 records the amazing events directed by God to 
bring his chosen people, the Israelites, out of Egypt and back to
the Promised Land. There are numerous miracles in the book 
of Exodus and the majority of them are found in these twenty
 chapters. It is widely accepted by Bible scholars that Moses is the author of Exodus. In the wilderness desert, Moses was able to give “his story” while directed by the inspiration of God so that we have this sacred “history” that continues to bless and teach us today. Before you prepare for VBS, make it a priority to sit down with your Bible and read these chapters in continuity.

Israelites gathering manna

Primary Activity Pages

The Bible events highlighted in The Mighty God are rich in spiritual lessons for children. In Exodus 13, God gave Moses instructions on commemorating the Passover and one important aspect of that was to teach children. Verse 8 commanded the families of the Israelites to teach their children the meaning of the Passover customs and to tell the great things God did to deliver them from Egyptian bondage. In all the uncertainties of life, parents are blessed to be able to tell their children that God can be depended upon. He loves, calls, saves, guides and cares for His people. Hardships came in the life of Moses and his family. Hardships will come in our lives, too. God does not promise to keep us from all life’s problems; however, this VBS theme clearly teaches God has the power to deliver us in ways we might not expect. This series of lessons will help to perpetuate the remembrance of the great things God has done.

Bulletin Board idea - castle

Primary Teacher — page 6

Moses is a great example for all Christian leaders to study and emulate his godly characteristics. God designed Moses for great service. Moses was highly educated
in the ways of the Egyptians. This prepared him to be an ambassador that would be able to stand before the Egyptian king (Pharaoh) on behalf of the Israelites. Moses’ education was put to good use as he was directed by God to record the first five books of the Old Testament.

God’s service is reasonable, and we should know what we do and why we do
 it. Moses had a good understanding of what God wanted him to do. His personal relationship and direct communication with the Lord helped him to successfully accomplish God’s will in his life. His wisdom came after decades of life experiences. He was eighty years old when the Lord spoke to him from the burning bush.

The Mighty God will be helpful as primary students are beginning to understand how God loves, calls, saves, guides and cares for them. If God can lead Moses, God can lead me!

 

Primary cover

 

(This article was taken from Primary Teacher Manual.)

Click here for more information about VBS 2013, The Mighty God – God Leads Moses and Me.

 

 

 

 

A Word from the Writer of the Beginner VBS Lessons

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Lena, writer of Beginner materialsLena Case is the Writer of the Beginner VBS Lessons

The first verse in the Bible says, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” The all-powerful God designed the earth as habitat for His greatest work, the human race. The theme verse from Jeremiah 32:17, 18 says: “Ah Lord God! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:…the Great, the Mighty God, the Lord of hosts.”

It was this all-powerful God who chose Moses to be the leader for His people, the Israelites. However, there was a major hurdle thrown into this plan for Moses before he was even born.

Remember, Jacob’s family of over seventy immigrants from southern Canaan moved to Egypt to live near Joseph when a famine devastated their crops. Joseph, a ruler in Egypt, had wisely prepared for the famine by storing grain ahead of time. He provided food for them and grain for their livestock during the duration of the famine. (See Acts 7:9-11.) They settled in the land of Goshen with the Pharaoh’s approval.

The family rapidly became a significant group growing into a large nation of foreigners in Egypt. The new ruler who did not know Joseph or the reason why so many Israelites were in his country, grew fearful of their taking over his country. So he enslaved them. Still they multiplied. He devised a plan to reduce their numbers by ordering the midwives who delivered Israelite babies to smother or strangle all boy babies at birth; girls were allowed to live.

Bible story of Baby Moses

Beginner Activity Pages

However, the midwives chose to risk their lives rather than follow Pharaoh’s command. He issued a decree charging his people that all newborn Hebrew boys would be tossed into the Nile River to drown. This was the menacing situation which Moses’ parents faced when he was born. Boys were doomed to die, or the parents would be punished.

But God had a plan and loved the future leader for His people. He prompted Moses’ mother to save her beautiful baby boy. She was able to hide him safely at home for three months. (See Hebrews 11:23.) Then she skillfully made a waterproof bulrushes (papyrus) basket in which she put her baby and hid it among the bulrushes by the river bank. His sister hid also and kept watch nearby to see what would happen to her little brother.

Then we see God’s intervening power and love for the Hebrew baby. Pharaoh’s daughter and her attendants came to the very spot where the basket boat floated. She sent a maid to bring her the ark. She opened the cover and saw a beautiful baby boy—a Hebrew! He began crying. The princess immediately wanted to protect him from her father’s decree of death.

Story of Baby Moses

Beginner Teacher page 7

The baby’s sister quickly approached. “Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee?”(Exodus 2:7) she asked. The princess quickly agreed. The baby’s own mother was hired to care for him until he grew old enough to live with the princess as her son.

When he came to live in the palace, she named him Moses. “Because I drew him out of the water,” she said (Exodus 2:10). God loved Moses and had great plans for his life. The circumstances of his birth and survival were the result of the living God who works all things together for the good of His people.

Story of Baby Moses

Beginner Teacher page 9

Most children today will not have such a dramatic story surrounding their births. The Bible teaches, however, without a doubt that God knows each child from the moment of conception. (See Psalm 139:14 and Ecclesiastes 11:5.) Each newborn boy or girl has a special plan God has devised for his or her life. He loves every person enough to send His only Son to die to pay the sin penalty for that individual (John 3:16).

God’s grace is a gift accepted through faith in Jesus Christ. God wants each child to accomplish the special plan He has for him. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

The truth of being loved by God should make a difference in your VBS students’ lives. Allow God’s love to flow through you as you lead kids to discover the principles of this lesson.

 

VBS Beginner Cover with Medieval Archer

Cover of Beginner Activity Pages

 

(This article is taken from the Bible Background section of Lesson One from the Beginner Teacher Manual.)

 

Click here for more information about VBS 2013, The Mighty God – God Leads Moses and Me.

 

 

 

 

A Word from the Writer of the Preschool / Kindergarten VBS Materials

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Ask a group of children to name the biggest, most powerful person in the world and you’ll get a wide variety of answers. Quick responses ranging from daddies to presidents will surely be proclaimed along with detailed explanations as to why.

For many, conclusions will be based on something fictional they have either seen on screen or read about in a favorite storybook. Some responses will come from a child’s own personal experience from some real-life situation. In either case, a hero was made in the process.

During VBS (Vacation Bible School) you will have a perfect opportunity to teach these little ones about the greatest and strongest of all—“the Great, the Mighty God, the Lord of hosts” (Jeremiah 32:18). He is real and His power is infinite. It was through His might the universe was created. Power itself exists because of Him. Teaching these little ones to trust in the all-powerful One, gives them a power source for every challenge that life may bring. Apart from God, His people are weak and insignificant, but next to Him, they can become the instruments to be used by His great might.

Cover of Pre-K Teacher BookMoses was such an instrument. A common Hebrew born into an ordinary Hebrew family, there was nothing special about him. He was an average baby who grew into an average man. He was a humble person who had flaws. The only thing extraordinary about him was that God had a great plan for his life. By learning about Moses, others, including those in your class, can realize that there is no person, situation or force of nature that can foil God’s plan for them. So get ready, all can discover God’s great power as they learn like Moses to follow where God leads.

(Robin Peddy, writer of the Preschool / Kindergarten VBS materials.)

 

For more info about The Mighty God VBS, click here.

 

 

 

A Word from the Writer of the Director’s Plan Book

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Julie Callison

Hear ye, hear ye! Announcing VBS 2013, The Mighty God—God Leads Moses and Me will soon be commencing. You will find this VBS ’tis most splendid! Aye, our castle exploration will begin in the blue room where your squires will learn how much God loved Moses and how much God loves you also and has a great plan for your life. You will embark on the next castle stop in the green room where the squires will learn how God called Moses and how He calls every squire through reading His Word and the conviction of the Holy Spirit. From there, you will enter into the orange room on your castle exploration where the squires will understand about how God spared the Israelites by the Passover and how that relates to Jesus being the Passover Lamb for all and, with acceptance, salvation is freely given. ’Tis the greatest treasure! You will set out for the red room where the squires will learn how God led Moses and the Israelites and how God also leads you through life. Your castle exploration will conclude at the purple room where the squires will learn how God cared for Moses and the Israelites and how God cares and provides for you also. While exploring The Mighty God, you will discover “there is nothing too hard for thee: . . . the Great, the Mighty God” (Jeremiah 32:17,18).

Knight on horse riding to castleIn preparation for this life-changing VBS, use this book as a guide to help you through the process from beginning to end. As you prepare to take on the task of being the VBS director, spend time alone in prayer. Pray for the staff, teachers, children and their families that through Vacation Bible School many lives will be eternally changed. That’s what it’s all about! For some kids, VBS is the only time they will hear about Jesus and the gift He has given us. Take advantage of the time you have with them. What say ye? Aye! I bid you, come hither and let’s go to work on this most splendid adventure!

 

 

Adult VBS: A Word from the Adult Writer

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Gene Smith

ADULT VBS

Challenging changes await the adult students who will explore the biblical truths set forth in these five lessons. This year’s study will be an exploration of the unchangeable truths of God’s Word. Those who choose to study these truths will enjoy a life-changing experience that will enhance their daily walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. Some simple, yet profound truths are set forth in this year’s Vacation Bible School.

Theme for VBS 2012: The theme for this year’s VBS is entitled “Sunlight Express . . . Jesus and Me.” The students will learn of the things Jesus does for them because He loves them. This particular study of the Bible will lead the students to experience the life-changing presence of Jesus Christ as they walk daily with the Lord.

AN OVERVIEW

Lesson 1: Jesus Saves.The story in the Bible is taken from John 3:1- 7. It relates the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus who came to Jesus by night. His discussion with Jesus resulted in his being born again. This resulted in a total change in his nature and life. Compare this life-changing experience with your experience of salvation.

Lesson 2: Jesus Leads. The story in the Bible is taken from John 10:1- 9, 27. It relates how Jesus leads His people and how they follow Him. Compare this with your salvation experience and Christ’s guidance in your life.

Lesson 3: Jesus Cares. This lesson is taken from Mark 4:35-41. The writer of the second gospel was Mark. He is also known as John Mark. Mark was the son of one of the New Testament Marys, and a nephew of Barnabas. He was an associate of the apostles. He is mentioned in the writings of Paul and Luke. (See Acts 12:12; 15:37, 39; Colossians 4:10; 2 Timothy 4:11; Philemon 24, 25.) The words straightway, forthwith, immediately and anon are words which are characteristic of Mark’s writings. In his writings, he presents Jesus Christ as the Servant of God. Tradition reveals that Mark wrote this book from the city of Rome, and this cannot be disproven. There seems to be some validity to the idea that he wrote for the Roman reader. There has never been any reason- able doubt about this book having been written in the Greek language.

Lesson 4: Jesus Lives. The biblical basis for this lesson is taken from Luke 24:1-9. This Scripture reveals Jesus Christ arose from the dead on the first day of the week. On the present-day calendar that would be what we know as Sunday. This is why we meet to worship God each Sunday.

Lesson 5: Jesus Returns. The scriptural basis for this lesson is Acts 1:9-12. Jesus Himself made an unchangeable declaration that He will return to gather all of His people unto Himself. This event is commonly called the second coming of Christ.

 

Adult Lessons
$2.15
X81612 – *This is a returnable item

Visit our VBS website to view online samples of our Adult VBS Lessons. http://vbs.bogardpress.org/products/passengers/X81612/