Over the Top 4 Teacher's Manual Sample

Leader’s manual OT4 Preparing for Christ’s return From Ephesians and Revelation

Contents

How it works

4

Unit introduction

6

1

The never-ending journey

Matthew 24:30; Acts 1:11; Titus 2:11–14; 1 Peter 1:3; Revelation 1:7

9

2

Being in God’s family

Ephesians 1:3–14; Acts 9:1–19

17

3

We have a mighty helper

Ephesians 1:15–23

23

4

Old becomes new

Ephesians 4:1–6,17–32

29

5

Living to please Jesus

Ephesians 5:6–20

37

6

Ready for battle

Ephesians 6:10–20

47

7

The mighty, mighty King

Revelation 1:1–20

55

8

The lamb is worthy to be praised

Revelation 5; 7:9–17

61

9

All made new

Revelation 21:1–22:7

67

The good news

Luke 1:26–35; 2:1–7; Revelation 22:20–21

73

10

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How it works How the sessions are structured Bible passage: All sessions are Bible-focused

Aim This is the ‘big idea’ to be taught during this session. It is child-oriented.

Outcomes These statements break down the aim into ‘do-able’ chunks. There are generally only three, so that the leader can keep them in mind and check up later whether or not they were achieved. They are broken up into: • knowledge – information, concepts, beliefs • understanding – more personal ways of grasping the concepts in the session • life application – ways of making links between knowledge and children’s lives, and reflecting on what kind of change might happen in response to God’s word.

Memory verse This verse will be based on the CEV Bible and will be taught during the session.

Notes These notes for the leader give Bible context and background. There are hints regarding the theology of the passage, where it fits in salvation history and how it may properly be applied to both leader and child.

There might also be comments about the management of the session content and special comments when needed about visual aids and activities.

Leader’s prayer This section links to the aim and outcomes, mentioning the way this session will actually call for a response from the child and make a difference in their lives.

Gear A list is given at the beginning of the session including all the equipment needed by the leader and when it will be used. Some items will be given as optional.

Start up During this time activities occur that introduce the theme, aim and ideas of the session. There may be a few activities to choose from. Each activity has a specified purpose.

Chat time This short section is when the activities are over and the leader and children reflect on what the activities were about and how they lead into the Bible focus time.

This will often involve a few open-ended questions.

NOTE: Sometimes during Bible focus time there will be a special comment to the leader about an issue that may come up during the session.

Get ready This section gives hints about important preparation to be done before the session starts.

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Bible focus

of the stage of their faith, they can be called on to respond and encouraged to know how God’s word challenges them to change. Application should always be ‘grace-oriented’ and ‘gospel-based’.

Links ?

Links are made with previous learning which may involve the Memory verse or a previous session.

This icon shows you where in the session the children will be reading, listening to and interacting with the Bible.

Links with life will also happen at this introductory part of the session. Connections with life are raised and the children are encouraged to discuss ‘real life’ situations they face. We will raise the issue here and it will be drawn to a conclusion during Bringing it together.

Digging deeper This section has suggested extension learning activities for older or more able children.

It still seeks to be directed by the aim and outcomes. It will usually be Bible-based.

Teaching time This is the body of the session. It involves teaching and learning activities. Activities are usually integrated into this time rather than having them as an add-on later. During this time the aim and the outcomes of the session are directing the activities.

What the leader actually says to the children is presented in bold text. Directions to the leader are in normal type.

In this part of the session we aim to have the children interacting with the Bible themselves. We seek to unpack the Bible passage in its context and place it in the big picture of salvation history.

Concepts and activities are designed to be ageappropriate and not too abstract. It is understood that such a wide age-range is a great challenge, so in many ways we aim for the middle group of nine and ten year olds. Older or more able children will be challenged by the Digging deeper activities.

Application is an important part of this section and it is done carefully, while being true to the passage and to the developmental needs of the children. There must be a ‘crunch’ for the child – a place where ‘the rubber hits the road’ in their lives. They are called to respond to the challenge of the passage, without ever being manipulated or inappropriately pushed into an uncomfortable situation. Regardless

Music spot Various songs, on readily available CDs, are suggested to link into the session and to provide a high-interest flow to the activities.

Bringing it together This section is really important. The leader is encouraged to allow enough time for this as connections are discussed that impact the children’s lives.

There may be open-ended questions that encourage children to respond in their own terms. We are aiming for honest responses from the children.

Prayer This will normally follow Bringing it together and allows for the issues highlighted by the children to be prayed about. Leaders will model prayer and also teach children how to pray – both for themselves and for others, and for issues in the wider world.

Think about it

Think ahead

Here the leader is encouraged to think through issues that occurred in the session and reflect on possible strategies for the future.

This is a very brief indication of what the leader will need to plan ahead for next session. It may involve equipment, people and so on.

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Preparing for Christ’s return

Unit introduction

From Ephesians and Revelation

Unit aim To help the children to understand that God sent Jesus to teach us how we are to live as members of God’s family, in our relationships with God and with others.

Unit outcomes By the end of this unit the children will: • know that Jesus is certain to return • understand that as God’s chosen people, Christians wait eagerly for Jesus’ return • know that as we wait there are certain ways we should live, putting off the old sinful nature and putting on a new spiritual nature • know that God will help us to live his way • understand that Jesus’ return will be wonderful and glorious, and all pain and suffering will be done away with.

Memory verses Sessions 1–2 Jesus has been taken to heaven. But he will come back in the same way that you have seen him go.

Acts 1:11b (CEV) Sessions 3–4 The Spirit will make you wise and let you understand what it means to know God. Ephesians 1:17b (CEV) Sessions 5–6 Act like people of the light, and make your light shine. Ephesians 5:8–9 (CEV)

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Timeline Bi

Where this fits in God’s plan of salvation

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Sessions 7–10 Praise, glory, wisdom, thanks, honour, power and strength belong to our God for ever and ever! Amen!

Revelation 7:12 (CEV)

We encourage the children to understand that Jesus, our King, wants us to share in his kingdom, both now and forever. As they learn about the kingdom, they will see that both the King and the kingdom are worth knowing.

The children will be encouraged to listen to Jesus, to worship and praise him, and above all, to accept his gift of friendship. top Over the

Notes

they can be challenged to respond in faith to God and in obedience to the way he wants them to live.

Bible background This unit teaches both about Jesus’ return, and about what Christians should be doing as they wait for his return. The first generation of Christians expected Jesus to return in judgement during their lifetimes. We should still have the same expectation.

2 000 years may seem a long time to us, but ‘for the Lord one day is the same as a thousand years, and a thousand years is the same as one day’ (2 Peter 3:8).

Jesus could return at any moment, and we need to be ready.

What does ‘being ready’ mean for Christians? A large part of what it means is right moral behaviour, as we try to live up to the standards of God’s kingdom that we have been graciously allowed to enter. We do not need to (and cannot) earn our salvation; it is important that the children understand this. However, having been saved, we are expected to ‘live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own’ (Ephesians 4:1).

The first session of this unit ‘sets the scene’ with the certain promise given in the New Testament that Jesus will definitely return. Four different New Testament passages are looked at, showing that there are a number of different sources for this promise, and all agree. The next five sessions are all drawn from Ephesians, and focus on how to live in a way that pleases God while we wait for Jesus’ return.

Session 2 emphasises that God chose his people before the world was created, and how special that makes Christians in God’s eyes. Session 3 looks at the issue of wisdom and making wise choices in life, and how God’s spirit will help us to be wise.

Sessions 4–6 examine different ways of living to please Jesus as taught in Ephesians.

Sessions 7–10 focus on Jesus’ return. In these sessions, children are presented with the amazing visions of Jesus’ return given in the book of Revelation. The children will be encouraged to share the sense of awe and wonder that John conveys in these visions, and to see what a truly wonderful thing it will be when Jesus returns. This ends the unit with a sense of hope and anticipation, that such a glorious future is certain and will happen.

Faith development Children grow and develop physically, emotionally, cognitively and spiritually at different rates and in different ways. This unit aims to encourage growth in faith for each child at their own pace. No matter where each child is at in their faith development,

Faith has been described as having four aspects: believing, imagining, trusting and doing. (See Children finding faith by Francis Bridger, SU, England, 2000, available from CEP.) Believing involves having faith in the truth of the gospel and a reliance on the promises of God in Christ. Imagining involves creatively exploring our beliefs. Trusting involves the relational side of faith. Doing is the way we act as an outworking of our faith. Children, like adults, benefit from learning approaches that involve exploring faith from each of these four aspects.

These sessions have been written with this in mind.

Special features Visual aids The Leader’s pack includes: a Leader’s manual with ten sessions four full-colour A3 Memory verse posters six full-colour A3 Leader’s posters a sample children’s Living for the coming booklet. Extra booklets may be purchased from CEP so every child can complete the pages associated with the sessions.

• a set of photocopiable masters to cover the topic of each session.

• a variety of Visual aids and activities for each session.

• • • •

Living for the coming booklets Each week a number of activities for the children are included in the Living for the coming booklet.

Children explore different aspects of the lessons, and are reminded of the key Bible teachings. The booklets are handed out by the teacher each week, and collected again. The children can take home their booklets at the end of the unit, as a full record of what they have learned about Jesus’ return and how to live while waiting for it.

Bibles It is intended that during each session the children will read the Bible for themselves and think about how they can respond to its message. It is strongly recommended that children begin to handle the Bible for themselves, learn their way around it and discuss what it means. The Contemporary English Version (CEV) is recommended as it uses everyday language that should be easy for the children in this age group to understand.

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Relationships

Photocopiable masters

As children of this age grow in faith, their relationships with other Christians will be very important. You have an important role as an example to them. Be warm and genuine in your relationships with the children. Pray for them and their concerns. Invite other Christians of various ages to visit and meet the group. It would be especially helpful for young people, a few years older than the children in your group, to meet them. Help the children see where they are heading as part of the community of God’s people.

The set of photocopiable masters include Memory verse ideas and worksheets.

Encourage the children to take home the appropriate photocopiable each week as this helps parents and carers to know what is being treated in the sessions.

Purchase of the Leader’s pack entitles you to make one copy for each member of your group.

Music spot Music spot is used in each session as a way of changing pace, adding interest and reinforcing the concepts of the session. The recommended CDs are: • Promises, promises, CEP

Digging deeper

• Tomb breaker, CEP

This section is designed for more able children who want to dig deeper into the session content. These activities are usually Bible-focused and involve good reading skills and literacy. If you have a multi-aged group, these ideas can be used to challenge children who feel they have ‘heard it all before’.

• Practise being godly, Colin Buchanan • Follow the Saviour, Colin Buchanan • Jesus rocks the world, Colin Buchanan • Remember the Lord, Colin Buchanan • The king the snake the promise, Emu Music • How cool is that!, Johnny Burns

Activities

• Praise crazy, Johnny Burns

Each session contains many suggested activities, either to begin the session in Start up or to reinforce the Teaching time. When choosing the activities you will include in each session, consider the number of children in your group, their individual skills, as well as the time and space you have available.

Try to encourage a wide range of activities so that the different learning skills of the children will be catered for.

These CD’s are available from CEP.

A Memory verse activity is included in each session and presented in an interactive way so that the children will begin to build their own personal store of Bible verses.

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1

The never-ending

journey

Matthew 24:30; Acts 1:11; Titus 2:11–14; 1 Peter 1:3; Revelation 1:7

Aim To help children understand that Jesus has promised he will return again.

Outcomes By the end of this unit the children will: • know that the promise of Jesus’ return was confirmed by various witnesses and New Testament writers • understand something of what Jesus’ return will be like • be encouraged to look forward to Jesus’ return with a sense of excitement.

Memory Verse Jesus has been taken to heaven. But he will come back in the same way that you have seen him go.

Acts 1:11b (CEV)

Notes Read Matthew 24:30; Acts 1:11; Titus 2:11–14; 1 Peter 1:3; Revelation 1:7.

There are many passages about Christ’s return. This session draws on five books, written by five different authors written from 50 AD to 95 AD. In Matthew 24:3 the disciples asked Jesus what would be the sign of his coming. Jesus’ answer as recorded by Matthew covers chapters 24 and 25. We will focus on verse 30.

Acts was written by Luke, a doctor, who did not see Christ himself, but combined various eyewitness accounts and testimonies. He was also a companion of Paul during his missionary journeys. Luke records the scene of Jesus’ ascension into heaven. His followers were still looking at the clouds when an angel told them that Jesus would return in the same manner that they had just seen him leave.

Paul wrote to Titus to urge Christians under his leadership to live ‘upright and godly lives’ – while they awaited the return of Christ (Titus 2:11–13). Paul admonished the readers to live a righteous life in the present age as they waited for Christ’s glorious return.

Peter confirmed the resurrection of Christ which ‘has given us new life and a hope that lives on’ (1 Peter

1:3). Peter adds an important element. The resurrection, ascension and return are all intricately entwined. Jesus’ resurrection means that we have a living saviour and our own resurrection is assured.

The apostle John is our final witness. He was imprisoned on the island of Patmos. By revelation, by testimony from the heavenly Christ, John wrote down this Revelation. Christ will return, and will be seen by all. ‘Yes, it will happen! Amen.’ (Revelation 1:7b) NOTE: In Matthew 24:30–31 and Revelation 1:7 Jesus’ return is said to cause mourning.

This refers to the fact that Jesus’ coming will be a time of judgement and awe for those who have rejected Jesus. Judgement is clearly part of Christ’s second coming; however we will not focus on this for the children of this age group. Rather we will encourage the children to anticipate the joy and justice that God’s people will experience when Jesus comes to bring in his kingdom in all its fullness.

Leader’s Prayer Thank Jesus that not only did he die for our sins, not only did he rise from the dead and ascend to heaven … but also he will return again.

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Gear

The Journey

q White board and markers, or paper and thick felt pens q A copy of the Living for the coming booklet for each child q Copies of the play How do we know Jesus will return?, on pages 13–14 q Leader’s poster 1 q CEV Bibles q Gear for activities in Start up

Purpose: To show that there are many components in a journey.

Get Ready Write each word of the memory verse (Acts 1:11) out on a separate piece of paper.

Make eight copies of How do we know Jesus will return? (pages 13–14).

Gear q Whiteboard and markers, or paper and marker pens We are going to discuss someone’s journey and make a ‘journey map’ about it.

List such things as what would be done in the beginning … along the way … and at the end. For example, if going to the beach, the following list would be appropriate: Going to the beach • • • • • • •

Select seven actors and give them a script to rehearse before the lesson. (The other script is for the leader).

Place seven chairs ready near the front for actors.

Getting swimmers, towel, hat, sunscreen Pack the car Drive to the beach Park Walk to the beach Find a position and unpack Swim between the flags.

Get ready for next session

Topic Suggestions:

Next session you will need two photos of each child.

One will be glued onto The chosen photocopiable (page 22). The other will be cut out as a head shot and glued into their Living for the coming booklets. The photos can either be brought from home, or you could take them during this session, especially if you have a digital camera, and print them out on glossy paper.

• An activity the group has done together such as an outing or a camp • Plan a real or imaginary group activity • A holiday to …

Start Up Choose from the following activities for the time you have available. These are fun and interesting activities designed to introduce the topic or theme of the session. Please note that Chat time is an important component of the session and should be completed immediately before moving into Bible focus.

How long is ‘long’?

Write down the ideas, assemble them in order and then draw them as a flow chart with the children.

Chat time There are many parts in a journey. Children often say, ‘are we there yet, are we there yet?’

Besides being bored, that can happen because they don’t know everything that is involved in the journey. Time can feel as if it is passing very slowly. We might not have travelled that way before. If we have already travelled on a trip we get to learn the signposts, and we have an idea of when we will be there.

Bible Focus

Purpose: To introduce how ‘long’ time can be.

Gear q A clock that all can see

Links

Encourage everyone to settle down. Ask the children to watch the second hand as they try to be quiet for … 30 secs … 60 secs … 2 mins.

Sometimes, we are not the ones going on a journey, but other people in our lives might be going on a journey, far away from us.

Discuss that time can go slowly … or quickly (if we are doing something interesting).

It can be really sad when a friend, or someone you love, goes and lives far away. At least today

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we can phone them, send an email or a letter.

We can stay in touch with them. But if we know for certain that we will see them again in a month or two, then the sadness may not be so bad. We know when our next time together will be, and that makes so much difference.

Have you had a special person move far away from you? What was that like? (Accept responses.)

How do you think Jesus’ friends felt when he went away? (Accept responses.)

Jesus knew how his friends were feeling when he left them, but he did tell them something to help them feel better. We will find out more about that in today’s session.

Teaching time

In Titus 2:13 Paul tells us: • it will be glorious when Jesus comes back.

In Revelation 1:7 John tells us: • • • •

he will come in the clouds every eye will see him people will mourn (feel sad) it is certain.

In Matthew 24:30,31 Jesus tells us: • Jesus will appear in the sky • nations of the earth will mourn (feel sad) • he will come with great power and glory.

How does it make you feel, when you realize what it will be like when Jesus returns?

(Accept responses.)

You will need the children’s Living for the coming booklets.

Why do you think some people will feel sad? (Accept responses. See NOTE on page 9 for further explanation.)

Today we will be thinking about a very important promise made to us in the Bible. This promise is about each of us having the chance to see Jesus for ourselves one day.

How will Jesus’ friends feel when he returns?

(Accept responses. They will be happy to see him. They will know that Jesus has come back to put everything right. There will be no more suffering for them.)

How could we ever get to see Jesus for ourselves? (Accept responses. Some children might say when they die they will see Jesus. Affirm that all Christians who die go to be with Jesus.)

Collect the children’s Living for the coming booklets ready for the next session.

Let’s hear what the Bible has to teach us about this. We will hear this as a play.

Choose from the following songs.

Arrange a ‘courtroom’. Have chairs for the judge, bailiff, lawyer, four witnesses, and the audience.

Invite actors to set themselves up at the front of the group. Go through the names of each one and explain the role of the judge, lawyer, bailiff and witnesses.

Present the role-play using the script on pages 13–14.

Hand out copies of the Living for the coming booklet and ask the children to complete ‘How do we know Jesus will return?’ on page 1.

After the children have completed their answers, take the opportunity to read each passage with the children.

After each passage ask: What does this Bible passage tell us it will be like when Jesus returns?

As the children discover the answers in each Bible passage, compile a list on paper or a whiteboard.

For example: In Acts 1:11 the angel tells us:

Music spot Power and authority, track 8 on CEP’s Promises, promises CD. Jesus is alive today, track 12 on CEP’s Promises, promises CD. Hooley dooley, wop bam boom, track 5 on Colin Buchanan’s Jesus rocks the world CD.

Memory Verse Gear q The Memory verse on separate sheets of paper that you wrote out (see Get ready, page 10) Have the verse sheets arranged in order. Invite everyone to say the verse three times. Ask a child to jumble up the sheets of paper, and then another to re-arrange them while being timed.

If it is correct, ask everyone to say it again. If it is not in order, rearrange it and then everyone say again.

Repeat as required.

Show Leader’s poster 1 and discuss the picture. Ask the children what kind of pictures they would use for this memory verse, and why?

• Jesus will come back in clouds, from the sky.

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1

Are you looking forward to Jesus coming back?

(Accept responses.)

Digging deeper

What will be good about seeing Jesus for ourselves? (Accept responses)

Older or more capable children may like to investigate some of the many New Testament passages that speak about the return of Christ. What do they say? Are they all the same or do they add different shades of meaning? There are 250 such New Testament references.

We will learn more about what that means in following sessions.

Prayer Thank you, Jesus, that we know you will come back. Thank you that you always will be our Saviour and our friend. Amen.

Read one or more of following verses with the children and ask them to design a poster to go with one of them. This design could be completed next session.

Take home Gear

Mark 13:26,27; Luke 21:25–28; Acts 17:31; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Hebrews 9:28.

q A copy of the Acts 1:11 photocopiable (page 15) for each child q Coloured pens and pencils

Bringing it together

Hand out the copies of the Acts 1:11 photocopiable and invite the children to colour it.

After his crucifixion, Jesus rose from the dead then ascended into heaven.

Of course, all the witnesses who saw and heard Jesus died a long time ago. But we still have their words written in the Bible. We not only have their words but also the words of Jesus himself.

All agree. All say the same thing. All confirm that Jesus will indeed return.

Jesus said he will come back again … and he will.

How does it make you feel knowing that Jesus will return? (Accept responses.)

Think about it

Think ahead

Did the children understand that the Bible clearly says that Jesus will return?

You will need the children’s Living for the coming booklets; Leader’s poster 1; copies of the My special child photocopiable (page 21); some flashcards (see Gear, page 18). Also a copy of The chosen photocopiable (page 22) for each child.

Are they encouraged to know that Jesus’ friends will be full of joy to see him?

Remember the photos for next session. If you were not able to take them yourself during this session, ask the parents to send one from home.

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How do we know Jesus will return?

Characters: Judge, Lawyer, Bailiff, Witness 1, Witness 2, Witness 3, Witness 4 Bailiff:

This court is in session. The case today is: ‘How do we know Jesus will return?’

Judge:

Well, Miss Lawyer, do you have any witnesses who can help us know whether Jesus will return?

Lawyer:

Yes, your honour. We have many, many witnesses, who say Jesus will return.

Judge:

Well then, we’d better hear from some of these witnesses.

Lawyer:

Yes, your honour. I’d like to call Witness 1.

Bailiff:

Witness 1 come forward please!

Lawyer:

Please state your name and age.

Witness 1: My name is Witness 1 and I am 10.

Lawyer:

Do you think Jesus will return, Witness 1?

Witness 1: Yes, I do.

Lawyer:

Why do you think Jesus will return?

Judge:

Yes, let’s have your reasons please!

Witness 1: My Bible says that an angel spoke, promising Jesus would return.

Judge:

An angel? Where does it say that, Witness1? And who heard this angel?

Witness 1: In Acts 1 verse 11, it says an angel spoke and Jesus’ followers all heard it.

Lawyer:

Will you please read to the court what the angel said.

Witness 1: ‘Jesus has been taken to heaven. But he will come back in the same way that you have seen him go.’

Judge:

Hmm, an angel said that Jesus would return. And Jesus’ followers heard this. Thank you.

Call Witness 2 please.

Bailiff:

Witness 2 come forward please!

Lawyer:

Please state your name and age.

Witness 2: My name is Witness 2 and I am 9.

Lawyer:

Do you think Jesus will return, Witness 2?

Witness 2: Yes, I do.

Judge:

Why do you think Jesus will return?

Lawyer:

Yes, let’s have your reasons please!

Witness 2: The Apostle Paul wrote to Titus saying Jesus would return.

Lawyer:

I think it would be wise if you read your evidence.

Witness 2: In the book of Titus chapter 2 verse 13, it says, ‘We are filled with hope, as we wait for the glorious return of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ.’

Judge:

So Paul said Jesus would return and his words are in the Bible for us all to read. Very well.

You may go. Call Witness 3.

Bailiff:

Witness 3 come forward!

Lawyer:

Please state your name and age.

Witness 3: My name is Witness 3 and I am 11.

Lawyer:

Do you think Jesus will return, Witness 3?

© CEP 2004 The purchaser of the Over the top OT4 manual is entitled to photocopy this page for use with his or her group.

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Witness 3: Yes, I do.

Judge:

Why do you think Jesus will return?

Lawyer:

Yes, let’s have your reasons please!

Witness 3: The Apostle John wrote about it. It’s in my Bible. He knew Jesus personally – he even went fishing with Jesus. They were friends.

Judge:

Do you have anything to read from your Bible?

Witness 3: Yes. (Excitedly) ‘Look! He is coming with the clouds. Everyone will see him… Yes, it will happen! Amen.’ Revelation 1 verse 7.

Judge:

Thank you, Witness 3.

Witness 3: Thank you, your honour.

Judge:

It seems everyone is quoting someone else. Did Jesus himself say anything about his return? Call another witness please.

Lawyer:

I call Witness 4.

Bailiff:

Witness 4 come forward!

Lawyer:

Please state your name and age.

Witness 4: My name is Witness 4 and I am 8.

Lawyer:

Do you think Jesus will return, Witness 3?

Witness 4: Yes, I do.

Judge:

Why do you think Jesus will return?

Lawyer:

Yes, let’s have your reasons please!

Witness 4: I have the words of Jesus himself, written in my Bible by Matthew, one of his friends.

Lawyer:

Hmm, the words of Jesus himself. Please read.

Witness 4: ‘All nations on earth will weep when they see me, coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.’ And that is from Matthew 24 verse 30.

Judge:

Let me get this right. Jesus only said on one occasion that He would return?

Witness 4: No, your Honour. He said it more than once.

Judge:

Then you better read me another one then.

Witness 4: Yes, your honour. Jesus says in the book of John 14, verses 2 and 3, ‘I am going there,’ that’s heaven, ‘to prepare a place for each of you. After I have done this, I will come back and take you with me. Then we will be together.’

Judge:

But how can I believe it just because Jesus said he would return?

Witness 4: That’s easy. Jesus never breaks his word or his promises. Many times when he lived on earth he spoke the word and it happened – remember that servant who was dying, and the storm he stopped , and the loaves and …

Judge:

Yes, yes, I get the idea. When Jesus said something, it always happened.

Witness 4: That’s exactly right, your honour!

Judge:

And Jesus says he will return.

Witness 4: That’s exactly right, your honour!

Judge:

And those other people who wrote in the Bible – they all said that Jesus will return.

Witness 4: That’s exactly right, your honour!

Judge:

In the case of ‘How do we know Jesus will return?’ I have decided that the Bible promised Jesus will return!

Bailiff:

Court dismissed.

© CEP 2004 The purchaser of the Over the top OT4 manual is entitled to photocopy this page for use with his or her group.

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Š CEP 2004 The purchaser of the Over the top OT4 manual is entitled to photocopy this page for use with his or her group.

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