2025-05-04 Wrathful

Before Service

Ensure parents take their child to the restroom before bringing them to the children's area and use the QR code to sign in their child before the service.

Praise and Worship (15 mins)

Parents: The parent and child scheduled for this week will lead us in singing on Sunday. Please take time to practice the songs together at home, helping your child feel confident and joyful as they prepare to lead.

Prayer and Offering (5 mins)

Parents: Please encourage your children to bring an offering to church. You may help your child prepare by setting aside a coin for them to bring on Sunday. This is a great opportunity to teach them about giving to God with a thankful heart and trusting Him to provide.

What is Offering?

Offering is when we give something to God to show our love and thankfulness. In church, we often give money as an offering, but we can also give our time, talents, and kindness to God and others.

Why Do We Make an Offering?

1️⃣ To Thank God – Everything we have comes from God! Giving back is a way to say, “Thank You, God!”
2️⃣ To Trust God – When we give, we show that we trust God to take care of us.
3️⃣ To Help Others – Offerings help the church teach about Jesus, help people in need, and share God’s love.

The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 9:7,
"God loves a cheerful giver!" That means God is happy when we give with a joyful heart!

Prayer for Offering

Dear God, thank You for giving us everything we need. We want to give back to You with joyful hearts. Please use our offering to help others and share Your love. Help us to always trust You. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Review Verse from Last Week

“Do not worship”
Cross both arms in an “X” in front of your chest (like saying “no!”)

“any other god,”
Point around to pretend there are many things/people in a circle.

“for the LORD,”
Point up with both hands.

“whose name is Jealous,”
Touch your chest (like saying “My name is…”) then make a serious face and pretend to guard your heart with both arms.

“is a jealous God.”
Hold one fist tightly to your chest and the other in the air (like strong and protective), then point up again.

Bible Story (10 min): God is Righteous

Introduction (1 min)

(Hold up a small pail of pretend garbage.)

Wow! Look at this treasure I found! It’s smelly, mushy, messy… GARBAGE!

(Sniff it and smile with great joy.)

Don’t you just love the way it smells? I think I’m going to hug it and keep it forever!

(Hug it tight with excitement.)

I want to carry it with me wherever I go!

(Pause and look around.)

Wait… you’re saying this garbage isn’t something I should love? Why not?

What’s wrong with hugging garbage?

(Let kids respond.)

You’re right. It’s silly—even wrong—to treat garbage like it’s something special or valuable.

(Hold up a stuffed puppy or picture of a puppy.)

What about this? A cute, fluffy puppy! Would it make more sense to love a puppy more than garbage?

(Let kids respond.)

Yes! A puppy is way more valuable than garbage.

(Now hold up a baby doll or picture of a baby.)

Now imagine your baby brother or sister fell down and is crying…

At the same time, your puppy is barking outside, wanting to come in.

Who should you help first?

[Let kids respond.]

Right! You help your brother or sister first—because people are even more important than puppies.

So… if garbage is less valuable than a puppy, and a puppy is less valuable than a person…

What do you think is the most valuable of all?

[Let kids respond: “God!”]

Yes! God is the most valuable of all.

And because God always treasures what is most valuable—Himself—He always does what is right.

That’s called being Righteous. And that’s what we’re learning about today!

Story Telling (5 min) - God Is Righteous!

[Optional props: A small rock and a piece of bread.]

[Display Jesus in the wilderness slide]

Let’s hear a true story from the Bible about someone who always did what was right—Jesus.

A long time ago, after Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit led Him out into the wilderness.

The wilderness was a dry, empty place with no homes, no people, and no food.

Jesus stayed there for forty days. That’s more than five weeks! And during that time, He didn’t eat anything. He was very, very hungry.

[Hold up the rock.]

Now imagine this rock right here. It looks hard and gray. But guess what?

Someone came to Jesus and said,

“If you are really the Son of God, turn this stone into bread.”

[Hold up the bread.]

Mmm… can you imagine how good this bread would smell and taste if you hadn’t eaten for 40 days?

But do you know who said that to Jesus? It was Satan, the enemy of God.

Satan wanted Jesus to stop trusting God and do something wrong—something that seemed okay, but would be disobedient.

He wanted Jesus to use His power to take care of Himself instead of waiting for God’s plan.

Do you think Jesus did it?

No! Jesus knew it would be wrong to treasure food more than God.

He remembered what God had said in the Bible:

“People don’t live just by bread, but by every word that comes from God.” (Deuteronomy 8:3)

So Jesus did the right thing. He said No to Satan.

But Satan didn’t give up. He tried again.

He showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world—all the people and cities and countries.

And he said, “If you bow down and worship me, I will give you all of this.”

Do you think Jesus did it?

(Display the 10 commandments slide)

No! Jesus remembered God’s rule:

“You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.” (From the Ten Commandments)

Jesus did the right thing again. He said No to Satan.

Then Satan tried one more time. He took Jesus to the top of the temple and said,

“If you really are God’s Son, jump off! The Bible says God’s angels will catch you.”

But Jesus knew that twisting God’s words and doing something dangerous to “test” God was not right.

He said,

“Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”

Jesus said No a third time. He never sinned. He never said or did the wrong thing.

He is righteous.

Wrap-up & Discussion (4 min)

Let’s take a moment to think about what we just learned from Jesus’ time in the wilderness.

Jesus was very hungry. He could’ve turned stones into bread.

He could’ve worshiped Satan and gotten power.

He could’ve jumped off the temple and expected angels to catch Him.

But He didn’t do any of those things.

He always chose what was right.

Why? Because Jesus treasures God more than anything else.

And because of that, He always obeyed God’s rules.

That’s what it means to be righteous—to always do what is right.

Only God is always righteous. And Jesus, God’s Son, is perfectly righteous too.

Let’s talk about it together:

1. Who is always right?

[Let the kids respond.]

That’s right—God! Everything He thinks, says, and does is right.

2. Did Jesus ever do anything wrong, even when He was hungry or tempted?

[Let the kids respond.]

No, never. Jesus always obeyed God. He is perfectly righteous.

3. Do we always do what’s right?

[Pause for honest answers—expect “no.”]

Right. Sometimes we say mean things, disobey our parents, or do things we shouldn’t.

The Bible says,

“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

But here’s the good news—Jesus never sinned. And because He is perfectly righteous, He can help us.

When we trust in Jesus, He can forgive our wrongs and help us love what is right, just like He does.

Let’s remember today’s main idea together:

God is righteous. Everything He thinks, says, and does is right.

And Jesus, God’s Son, is righteous too.

Memorizing Verse: Psalm 119:137

Let’s learn today’s Bible verse together! We’re going to say it slowly and add some hand motions to help us remember it.

(Say and do each line, then have the kids repeat it with you. Repeat until they begin to memorize.)

Verse

Psalm 119:137 – “Righteous are you, O LORD, and right are your rules.” (NIV)

“Righteous…”

✋👉 Raise one fist high in the air with strength and confidence.

(Say: “Righteous” means God always does what is right!)

“…are you…”

👉 Point up to the sky.

(We’re talking about God.)

“…O LORD…”

🙏 Make an “L” shape with your right hand and draw it across your chest like a sash (like royalty).

(The “LORD” is our King—He is in charge!)

“…and right…”

👍 Hold a big thumbs up.

(God’s ways are always right—thumbs up!)

“…are your rules.”

📖 Place both hands together like an open book.

(God’s rules are found in the Bible.)

Bible Story (10 min): God is Wrathful

Introduction (1 min)

(Hold up a shiny jewelry box and a basket of fake coins. Speak warmly and clearly.)

Good morning, everyone! Today, I brought two special things with me: a shiny jewelry box and a basket full of coins.

(Hold them up for the children to see.)

When you see a beautiful jewelry box like this, what do you think?

(Pause for answers: ‘It’s special!’ ‘It’s valuable!’)

Last time, we learned that God is even more precious than anything. He is more valuable than all the treasures in the world!

(Hold the jewelry box close to your heart.)

(Now hold up the basket of coins.)

But some people think money is more valuable than God.

If you could choose one — a big pile of money or a close relationship with God — which one would you pick?

(Pause for a few answers.)

Some people might pick the money because they think money can buy everything they want. But… what do you think God would want us to treasure more — money or Him? 

(Let children answer.)

That’s right — God!

Today, we are going to hear a true story from the Bible where people loved money more than they loved God. And do you know what?

Jesus — who always does what is right — was very angry about it!

We’ll find out what Jesus did, and why it’s so important that we love God more than anything else.

(Transition into the storytelling time.)

Story Telling (5 min) - God Is Wrathful!

(Bible Story: Jesus Cleanses the Temple — John 2:13–16)

(Speak with energy and emotion. Use props like the whip, coins, and table if possible.)

Let’s listen to a real story that happened when Jesus visited the temple — the special place where people came to worship God.

(Hold up the Temple picture if available.)

It was a special time called the Passover — when the people remembered how God rescued them from slavery in Egypt. Families came from far away to worship God.

But when Jesus arrived at the temple, do you know what He saw?

(Pause and look around at the kids.)

People were not quietly praying. They were not singing songs to God. They were selling animals and changing money right there in God’s house — making it a noisy, busy market!

(Hold up the basket of coins and shake it to make noise.)

Does that sound like worship?

 (Let kids answer: “No!”)

Those people cared more about making money than about loving and honoring God.

Do you think Jesus was happy about that?

 (Shake head: “No.”)

Listen to what Jesus did next:

The Bible says Jesus made a whip out of cords.

 (Hold up the rope or whip.)

Then — (use your voice to sound strong and serious) — He drove the people and the animals out of the temple!

(Move the whip gently through the air — without scaring kids — for drama.)

Jesus poured out the coins of the money-changers!

(Pour the coins loudly onto the table or floor.)

And then — (with excitement) — Jesus flipped over their tables!

(Carefully flip the small table over with a big thump, making sure it’s safe.)

Jesus shouted, ‘Take these things away! Do not make my Father’s house a house of trade!’

(Pause. Let the room be a little quiet for a few seconds.)

Wow. Jesus was really angry! 

But remember — Jesus is perfect. Everything He does is right.

Jesus was showing that it is right to be angry when people treat God like He isn’t important.

God’s temple was supposed to be about God, not about money.

And here’s something important for us to remember:

Jesus’ anger wasn’t out of control like when we sometimes get mad. His anger was perfect and good, because He was protecting what was holy and right.

God is perfectly wrathful — that means He is very angry at sin — because sin is evil and hurts what is good.

Wrap-up & Discussion (4 min)

(Sit down at their level, lower your voice to make it more personal.)

“Let’s think about this story together:

Question 1: Why was Jesus angry in the temple?

(Let children answer — guide them toward: Because people were loving money more than loving God.)

Question 2: Is it okay to love something more than God — like toys, money, video games, or even friends?

(Children answer. Remind them: No, nothing should be more important than God!)

Question 3: What does this story teach us about how God feels about sin?

(Children answer. Emphasize: God hates sin. He is right to be very, very angry at sin because sin is terrible — it keeps us away from Him.)

(Look warmly at them and conclude:)

Even though God is angry at sin, He loves us so much that He made a way to save us. He sent Jesus to take the punishment we deserve so that we can be close to Him forever!

Isn’t God amazing?”

Memorizing Verse: Romans 1:18a

(Stand up with the kids. Be lively and speak with energy. Use big, clear motions so they can copy you easily.)

“Alright everyone, it’s time to learn our Memory Verse!

It’s from the book of Romans — and it reminds us how God feels about sin.

I’m going to say it first, and I want you to listen carefully. Then we’ll say it together with hand motions to help us remember!

Here’s the verse:

Romans 1:18a —‘For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men.’

(Say the words slowly and clearly. Add actions as you speak.)

• “For the wrath of God”

  (Make an angry face, then point upward to “God.”)

  (Wrath = pretend to stomp your foot once.)

• “is revealed”

  (Open your hands like you’re pulling a curtain apart to “reveal” something.)

• “from heaven”

  (Point both hands up to the sky.)

• “against all ungodliness”

  (Shake your finger “no” and make a sad face.)

• “and unrighteousness of men.”

  (Cross your arms in front of your chest like an X for “wrong” / “sinful.”)

“Now let’s do it all together! Ready?

(Smile and lead them.)

Romans 1:18a:

(Add the motions!)

‘For the wrath of God (angry face + point up)

is revealed (open hands like a curtain)

from heaven (point up)

against all ungodliness (shake finger + sad face)

and unrighteousness of men.’ (X arms)

Great job! Let’s try it a fewlittle times togetherfaster!”

1. Say it slowly once with motions.
2. Say it again a little faster.
3. Try it one more time with no words—just motions—and have them guess the line!
4. Say the full verse again with confidence!

That“Remember, wasGod’s awesome!wrath is very real — but because of Jesus, we can be safe and loved by God isforever!

righteous—everythingKeep He thinks, says, and does is always right. And His rules are right too. Let’s rememberpracticing this verse inat ourhome hearts— thisand week!

every time you do the motions, remember how much God loves you and hates sin because He is perfectly good and righteous.”

Craft & Game (10 mins)

Craft (5 min)

-

(Gather “Rkids isaround fora Righteous”table. PuzzleHand out their craft materials: worksheet with a big storm cloud and Colouringa Activitysmall

Materialssafe Needed:

house,

• Printed Psalm 119:137 Puzzle (cut into pieces or let kids cut)crayons/markers.)

• A large letter “R” on paper

• Glue sticks or tape

• Crayons or markers
  

Let’s“Alright workeveryone, onnow we’re going to do a fun craft thatto help us remember what we learned today!

Look at your page — you see a big storm cloud and a little safe house underneath it.

The storm cloud reminds us of whatGod’s wrath — His anger at sin. It’s fierce, like a big, powerful storm!

The house is a refuge — a safe place where we learnedare today:

God is righteous! That means everything He thinks, says, and does is always right.protected.

(HoldSmile up a large letter “R”.)

You each have a page with a big letter “R”. What does “R” stand for?

(Let kids say: “Righteous!”warmly.)

Let’s startdecorate byour decoratingpages!

the

“R”
• with

  Use colors!dark Youcolours canlike alsogrey, colourblack, theand sun raysblue to make itthe brightstorm cloud look really strong and cheerfulscary.

• Then use bright, happy colors to color the little house — because Jesus is our safe place from God’s righteousnesswrath iswhen somethingwe totrust celebrate!
  in Him!

(Give them 2–3 minutes to colour. Walk around and encourage them.them while they color.)

Top box: “Everything God SAYS is Right”

Point to the picture that shows a Bible.

That’As you’re colouring, remember:

We can’t hide from God’s whereanger on our own — but God speaksgave us Jesus to us.save us!

Let’sJesus glueis thelike Bibleour picturestrong, intosafe that first boxhouse — becauseHe everythingprotects Godeveryone sayswho istrusts right!in Him.

Middle(Give box:kids “Allabout of4-5 God’s RULES are Right”

God gives us good rulesminutes to followfinish —their likecoloring. theCompliment Tentheir Commandments.work!)

Let’s find the Ten Commandments picture and glue it into this box — because God’s rules are always right!

Bottom two boxes: “Everything God DOES is Right”

There are two spaces here — one for the Flood and one for the Parting of the Sea.

• The Flood shows that God was right to judge sin in Noah’s time.
• The Parting of the Sea shows that God was right to save His people from Egypt.

Let’s find both of those pictures and glue them in the correct spots.

God’s actions — even hard ones and amazing ones — are always right!

Wrap Up

Hold up your finished page. Look at what you made!

This page tells us:

• Everything God says is right (Bible)

• All of God’s rules are right (Ten Commandments)

• Everything God does is right (Flood and Parting the Sea)

That’s what it means when we say:

God is Righteous!

You can take this home and tell someone what each picture means!

Game (5 min) - Right or Wrong Relay

Objective:(Move Helpto childrenan applyopen whatspace they’vein learnedthe aboutroom. God’sSet righteousnessa byfew sortinghula simple actions as either righthoops or wrong,taped using movement and group discussion.

Supplies:

• “Right” and “Wrong” signs (tape these on opposite walls or ends of the room)
• Pre-made scenario cards with short examples of actions (see examples below)
• A bag or box to draw cards from

Optional: Use the Ten Commandments visual to point kids back to God’s rules if they need help deciding.

Game Setup:

• Place the “RIGHT” sign on one side of the room and the “WRONG” signcircles on the oppositefloor side.
—
• Havethese are the kids“refuges.” sitPick inone child to start as the middle, facing you.

“storm.”)

Alright!Now We’we’re going to play a quick and fun game called Right or Wrong to help us remember that God is righteous,Storm and His rules are always rightRefuge!

Here’s how weit play:works:

• IOne of you will pickbe the storm (point to the selected child), and the storm’s job is to tag other people.
• The hula hoops (or circles) on the floor are refuges — safe places!

If the storm is coming close, you can jump into a cardrefuge fromto thisbe bag.safe.

But listen carefully:

• You can’t stay in a refuge forever! I’ll count 1-2-3, and you have to come back out and run again!
• Each card describes something someone might say or do.
• After I read the card,If you get totagged decide:outside Isa itrefuge, RIGHTyou orsit isdown it WRONG?
• When I say “Go!”, run tountil the signnext that you think is correct!
  
  round.

(In a cheerful voice.)

Let’This game reminds us:

We can’t escape the storm on our own — just like we can’t escape God’s trywrath oneby together!ourselves.

Only Jesus can be our true Refuge!”

“Alright, are you ready? (Kids shout “Yes!”)

3…2…1…Go!”

(PullLet them play for about 3-4 minutes, rotating the “storm” if time allows. End with a samplebig cardclap and readsmiles.)

aloud):

(Gather them after the game.)

Sharing your toys with your little brother.

What do you think—right or wrong?

(Let kids answer. Then say:)

Go!

(Let them run to the sign they choose. Pause and affirm.)

Yes! That’s right, because God wants us to be kind and share. That follows His rule to love others.

Now let’s keep going!

(One at a time, draw a card and read it aloud. Wait for their response, then say “Go!” and let them run to the correct sign.)

Scenario Cards:

• “Telling the truth, even when it’s hard” ✅
• “Taking a toy without asking” ❌
• “Helping your mom clean up after dinner” ✅
• “Saying mean words when you’re angry” ❌
• “Obeying your parents the first time they ask” ✅
• “Ignoring someone who’s sad” ❌
• “Praying to God before you go to sleep” ✅
• “Lying so you don’t get in trouble” ❌

Wow! You all did such a great job thinkingrunning aboutto what’sthe right and wrong.refuge!

Let’sRemember remember: We don’t decide what’s right or wrong—God does. And because God is righteous, His rules help us know how to live— in alife, waythe that’sonly good,true loving,Refuge and right.

When we followfrom God’s rules,anger we’reat treasuring what He sayssin is mosttrusting valuable—Himselfin Jesus.

He loves us and Hiswants truth.to keep us safe forever.

Response Song

Closing Prayer & Snack Time (10 mins)

Dear God,

Thank You for teaching us today that You are righteous.
Everything You say is right.
Everything You do is right.
And all Your rules areperfectly good and true.right.

Thank You for showing us thethat perfectYou exampleare throughangry Jesus,
whoat alwayssin, obeyedbut andthat didYou whatalso waslove right.
us so much.

Thank You for sending Jesus to be our safe place, our Refuge.

Help us to love what You love,
andmore than anything else.

Help us to run to Jesus and trust You,in evenHim whenevery it’s hard.day.

Now, let us thank You for the snack we’re about to enjoy.
We fold our hands.
We bow our heads.
We thank You, God,
for this daily bread.
Amen.

Free Time & Children Pickup (15 mins)