Year 1, Fall: Lesson 1
What we learned today
Big Idea: God is eternal
Need for a Redeemer: Genesis 1—3
Where we're headed next time
Big Idea: God is a covenant keeper, Part 1
Noah: Genesis 6—9. Noah loves and obeys God. God uses Noah to build the ark, and Noah’s family, along with many animals, take refuge in the ark to survive the worldwide flood.
Did you know?
Share these facts to get the conversation started:
Many scientists and Bible scholars believe that prior to the flood, it had never rained on the earth.
The Bible doesn’t mention any steering devices inside the ark. Those on board needed to trust God completely to guide them.
The first thing Noah did when he left the ark was worship God.
The rainbow Noah saw was a visual reminder of God’s promise to never again destroy all living things with a flood. We can remember God’s promise when we see a rainbow in our sky today.
Connect as a family
Ask your children to build an ark or a boat. They can use boxes, chairs, tables, blankets, or sheets, etc. If it’s big enough, go inside the structure and read Genesis 7v1–19. (Encourage your older kids to read part of the passage aloud.) When you reach the part where it rains for 40 days and nights, have your kids create a storm by clapping, stomping, or snapping until you say, “Stop!” Have them imagine what it might have been like to wait for the water to subside after the rain stopped.
After reading the Scripture passage, discuss these questions together:
How did the animals get to the ark?
How do you think Noah felt while watching water flood the earth?
How does it feel to know you can always trust God to keep His promises?
These questions can easily extend into the rest of the week. Look for opportunities to bring conversations about how God is eternal into your everyday life as a family.
Blessings are often used in the Bible. A blessing can be a prayer of commission, a portion of Scripture, or words to encourage and guide.
A blessing to pray over your child: (Child’s name), may you know and experience God as Covenant Keeper this week. May you see God’s faithfulness in your life.