Articles
Browse every published article connected to Kathy Vincent, with exact attribution and full-archive search.
Articles
Browse every published article connected to Kathy Vincent, or search within this exact expert archive.
Will God forgive every sin you commit? If you are His child, the answer is, “Absolutely!” He loves you and His forgiveness is powerful enough to cover over every sin. Matthew 9:6 says this: “But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” Here is a fun Bible object lesson for your kids to learn about this important verse. Here’s what you do:r
I think it’s safe to say that a sign of spiritual maturity would be a boldness to share the Good News or Gospel of Jesus Christ. Roman 1:16 says, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes…” What a great verse and one that every Christian should have as their motto. It’s definitely one that should be passed on to all we meet as the Lord leads. Here’s a fun Bible school activity to help your kids memorize this wonderful Scripture so that they might be a little bolder the next time they share Jesus with their friends.
To say that the Bible is simple, would be incorrect. However, I do believe that there are passages that are simple to understand. This is good news for our preschoolers. There are a ton of great Bible verses we can share with our little ones and Psalm 100:3 is one of them. This Scripture says: “Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us and we are His. We are His people, the sheep of His pasture.” That’s Christianity 101, right there in a nutshell. Here is a fun Bible school activity you can play with your preschoolers to help them learn the 5 important parts of this verse.
Have you ever seen someone go down the wrong path or street? I bet you wanted to yell, “Stop!” The truth is, there are millions of people going the wrong way everyday. Instead, they should be heading toward Jesus who is the only way to the right way. Do your kids know that they can take part in helping lead their friends away from the wrong way? James 5:20 says this: “Anyone who brings a sinner back from the wrong way will save that sinner’s soul from death.” This is a pretty strong verse with a strong message.
I don’t know about you, but I love putting Bible verses to music and sometimes I like putting a Scripture to a catchy rhythm. I think Psalm 33:4 lends itself nicely to a good strong drumbeat. In fact, when I read this verse I pictured my little ones “drumming” on their knees with their hands while putting this verse to memory. Here is the rhythmic verse I came up with: For the <u>word</u> of the <u>Lord</u> is <u>right</u> and <u>true</u> He is <u>faith</u> ful in <u>all</u> He <u>does</u> Pa <u>rum</u> pum pumr Pa <u>rum</u> pum pumr Pa <u>rum</u> pum <U>pum</u> pum<U> pum</u>
John 14:6 is probably one of the most beloved and memorized Bible verses of all time. It says, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father accept through me.” Simple, but most profound. Help your kids memorize this amazing Scripture by playing this very fun Bible school activity, which I call “Way, Truth, Life Dice.” Here’s what you do:
I really enjoy learning definitions to words. For example, I remember sitting in my youth group years ago and hearing our teacher say that sin, in its foundational definition, means to miss the mark. In other words, sin puts us off track from where God wants us to be. Our elementary kids need to understand this and realize that all “miss the mark” and sin at times. That’s what Romans 3:23 says.
Have you ever tried running with weights? It’s hard! It takes way more effort. We all know that life is like a race we are running. Many of us carry unneeded baggage in our lives that gets in the way of our running the race God has marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1 says this: “…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us…” Sin is the worst baggage of all. It completely hinders us from running the best race we possibly can.
Why does God allow pain? This has got to be one of the most asked questions of all time. It is a difficult question and has an equally difficult answer. I believe with all my heart that God can stop any and every pain that is suffered in this world. I also believe that God is completely good. So, why doesn’t He stop the pain? Why do people have to suffer? I can only say this: If God allows us to suffer, it is only for our best. He uses the pain in this life to draw us closer to Him. I choose to trust in His goodness and His unfathomable love for His children.
I love trees! If I wasn’t a Christian, I would probably be a full fledged tree hugger! I always picture trees as standing tall unto the Lord giving Him all the praise for their life. There is a beautiful Scripture found in Psalm 104:16 which says, “The cedars of Lebanon which He hath planted.” It was God who planted them, not man. It is also God who gives each of us His life. Here is a fun Bible object lesson that will teach your children that Christians have a lot in common with the beautiful cedars of Lebanon. Here’s what you do:r
If you want to gross your kids out, show them some mold or mildew that has grown on some food. It’s disgusting! It can also be very damaging to anything it touches. Who would ever eat moldy bread? Mold and mildew have also been known to destroy whole crops. Haggai 2:17 says this: “I sent blight and mildew and hail to destroy everything you worked so hard to produce. Even so, you refused to return to me, says the Lord.” This verse is showing a very serious side to God that our children need to know about.
Knowing the order of the different stories in the Bible should not just be for seminary scholars. Our kids should be getting a handle on God’s amazing Word as well. Try this fun and free Bible activity to help your kids learn the order of the stories in the Bible. I call it “Order Up!” Here’s what you do:
Unfortunately, our kids hear many lies about God. Whether they are in school or hanging out with their friends, they can be victims of false beliefs by others who claim to know God. C.H. Spurgeon describes these hypocrites as spiders who weave their webs of deception. Our kids need to be aware of these 8-legged liars and here is a fun Bible object lesson to help teach this important truth. Here’s what you do:r
Genesis 24:63 says this: “Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide.” What do you think Isaac might have meditated on? My bet is that He was thinking about God and his prayer for a wife. Meditating can be kind of a big concept for your kids to grasp, but it is definitely one that they should be introduced to. Here is a fun Bible object lesson to help them learn this truth. Here’s what you do: The object you will use for this lesson will be a pack of gum. Change the label on it to read “Meditation Gum”. Have enough gum for every child to chew a piece.
I think my favorite figurines in our manger scene we put up at Christmas time are the 3 wise men. Even as a little girl, they were the ones I would play with and enjoy pretending that they were bringing gifts to the baby Jesus. The story of the wise men following the majestic star in the sky is one that your kids will enjoy as well.
Remember the fun game you played as a kid that started out something like this…”I’m going to Grandma’s house and inside my suitcase I’m going to pack my teddy bear.” The next child would have to continue this line of thinking by remembering what the last person packed and then add his own item into the suitcase. The list of items got longer and longer and it became harder and harder to remember the list. Therefore, the first person to forget what came next was out and the game started all over again. I loved that game! But my memory was a lot better then than it is now.
Do your kids know what it means to loiter? Here are a few definitions found on dictionary.com for this word: 1. to linger aimlessly 2. to move in a slow, idle manner, making purposeless stops in the course of a trip, journey, errand 3. to waste time or dawdle over work
Psalm 119:28, 32 says this: “Strengthen me according to Your Word. I run in the path of your commands for you have set my heart free.” Isn’t “heart free” a great phrase? I believe God’s greatest desire for all His children is that their hearts would be set free to worship Him and to glorify Him. Here is a fun Bible school activity to help even your little ones begin to understand this truth. Here’s what you do:r
I sure hope that the stories in the Bible inspire you and your children to do many great and wonderful things for God. But all too often, I am afraid that all of us, no matter our age, struggle with doubts that God can really use us. Mark 9:23 says this: “All things are possible to him that believeth.” Wow! What an amazing verse and here is a fun Bible object lesson to help teach this important truth. Here’s what you do: The object you will use for this lesson will be a chart of the following acrostic for the word “believe.” B – Be a Christian by asking Jesus into your heart.r
I am so proud of our military and how day in and day out they are defending our country. These men and women are truly standing firm as they do their job with great passion and focus. Do your kids know that God wants them to have this same kind of passion and focus while being on duty for Him? First Corinthians 15:16 says this: “Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be men of courage and be strong.” Doesn’t this verse sound like the perfect Scripture for any soldier?
Unless your children have grown up on a farm, I will guess they probably don’t have any idea what gleaning is. Have some fun with with this Bible object lesson taken from Ruth 2:17 which says, “So she gleaned in the field until even.” Here’s what you do:r
Not being able to have children of your own can be completely heart wrenching. Hannah was no stranger to these devastating feelings and was extremely saddened by this circumstance in her life. The story of Hannah praying for a baby is an interesting one. Your kids will get to experience a little bit of the anguish that Hannah felt as she was made fun of by her husband’s other wife as well as the priest of the temple. Yet, her prayers prevailed and God was faithful to answer her as He does all His children in His time and in His way.
What are some things you’d like to add to your life? How about kindness or integrity? Or maybe patience and peace? I think all four of these are worthy characteristics to add to our growing character. II Peter 1:5-7 says this: “…make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, (brotherly kindness); and to (brotherly kindness), love.” Now that’s a list every Christian should aspire to add to their life, even children.
The fact that God even leans His ear toward us is amazing enough, but that He actually grants our requests is even more astounding. God answered Hannah’s prayer and we have a record of her rejoicing before the Lord in one of the most beautiful prayers of the Bible. It is important that our children learn early on that God does answer our prayers according to His plans and purposes for our life. It is also important that they learn to follow Hannah’s example of praising God for His answers.
Remember hearing this from your parents when you were growing up: “Don’t touch that! You might break it!” As parents, we direct our children to keep their hands off of lots of things when they are young, but they should always be encouraged to touch Jesus. Here is a fun Bible object lesson centered on the story of Jesus healing the woman who touched the hem of His garment and was healed. You can find this passage in Luke 8:40-56. Here’s what you do:r
Did you know that there are a lot of Bible verses that are just begging to have motions put to them? Preschoolers are wired to wiggle, so why not give them some simple moves to help them memorize their Bible verses? Psalm 119:28,32 is a perfect example of this. It says: “Strengthen me according to Your Word. I run in the path of your commands for you have set my heart free.” Here are the moves I came up with: Strengthen me (Have children raise up arms like they’re showing their muscles.)
It is a grave thing to think that if Jesus is not living in someone’s life they are as good as dead. The life that Jesus gives is completely fulfilling and ete al. May we learn not to take it for granted. Colossians 3:4 says “Jesus…is our life.” Here is a fun Bible object lesson for your kids to learn about this important verse. Here’s what you do: The object you will use for this lesson is an empty box of Life Cereal. Inside the box, put 6 index cards. Write the 6 aspects about life found in Point 2, one on each card. Ask the following questions to help stimulate discussion:
The story of creation found in Genesis Chapter One is absolutely marvelous! How blessed we are to have a God who cared enough for us to surround us with amazing beauty even though we are sinners. God is truly good and everything that He makes is good. Here are fourteen true or false Bible Quiz Questions to help your kids have some fun while learning about who really made this big beautiful ball we live on. Bible Quiz Questions Pointers: Before you begin, I do want to point out a few things. 1. These questions should enhance any version of Scripture that you use.r
If you’ve got a child in the house, you’ve probably heard the word “whatever” a few too many times.
I don’t think a person exists anywhere on earth that hasn’t lost something at one time or another. Losing something or someone really important can be especially horrible and stressful. Luke 2:14 says this: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” Each of us must be incredibly important to God if He sent His Son to this world to find us. And indeed we are. He loves us more than we can ever imagine. Luke 2:14 is an important Bible verse for your children to memorize and here is a fun Bible school activity based on the parable of the lost coin.
Genesis 24:63 says this: “Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide.” What do you think Isaac might have meditated on? My bet is that He was thinking about God and his prayer for a wife. Meditating can be kind of a big concept for your kids to grasp, but it is definitely one that they should be introduced to. Here is a fun Bible object lesson to help them learn this truth. Here’s what you do: The object you will use for this lesson will be a pack of gum. Change the label on it to read “Meditation Gum”. Have enough gum for every child to chew a piece.
I’ve never been on a cruise ship, but if I ever did go, I would want Jesus to be my Captain. No matter the water or weather, I would know that I would be safe. Romans 8:28 says this: We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love Him.” Life can bring along stormy weather, but if Jesus is the Captain over our lives, we can trust that He will work for the good in our lives in absolutely every circumstance. Here is a fun Bible object lesson to help your kids learn this truth. Here’s what you do:r
Have you ever seen a show that made you jump to your feet for a standing ovation? I have. I have seen many wonderful talented people over the years, but no one’s talent can compare to God’s glory. Actually, God is the one who deserves all the applause. Psalm 29:2 says this: “Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name.” Here is a fun Bible object lesson to help them learn this truth. Here’s what you do:r
Isn’t it amazing that God, Maker of Heaven and the Universe, desires that we call out to Him? Not only that, but when we do call to Him, He promises to show us great things we have no idea about! If you have your doubts, read Jeremiah 33:3, which says: “Call to me and I will answer you and I will tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” I think your kids will get excited about this verse especially when they play the fun Bible school activity “Call and Catch.” Here’s what you do:
There’s a saying that goes “the devil made me do it.” I don’t think this is right or more importantly biblical. If we sin, we do it on our own. However, I think it would be correct to say, “the devil tried to make me not do it” – whatever “it” may be. 1 Thessalonians 2:18 says this: “Satan hindered us.” Your kids need to be aware of this enemy and his different ploys to try and get them off track. Here is a fun Bible object lesson to help teach this important truth. Here’s what you do:r
Exodus 3:7 says this: “I know their sorrows.” How comforting it is to know that our God cares enough about us to have compassion on us when we are full of sorrow. Our children need to know this truth. Childhood should be a time of great joy, but children experience pain too. Here is a fun Bible object lesson to help them remember that God knows their sorrows too. Here’s what you do: The object you will use for this lesson will be a recording of a baby crying. You can find a free download of this sound on the Internet. Just Google: free recording of a baby crying.
There was a time in my life when I felt I had lost my joy. I felt miserable. I didn’t want to do anything or be around anybody. But slowly and surely, my joy returned as I began to rest more on the Lord. My strength returned too. Nehemiah 8:10 says this: “…for the joy of the LORD is your/(my) strength.” This is such a great verse for any Christian to know whether young or old. Try this fun Sunday School lesson from the Bible to help your kids learn this great Scripture by heart. It’s called “Popping for Joy!” Here’s what you do:
Is Jesus more important than anyone or anything to your children? Do they love Him with their whole heart and have Him locked inside? Here is a fun Bible object lesson to help get your kids thinking about this important truth. Here’s what you do: The object you will use for this lesson will be a locket. Inside the locket, place a small paper with the name of Jesus on it. Wear the locket around your neck. Ask the following questions to help stimulate discussion: 1. What am I wearing around my neck? (Wait for a response.) You’re right. It’s a locket.r
I learned a long time ago in a history class that many ancient civilizations would surround their cities by a large and wide wall. On top of the wall would be watchmen posted around on the lookout for any approaching enemies. Christians have an enemy and his name is Satan. Our children need to be introduced to this fact and must be reminded that we don’t have to fear Satan, but we do need to keep watch for his approach in our lives. Here is a fun Bible object lesson to teach your kids this important truth based on Isaiah 21:11. Here’s what you do:r
The story of Samuel hearing the Lord speak to him has got to be one of my favorite Bible stories. Not only is it amazing that God entrusted some very important news with a child, but it is also a bit ironic that Eli the priest was not the one who heard the voice of God. Isn’t that just like us adults?! Three times the Lord called Samuel’s name and finally on the third time, Samuel knew that it was God talking to Him.
Now and then. What a wonderful phrase. Let me show you what I mean. Now, we experience many trials. Then, in Heaven, we will be free from all suffering. Now, we only see God as looking through a glass darkly. Then, we shall see Him face to face. Heaven is definitely something our children should look forward to. It will be worlds apart from the way we know life to be now. In fact, Revelation 21:23 says this: The city has no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it.” Now that’s what I call different!
I have the privilege of offering teacher training workshops to hundreds of Sunday School teachers and children’s workers every year. I love what I do, but sometimes I don’t like what I hear. Take, for example, this question: Do you have something easy I can do for Sunday School? If I am honest, when I hear that, it’s like hearing finge ails being scraped on the chalkboard. On one hand, I know we are all busy and life is more hectic than ever.
Mary of Magdala cared deeply for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I believe you would too if He had set you free from the torture of 7 demons. Here is a fun Bible object lesson for your kids to learn about this special story. Here’s what you do: The object you will use for this lesson will be a picture of Mary of Magdala. You can find many choices of pictures from Google Images. The bigger the picture, the better. Post it on your chalkboard or bulletin board. Next, make 6 strips of paper the width of your picture and write the 6 sentences found down below in Point 2, one on each.r
Have you ever seen a show that made you jump to your feet for a standing ovation? I have. I have seen many wonderful talented people over the years, but no one’s talent can compare to God’s glory. Actually, God is the one who deserves all the applause. Psalm 29:2 says this: “Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name.” Here is a fun Bible object lesson to help them learn this truth. Here’s what you do:r
After Mary heard the amazing news that she would become the mother of our Lord and Savior, she went to visit her cousi Elizabeth who was going to have John the Baptist. This story is so precious. Every mother loves to feel their baby move around inside of them, but John’s jump must have been the greatest leap of all time! This part of Luke One is also where we are give Mary’s beautiful song of praise to her God. Take some time to go over this with your children. Maybe encourage them to come up with their own song of praise.
I think if everyone were to be completely honest, they would say that being in complete darkness is not pleasant. How wonderful to know that the Bible says that Jesus is the Light of the world. Revelation 21:23 says that “the Lamb is the light (of Heaven).” Share this fun Bible object lesson with your kids to help them learn this important truth. Here’s what you do: The object you will use for this lesson will be 5 self-standing candles. Line the unlit candles in a row on a sturdy table facing the children.
Are you aware that there might be strangers in your church? No, I’m not talking about people you don’t know, because you haven’t met them yet. I’m talking about people who are just pretending to know God, but really don’t know Him. Jeremiah 51:51 says this: “We are confounded, because we have heard reproach: shame hath covered our faces: for strangers are come into the sanctuaries of the LORD's house.” These strangers were not a good thing and they’re not a good thing for our churches today. Here’s a fun Bible object lesson to help your kids learn this important truth.
I grew up as a Catholic back in Kansas City, Mo. Every Sunday after mass, my mom would take my sisters and I over to my grandma’s house for breakfast. I loved my grandma’s house and I especially loved her breakfasts. The table was laden with eggs, bacon, toast, orange juice and her wonderful, delicious, ooey-gooey cinnamon rolls. You know the kind I’m talking about. The roll cannot contain the cinnamon and sugar as it pours out the crevices. Your mouth waters at the anticipation of enveloping a piece in your mouth and your nose deeply inhales the luscious aroma.
The births of my two children were two of the greatest days of my life, but their births could never compare to the amazing birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The birth of Jesus may be the greatest story that could ever be told. A virgin mother, the King of all kings sleeping in an animal’s feed trough, angels and terrified shepherds. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Exodus 3:7 says this: “I know their sorrows.” How comforting it is to know that our God cares enough about us to have compassion on us when we are full of sorrow. Our children need to know this truth. Childhood should be a time of great joy, but children experience pain too. Here is a fun Bible object lesson to help them remember that God knows their sorrows too. Here’s what you do: The object you will use for this lesson will be a recording of a baby crying. You can find a free download of this sound on the Internet. Just Google: free recording of a baby crying.