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Family Blueprint
by Julianne Bell
(Salt, pepper, and a plastic spoon teach us with Israel through the fiery serpents how desperately we need forgiveness.)
The Lord gave us the blueprint of His Word to architect our family on Jesus Christ.
Going through the Bible with your family…
Weekly Scripture:
Numbers 21:4-9
Story:
"The Bronze Fiery Serpent"
Application:
Look up to God for forgiveness and live.
Summary:
While the children of Israel were in the wilderness they became discouraged and began murmuring against God and Moses and against the manna God provided. So God sent His judgment among them with fiery serpents. A lot of the people of Israel died. Those who had not yet died repented of their sin and asked Moses to pray for them. God told Moses to make a bronze fiery serpent and set it on a pole. Then to lift it up so that everyone who was bitten and would look upon the bronze serpent would live. Moses Obeyed God and all who looked on the bronze serpent lived.
Focus:
To teach our children that God has provided a way for us to be forgiven when we repent of our sins against Him.
Finding Christ:
Just as the serpent was sent among them as judgment for sin, and then was lifted up on a pole for them to look upon for their salvation…so Jesus was sent among us as a judgment for our sins to die in our place and was lifted up on the cross, that if we would repent and turn to Him as our Redeemer, we too may live.
Live the Lesson:
This week we will use an object lesson to emphasize forgiveness. First take a paper plate and pour "COARSE" salt on it (if the salt is not coarse, this will NOT work correctly). Explain to the children that the salt represents us untainted. Now sprinkle the salt with pepper and clarify the pepper symbolizes the sin that taints our lives. Give the child a plastic spoon and tell them to please separate the salt from the pepper. After a minute of realizing how it seems next to impossible, ask them to hand you the spoon. Now tell them the spoon signifies forgiveness. Rub the spoon on your clothing to induce static. Now slowly lower the spoon over the plate and watch the pepper jump up and cling to the spoon. Be careful not to lower the spoon too far or the salt will adhere as well. Give details to them how the forgiveness we receive through Christ takes away our sins.
Now let the children help you make the Fiery Serpent Pizza Calzone for dinner. www.familyblueprint.org/fiery_serpent_pizza_calzone_recipe.htm Delicious!
Memory Verse:
"To the Lord…belong mercy and forgiveness." Daniel 9:9
Prayer:
Dear Lord, please help us to not complain against You, but if we do, give us repentant hearts and please forgive us.
Living the Life:
This week discuss with your children how essential forgiveness is not only for them, but to extend to others as well. Share with them the unhealthy effects of bitterness in our lives.
Family Blueprint has come to fruition as a complimentary service for those seeking creative ways to 'teach them (the words of the Lord) diligently to your children...' Deuteronomy 6:7
Julianne Bell is also a consultant for Once Upon A Family at www.familyblueprint.org/once_upon_a_family.htm This allows her to work from home while homeschooling her children and keeping her ministry website resources free.
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