Tag Archives: substance abuse

Bible Stories: John the Baptist

The next story which is found in the book of Matthew is about John the Baptist. There are only a few short verses found about his story here (Matthew 3:1-17); however, you can find out more information about him through reading the other gospels such as in Luke chapter one which speaks of the events surrounding his birth (which is also a very interesting story). The few verses about John the Baptist show John as a unique individual, wearing a garment of camel’s hair with a leather belt and eating a unique diet of locusts and wild honey (Matthew 3:4). … Continue reading →

Activities for “Escape to Egypt”

In my previous entry over the story of Jesus’ family fleeing to Egypt and eventually settling in Nazareth, I expressed how surprised I was when the students I teach in Bible school class thoroughly enjoyed the lesson (which I thought would be somewhat boring to them). I was also surprised by how much my kids enjoyed the very, very simply craft and corresponding class activity I did with them relating to the story. I thought I would share these ideas with you. The first thing I did in class is what I would call an activity. To prepare the activity, … Continue reading →

Bible Stories: Escape to Egypt

I have been teaching stories from the book of Matthew to my Bible class children on Sunday mornings. When I came to the lesson from Matthew 2:12-23, I thought that it was a lesson the children should know, but that they probably would not find the lesson very interesting. I was so wrong! I am not sure what intrigued them so much, but they really enjoyed the lesson. The short lesson over Jesus’ family’s escape to Egypt and then eventual settling in Nazareth really grabbed the children’s attention. So I encourage you to teach your children this story, and do … Continue reading →

Trials and Faith: The Storm

One of my favorite Bible stories is the one about Peter in the storm. I can relate so much to this story. Here’s an overview of what happens in Matthew 14:22-33: Jesus’ disciples were in a boat at night during a storm in the midst of the sea. While straining to row, Jesus appeared to them walking on the water. The men were frightened at first wondering if they were looking at a ghost. But Jesus told them, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” Peter tested the Lord by suggesting, if it is really Him, … Continue reading →

Marriage Series: Intro

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I have been eager to write on marriage because there is so much of a correlation between marriage to our spouse and the covenant between us and God as born again believers. In the similar way God instituted parental roles to give us a better understanding of our relationship with Him, I believe marriage shows us a bond of what is supposed to be the deepest commitment. In the Bible, the church is likened to the bride of Christ. Ephesians chapter 5 goes into this with instruction of how we are to be toward our spouse. 2 Corinthians 11:2 Paul … Continue reading →

Activities for the Story of Christ’s Birth

I always think that crafts are a great way to enhance any Bible story which you teach your children. Crafts engage children in a different way than a Bible story lesson; however, crafts help to reiterate the lesson the children have just learned. In the Bible class I teach, I use the craft time to ask the children about what they are making, and thus ask them if they really learned the lesson I just finished teaching. I also like to use what I call “craft-like” activities to employ the children to retell the Bible story they just learned. I … Continue reading →

Bible Stories: Christ’s Birth

The story of the birth of Christ is one of the stories in the Bible that everyone thinks they are familiar with. However, the story of the birth of Christ is often taught wrong. The birth of Christ (and the events soon after) is found in Matthew chapter one through chapter two. For this lesson, I encourage you to look at the other gospel account (Luke) which details the story to teach your child the complete account of Christ’s birth. I encourage you to read the story completely for yourself before beginning to teach your child, because there are a … Continue reading →

We Are Our Kids’ Role Models

Perhaps, no one may have more influence in your child’s life than you! If you have children in your home, I believe God has entrusted them into your care for a reason. He has a purpose for them through you. While they are very young we have much influence over them as to how they will perceive their world, what they may generally believe about other people, and very importantly, how they see Christ. Even if your children are older, there is still so much you can teach them. I believe the biggest way our children learn from us is … Continue reading →

Religion vs. Faith

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Do you consider yourself religious? Do you have a faith? I often hear people describe me as a religious person but that is not really what I am. I have made it a point to follow the Bible, making my focus on Christ and His instructions rather than traditions of any particular church. I have heard religion defined as man’s attempt to reach God. Seems so many religions have set instructions and traditions in belonging to their practice. Some religions are more strict than others striving toward holiness by sacrificial acts and good deeds. Christianity, on the other hand, I’ve … Continue reading →

My Savior Knows Adoption

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I’ve surrounded my boys with other adopted children in hopes they will never feel alone. I stay active in a local adoption support group, involved in online adoption forums and read books on adoption. As much as I try to learn about what it’s like to be an adoptee with a different genetic makeup from my parents, I will never fully know. I’ve tried to relate to my boys’ adoption by looking to what the Bible says about me as a child of God. As a Bible believing Christian I have been adopted into God’s kingdom through Jesus Christ. In … Continue reading →