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july 18-25

THEO SESSION 5 - GOD'S dESIRE:  LESSON 16 - Love Your Neighbor

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This Week - Lesson 16 - Love Thy Neighbor
In this lesson, Theo teaches us that God wants us to love our neighbor.

Luther and Belfry catch a river rat named R.W. Wigglesworth stealing their food. Mice have no dealings with river rats. Rats are untrustworthy, they are thieves, and worst of all, they carry...fleas! But Theo tells the mice that they should love Wigglesworth because he is their neighbor. The mice are flabbergasted! “But he’s a rat!” Luther objects. Theo then tells them the parable of the Good Samaritan to make his point.

We all have people in our lives who are not easy to love. Maybe it’s a relative, or a schoolmate. Perhaps it’s someone at work or someone who lives next door. Rather than shun these people, we are to pray for them. We are to reach out in love to them and we are to bless them, even if they curse us. This is not easy to do. But if we yield to the Holy Spirit’s power in us we can love everyone by grace..

CLICK HERE to watch Lesson 16 - Love Your Neighbor
Scriptures
  • John 4:1-42 (Jesus and Samaritan woman)
  • Romans 12:18 (if it is possible, as far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men)
  • Luke 10:25-37 (Parable of the Good Samaritan)
  • Matthew 22:34-40 (love your neighbor as yourself)
  • Matthew 5:43-48 (love for enemies)

july 12-18

THEO SESSION 5 - GOD'S dESIRE:  LESSON 15 - Salvation

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This Week - Lesson 15 - Salvation
In this lesson, Theo teaches us that God sent His Son to save us from our sin.

Luther and Belfry are chased by two terrifying menaces in the opening sequence of this lesson: Scratch the cat, and a monstrous pike. They manage to escape Scratch, but are no match for the tenacious pike that is sure to devour them. Recognizing their peril, they cry out for Theo to save them, which he does, snatching them out of the pike’s snapping jaws just in time. Every one of us faces a peril even greater than the ones the mice faced––eternal death. What makes matters worse is that we are all helpless to save ourselves. No one else can save us, either, except One. What we could not do, God did by sending His only Son, Jesus, to save us from our sins. He did this because He loves us and wants us to live with Him for eternity.

CLICK HERE to watch Lesson 15 - Salvation
Scriptures
  • Luke 15:8-10 (parable of the lost coin)
  • Luke 15:1-7 (parable of the lost sheep)
  • 1 Peter 1:8-9 (salvation, the goal of faith)
  • Titus 2:11 (by grace we are saved)
  • Luke 2:29-30 (Simeon sees Jesus, the salvation of the Lord)

july 5 - 11

THEO SESSION 5 - GOD'S dESIRE:  LESSON 14 - fruit of the Spirit

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This Week - Lesson 14 - Fruit of the Spirit
In this lesson, Theo teaches us about growing in Spiritual Fruit through the Holy Spirit.

In the opening scenes of this lesson we see some very bad behavior being displayed by Luther. Soon Belfry is caught up in some bad behavior as well. The Bible calls such behavior the “works of the flesh,” and lists immorality, impurity, and outbursts of anger, to name a few. From birth we humans possess a sin nature, a powerful nature that will dominate our thoughts, words and actions, and that makes us do things we shouldn’t.

However, that power is broken when we place our faith in Jesus. In that moment we are born again of the Spirit, and no longer have to be dominated by the works of the flesh. We now have the power to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). As we walk in the Spirit, He grows spiritual fruit in us, so that every day we will become more and more like Jesus.

CLICK HERE to watch Lesson 14 - Fruit of the Spirit
Scriptures
  • Galatians 5:19-21 (works of the flesh)
  • Galatians 5:22-23 (Fruit of the Spirit)
  • Romans 6:4; also 8:13-15 (walk in newness of life)
  • Matthew 7:16-20 (bad fruit, good fruit)
  • Ephesians 5:8-10 (fruit of the light)

June 28 - July 4

THEO SESSION 4 - GOD'S TRUTH:  LESSON 13 - What is the Church?

This Week - Lesson 13 - What is the Church?
In this lesson, Theo teaches us that the Church is not just a building made of bricks and wood, nor is it an exclusive club.

No, the church is an inclusive body of believers from all races, ethnicities, and nations. It is the people of God worshiping together. The people of God are those that believe in Jesus and follow him.

Theo tells the story of the early church in the first century. The early church began on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit filled believers with the ability to walk as Jesus walked and gave them spiritual gifts to spread the Gospel. As more and more people believed in Jesus, they started fellow-shipping with each other in their homes and communities.

Just like the first century church, we should fellowship with fellow believers and pray and worship together. We “grow” the church by doing good works and loving our neighbors and showing the world Christ’s love in this way. The church reflects God’s glory not by being a big building, but by Christians reflecting this glory.

CLICK HERE to watch Lesson 13 - What is the Church?
Scriptures
  • Matthew 18:20 (where two or more are gathered)
  • 1 Corinthians 12:12-20 (Church is the Body of Christ)
  • John 4:23-24 (true worshippers worship God in spirit & truth)
  • Revelation 14:6 (Church is universal)
  • 1 Corinthians 1:26-30 (Church is comprised of people from all walks of life)

new downloads for god's truth

June 20 - 27

THEO SESSION 4 - GOD'S TRUTH:  LESSON 12 - Light Unto My Path

This Week - Lesson 12 - Light Unto My Path
In this lesson, Theo teaches us that the Bible is like a light in the darkness for us. 

Just as Luther and Belfry roam through the dark woods tripping over rocks without a flashlight, without the Bible we stumble through the world. Theo says that the world is spiritually dark and that the Bible helps illuminate what is good and what is bad for us.

He tells the story of King Amon who ignored the Bible’s teaching and instead encouraged the worship of idols and false gods, causing the nation of Judah to fall into spiritually dark times. It wasn’t until his son, Josiah, became king at just eight years old that the Book of the Law of Moses was recovered. This book of God’s Word showed Josiah right from wrong, and Josiah learned that he should remove all the false gods and wicked priests from the land.

Remember, the Bible isn’t like other books. It is the very Word of God. It enables us to see the world more clearly, so we know which obstacles to avoid and how to obey God. Without God’s Word, we wouldn’t know right from wrong and what pleases Him. We would be lost in the world. But, with the Word of God we can clearly see the path laid out for us.

CLICK HERE to watch Lesson 12 - Light Unto My Path
Scriptures
  • Psalm 119:105 (God’s Word is a lamp unto our feet)
  • John 8:12 (Jesus is the Light of the world)
  • 2 Timothy 3:16 (All Scripture is God-breathed)
  • 2 Kings 22:1-23:30 (Story of King Josiah)

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past lessons

June 13 - 20

THEO SESSION 4 - GOD'S TRUTH:  LESSON 10 - Abiding In Christ

This Week - Lesson 10 - Abiding In Christ
In this lesson, Theo teaches us what it means to abide in Christ. 

Theo tells us that abiding in Christ is like fruit abiding in the vine. While pruning his vines, Theo illustrates how the grapes grow by receiving nutrients and water from its vine. This is like our relationship with Christ: if we abide in Jesus, then we too will bear fruit. As we abide in Jesus, the Holy Spirit living in us gives us the spiritual nourishment we need to thrive.

Theo tells the story about the apostle Paul who suffered many difficult circumstances. He was imprisoned, beaten, even shipwrecked, and yet still found peace and joy by abiding in Christ through prayer and faith.

Theo reminds us that the Bible is God’s Word and John 1 tells us that Christ is the “Word of God,” so keeping the Bible in our hearts and minds and obeying it is an important way to abide in Christ. What are some other ways we can abide in Christ?

CLICK HERE to watch Lesson 10 - Abiding In Christ
Scriptures
  • John 15:1-10 (Abiding in Christ)
  • Acts 13:4-14:28 (1st missionary journey)
  • Acts 15:39-18:22 (2nd) Acts 18:23-21:17 (3rd)
  • 2 Corinthians 11:23-27 (Paul’s list of sufferings)

new downloads for god's truth

June 7 - 13

THEO SESSION 4 - GOD'S HEART:  LESSON 9 - a Day In Prayer

This Week - Lesson 9 - A Day In Prayer
Whenever we pray, we have a private audience with the Creator of the universe! 

In this episode, Theo prays throughout the day, from morning to bedtime, and illustrates each verse of the Lord’s Prayer. Theo reminds us of Jesus’ words, that those who ask not, receive not. Luther and Belfry try to find some food, but can’t find any on their own. It isn’t until Belfry asks Theo for food, that he receives it.

This is just like praying to God: if we ask, we receive. However, it’s important to remember that when we pray, we pray with the right motives, seeking God’s desire for our lives, not our own wishes and desires.

CLICK HERE to watch Lesson 9 - A Day In Prayer
Scriptures
  • Matthew 6:9-13 (Lord’s Prayer)
  • John 14:13 (whatever is asked, He will do)
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (pray without ceasing)
  • Psalm 7:17 (praise the Lord)
  • Matthew 7:7-11 (ask and it will be given)

MAY 30 - June 6

THEO SESSION 4 - GOD'S HEART:  LESSON 8 - ADOPTION

This Week - Lesson 8 - Adoption
In this lesson, Theo brings home a new friend, Bumper the dog, and adopts him into the family. Luther and Belfry fear Bumper is going to replace them and try to get rid of him —until Bumper saves them from Scratch the cat. Theo describes the historical context of first century adoption to teach how believers in Jesus Christ are adopted into God’s family.

  • In Rome, adoption was a legal process that made a child part of a family, but more than that, the family loved and cared for the child unconditionally as if it were their own. 
  • Paul describes our relationship with God in the same terms. God adopts anyone who puts his or her faith in His son, Jesus Christ. Through Christ, we’re made heirs with Christ to all of God’s blessings. 
  • And, because we’re secure in Christ, nothing can separate us from God! Because we’re His children, God loves us unconditionally and will protect and care for us.

CLICK HERE to watch lesson 8 on Adoption
Scriptures
  • Romans 8:15-23 (adopted heirs of God)
  • Galatians 3:25-26 (faith in Christ)
  • Colossians 1:14 (saved from darkness)
  • Galatians 4:6-7 (help of the Spirit)
  • 1 Peter 1:3-5 (imperishable inheritance)

MAY 23-29:  THEO - Session 4 - God's heart
LESSON 7:  justification

New session - god's heart

This Week - Lesson 7 - Justification
In this lesson, Luther and Belfry accidentally break Theo’s valuable statue while playing a game of soccer. They try to tape it together, but it’s a mess. Theo, rather than punishing them, forgives them and takes the opportunity to teach us about justification.
  • We try to justify ourselves in many ways –“I’m not as bad as that guy,” or, “the devil made me do it,” or “no one’s perfect!” 
  • Theo teaches that all of us have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). 
  • The only way we can be saved is if someone without sin takes our place. Only Jesus can do this, because He is fully God and fully man. 
  • We see how Barabbas (whose name means “son of the father”) was set free, while Jesus (the Son of the Father) took Barabbas’, as well as the rest of mankind’s, place on the cross. 
  • Not only did Jesus take our sins upon Himself, but God places His righteousness on us who believe. This is justification.

CLICK HERE to watch lesson 7 on Justification
Scriptures
  •  Romans 3:23 (all fall short of God’s glory)
  • Romans 8:10 (Spirit is life)
  • Luke 18: 9-14 (the Pharisee and the Tax Collector)
  • Galatians 2:16 (not justified by works)
  • James 2:14-22 (works are evidence of saving faith, justification)

MAY 17-23:  THEO - Session 2 - God's Grace
LESSON 6: new birth

This Week - Lesson 6 - New Birth
In this lesson, Luther and Belfry overhear Theo talking about being “born again.” Theo teaches us that we must be born again if we are to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

Being born again means being given spiritual life through our belief in Jesus Christ. We are all born in this world spiritually dead, or separated from God, because of our sinful nature, but through Jesus’ forgiveness we are born anew into spiritual life. The moment we place our faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and accept His forgiveness, something miraculous takes place. We’re made spiritually alive by the Holy Spirit and are connected to God!

Theo tells us how Jesus explained to Nicodemus that being born again means being born from above by the power of the Holy Spirit. We cannot earn salvation just by doing good works and behaving ourselves, but need to believe in Jesus and receive the Holy Spirit in our lives.

CLICK HERE to watch lesson 6 on New Birth
Scriptures
  • John 3:1-15 (story of Nicodemus)
  • Romans 6:4-8 (we live with Christ)
  • 2 Corinthians 4:6 (light of the knowledge of Christ)
  • Titus 3:3-5 (God’s mercy)
  • 1 Peter 1:23 (born again of imperishable seed)
  • 1 John 5:3-4 (everyone born of God overcomes the world)

MAY 10-16:  THEO - Session 2 - God's Grace
LESSON 5: Redemption

Hello Grace Kids and Parents!
We have reached the end of another week, and what a beautiful week it is. This is such a special week with it being Mother's Day. From the deepest part of our hearts we want to say Happy Mother's day, keep a look out on your porch today for a gift you can do with the kids this weekend.
This Week - Redemption - Scratch the Cat is at it again!!!!
In this lesson, Scratch captures Luther and Belfry, but just in the nick of time, Theo saves his mouse friends by sacrificing the fish he just caught. We learn that the word redemption is an ancient word from the marketplace that means “to purchase something.” Theo teaches us that in Ancient Rome, one out every two people was a slave. The only way to become a free person was if the slave or someone else purchased their freedom. The Bible teaches us that everyone is a slave to sin. We’re all sinners by nature, sold into the bondage of sin. But Jesus purchased, or redeemed, us from this bondage when he died on the cross. The Bible says that anyone who believes in Jesus Christ will be set free from the bondage of sin. Just like Theo saved Luther and Belfry from Scratch, Jesus saves us from sin.

CLICK HERE to watch lesson 5 on Redemption
Scriptures
  • Romans 6 (no longer slaves to sin)
  • Hebrews 9:12 (redemption through Christ)
  • Colossians 1:14 (saved from darkness)
  • Psalm 19:14 (pleasing God)
  • 1 Peter 1:18 (eternal salvation)

MAY 3-10:  THEO - Session 2 - God's Grace
LESSON 4: ARMOR OF GOD

This Week - Armor Of God
In this week's lesson, Theo teaches us about the armor of God. In the book of Ephesians, Paul describes this armor as guarding against Satan’s schemes and temptations. When Theo catches Scratch the cat chasing after his two mouse friends, Luther and Belfry, he shows how important armor can be—just look how the helmet keeps old Scratch away!

The Bible compares Satan to a roaring lion, but Paul, influenced by the soldiers he saw as a prisoner of Rome, gives us ways to protect ourselves: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the Gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. It is important to remember that God protects us against all spiritual attacks. He’s given us powerful armor to fight off Satan’s temptations, as well as to endure trials. It’s also important to remember Paul’s call to pray for fellow Christians, for protection, and encouragement from God.

CLICK HERE to watch lesson 4
Scriptures
Ephesians 6:10-18 (armor of God)
  • Romans 13:12 (armor of light)
  • Hebrews 4:12 (Word of God is a double-edged sword)
  • 1 Peter 5:8 (Satan like a roaring lion)

april 26-May 2:  THEO - VOLUME 1 - GOD'S LOVE
SESSION 3:  forgiveness

This Week - Forgiveness 
At the beginning of this lesson, Belfry eats Luther’s cheese and apple tart. How does Luther respond? He gets angry and won’t forgive Belfry! Theo teaches us that the word forgive means “to set something free.” It also means, “to cancel a debt” and “to remove the punishment someone deserves.” Because Jesus forgave us all of our sins, we must also forgive others.

Theo tells us the story of the unforgiving servant, a man who was forgiven much but didn’t forgive anyone himself. The unforgiving servant was shown great mercy when the king forgave him all his debts, but didn’t show any mercy to his own servant. Does that make sense? No! Because Jesus forgave us, He wants us also to forgive others abundantly. The Bible says to forgive someone 70 x 7 times…that means without limit!

CLICK HERE to watch lesson 3
Scriptures
  • Matthew 18:21-35 (Parable of the Unforgiving Servant)
  • Matthew 6:14 (forgiving and being forgiven)
  • Luke 17:3 (forgiving those who ask)
  • Revelation 14:6 (Church is universal)
  • Luke 7:47 (the one forgiven much, loves much)

April 19-25:  THEO - VOLUME 1 - GOD'S LOVE
SESSION 2:  loving obedience

This Week - Loving Obedience 
Luther and Belfry suffer a long fall when they try to reach an apple that’s dangerously high up in a tree. Theo knew it was too dangerous and told them so, but they disobeyed. Theo then teaches us about loving obedience toward God. Loving obedience to God means that because we love Jesus, we obey His word. Jesus knows what’s best for us and tells us what we can and can’t do so that we’ll live the best way we can.

How do we learn what God wants us to do? We read His Word and study its teachings. Theo tells the story of Jonah to illustrate the costs of disobedience. Instead of preaching to the Ninevites, Jonah tried to run away, only to get swallowed by a giant fish! Theo reminds us that God is merciful to everyone that asks for forgiveness, so even when we disobey, He will forgive us.

CLICK HERE to watch lesson 2
Scriptures
  • John 14:23 (if we love Jesus, we’ll obey him)
  • Ephesians 6:1 (obey your parents)
  • 1 John 3:24 (obey God’s commandments)
  • John 15:10 (Jesus obeyed God)