Creative character building Children's Church curriculum on the Christian Armor and prayer.

YOU HAVE AN ENEMY

1 Peter 5:8 "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."

An adversary is an active opponent or enemy. Satan is your adversary.

HE ALWAYS HAS ONE OF THREE OBJECTIVES

John 10:10 "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."

The underlying motive behind all temptation is always one of three objectives- to steal, kill or destroy. When you look at temptation with this knowledge it loses some of its glittering appeal.

John 8:44 "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it."

Satan is a liar and a murderer.

YOU ARE LOVED BY GOD

Romans 5:8 "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

John 15:13 "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

Zechariah 2:8 "For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye."

It is because of His great love that He came to pay the awful penalty for sin.

JESUS CAME TO DESTROY THE WORKS OF SATAN

Hebrews 2:14 "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil."

1 John 3:8 "He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil."

HE PROVIDES PROTECTION

Ephesians 6:11 "Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."

James 4:7 "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

Romans 13:12 "The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light."

Ephesians 6:13 "Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."

Ephesians 4:27 "Neither give place to the devil."

SATAN IS DEFEATED

Revelation 20:10 "And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever."

SCHEDULE

PRAYER

PRIVATE \f O \l 9 "COLONEL" 'S BRIEFING

"DON'T DANCE WITH THE DEVIL" PHIL DRISCOL WARRIOR

SINGING

OFFERING

PRIVATE PVT. Reggie \f O \l 9 "PVT. AND CAMP SHEKINAH RULES

BIBLE STORY: THE CHRISTIAN'S ENEMY EZEKIEL 28

"BIBLE DRILL" CHARITY CHURCH MOUSE *

ARMOR OF GOD (SKIT)

ARMADILLOS (STORY)

ARMOR OF GOD PRIVATE MOJO \f O \l 9 "

MAMA HEN (STORY)

PUT IT ON! (OBJECT LESSON)

PRAYER TIME

SWORD DRILL

FALLEN ANGEL

LUCIFER

Make a transparency from page 36. Cut it into four sections. Tape the transparency on a transparency frame. Fold over one section at a time as you tell the story. Carefully read Ezekiel 28:12-16, it gives a very graphic picture of Satan.

The name Lucifer means "the son of the morning." (Show sun on transparency.) (Isaiah 14:12) It denotes brightness. Lucifer was a glorious leader, endowed by the Almighty God with beauty, wisdom and position. In this account, we see that he had a beautiful, melodious voice. He was extremely beautiful and adorned with precious and diverse jewels. He was the anointed cherub and priest of God. Instead of glorifying God for His endowments, Lucifer's proud heart began to swell with dreams of possessing God's kingdom.

Isaiah 14:13‑16 "For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds. I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. They that look upon thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms?"

Notice the pride he belches in his continuous repetition of "I Will." Satan and his wretched army were no match for God. God's judgment is sure and Lucifer was thrown out of heaven. God stripped Satan of his position. Filled with rage and revenge, Lucifer was determined to destroy God's precious creation, man. Time was not a factor. Relentlessly, he continues to empty his cup of rage, bent on the destruction of God's creation, but God has another plan.

GOD'S PLAN (Show cross on transparency.)

God is aware of Satan's plan to destroy His precious creation. This creation, man, was much more to God than a mere craft turned out assembly line fashion with profit His only motive. Man was God's priceless creation, fashioned and formed in His image, with companionship and friendship His motivation. Man fell from perfection when he was deceived by Satan in the paradise of Eden. God's love did not stop with the fall and death of His precious creation. He sent his Son to take the punishment for mankind's sins so they could have fellowship with God and become His children.

WE HAVE AN ENEMY (Show lion on transparency.)

God's plan was activated, but Satan continued his plot to destroy mankind. His plan is deception and destruction. 1 Peter 5:8 "Satan is like a roaring lion going about seeking who he may devour." God has provided a plan of redemption, but He will not force Himself on anyone. Many refuse his atoning gift, while others accept it freely. Satan is much too persistent to throw up his hands in defeat when an individual is born again. No, his attack against God's new born child only intensifies. It is at this point he declares "War!"

OUR WARFARE IS NOT WITH FLESH AND BLOOD

As God's child you are in a battle. You have an enemy, Satan. Not God. Not people. You can be certain his battle tactics will include many deceptive measures. His strategy includes using your friends and even Christian people to attack you. He wants you to believe that people are your enemy. This belief is frustrating and drains you of productivity and influence. Your one and only enemy is Satan. He is the evil culprit behind every malicious attack that will ever come into your life. It is important to pinpoint Satan as your only enemy. Ephesians 6:12 "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

Part of the strategy of the Allied Forces during World War II was to place inflated tanks and tent facades to make the enemy believe that Allied troops were stockpiling in a specific area preparing for attack. When the enemy focused their attack on the rubber tanks and facade they were focused away from the Allies. When Satan makes you believe that people are your enemy, you will direct your energy toward them and not him. He should be the target and not people.

HE WANTS TO DECEIVE US

Satan does not assault God's children wearing a red suit with a pointed tail. He never taps anyone on the shoulder, and explains he is going to make them sin. Instead, Satan attacks and tempts you by putting thoughts in your mind that contradict the Word of God. Thoughts like: "You're going to fail in school. You're no good. Do you really think God answers prayer?" He wants to make you doubt God's word. These thoughts are from your enemy, the devil. God instructs you to stop or pull down thoughts. Don't let those thoughts of unbelief stay in your mind. Replace them with the truth from the Word.

SPIRITUAL WEAPONS FOR A SPIRITUAL BATTLE

(Show Bible on transparency.) II Corinthians 10:3-5 "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ."

GOD PROVIDES ARMOR

While Paul was in prison he wrote a letter to the churches in Ephesus. He encouraged them to walk in the victory God intended. He used an illustration that the Ephesians would quickly and completely understand, but one our modern society must carefully scrutinize or miss some of its meaning. The Roman Empire was the major world power. Proud soldiers strutting their protective armor would have been a common sight for Paul and the Ephesians. Its effectiveness was common knowledge. This prompted Paul to write in Ephesians 6:11 "Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."

Satan as a lion prowls, seeking to devour and destroy any defenseless prey. We are not to be defenseless. We are not to become his prey. I am not trying to imply that God's children will not be attacked. The attack is certain, but the extent of subversion is directly proportional to the extent of vulnerability. In case that sounds like an algebraic equation let me explain. Picture with me a strong robust guerilla fighter. His strong muscles ripple as he steps from the lush green foliage of the jungle to meet a Sherman Tank. Sweat drips from his body as he savagely slashes at the armored vehicle with trained precision and a glimmering, sharp machete. Will he be successfully stop the armored tank? No! Although he may be strong and skillful, he will be mowed down in the process. God has provided protection for his children, "The Armor Of God." The efficiency rating for God's Armor far out ranks the armored tank, it has never failed. There are no casualties found wearing the whole armor.

PUT IT ON!

(Bring a child's coat and picture of a safety belt.) It is a total mystery to me that young children will not wear their coats on nippy, fall days. Despite mother's cautious reminders they insist "Ah, Mom, it's not cold out." Often the child returns with a runny nose. Not unlike some Christians I know. Only neglecting God's armor results in situations more extreme than a runny nose. God says "Put on the Whole Armor" and we say "Ah, God, do I have to?"

And safety belts! It is a proven fact, that safety belts save lives. Yet people are killed everyday because they fail to take an extra moment and buckle up. Why do they neglect such a simple, yet necessary, safety step? The Christian Armor is given to us to protect us from our enemy, Satan. Why don't Christians wear the armor as commanded by our Heavenly Father? Are you wearing it? Get with the program, God's program. Put on the whole "Armor of God."

Ephesians 6:13 "Wherefore take unto you"- The instructions require you to put on the armor. This armor is not for spiritual babies that cannot dress themselves. This armor, proven absolutely successful, is available to any Christian that is ready to win against sin and temptation.

"The whole"- Not just part of it, but the entire armor is vital to your success in battle. The "Helmet of Salvation" is not the entire armor, just the first piece. Continue to put on the armor until each piece is snugly in place.

"Of God,"- God provides this armor for you.

"That ye may be able to withstand in the evil day."- Author's version "so that you will be able." We are able. This is not a weak, wishful thought. This is a positive affirmation "so you WILL have the ability."

"And having done all to stand"- After you have obeyed the Word, you can relax in the knowledge that He will take care of everything else.

"Stand therefore"- Then we are to stand firmly in place daring to believe God's Word to be truth in every circumstance in our lives.

IT IS GOD'S WILL FOR YOU TO WIN

II Corinthians 2:14 "Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place."

Every Christian should make this their motto, "Don't Leave Your Room Without It!

How do we put it on? We put it on piece by piece. Everyday before we leave our room we need to pray Ephesians 6:13-18. We put on the "Helmet of Salvation," and the "Breastplate of Righteousness" in prayer. We put on the belt and shoes with Bible study. We use the sword by speaking God's Word. Take the "Shield of Faith" by faith. In prayer and Bible study put it on piece by piece. Remember "Don't Leave Your Room Without It!"

Object Lesson ARMADILLO

Bring a picture from a magazine or an encyclopedia. One of God's strangest little creatures is the armadillo. Armadillos range in size from 6 inches to about five feet long. Their teeth are set back too far in their mouth to be used for fighting and their strong legs are great for digging but not for defense. They have the incredible ability to cling tightly inside their burrows. Southern school boys have often compared failure stories of trying to pull an armadillo from its hole by its protruding tail. The armadillo lives in burrows like a rabbit, yet lacks the softness and appealing beauty of a rabbit. Armadillos eat insect, spiders and earthworms like little birds, yet I know of no one building armadillo feeders. They are not God's most attractive creatures. Yet God in his infinite wisdom and minute planning provided the armadillo with a more useful trait than beauty. He gave them their very own armor to wear wherever they go. Even the early Spanish explorers observed these small animals in the moonlight scampering to find a midnight snack. They appropriately named them, armadillo, meaning "little armored one." This wonderful armor designed by God isn't bulky or hot. It doesn't chaff their skin and they never remove it. The head and shoulders of the armadillo are covered with a tough covering and the nine bony bands protect the middle section allowing the armadillo to move. When exposed to a predator, the armadillo will roll into a tight ball exposing his bony armor.

The tiny armadillo doesn't have to put on his armor, God designed the armadillo to arrive wearing his special armor at its birth. As the armadillo grows the armor gets harder and tougher. God loves his children far more than the armadillo and has provided a special armor for them to wear when they are born again. He provides it, but it is up to you to wear it. It's practical use provides protection. So wise up! Put it on!

A HEN EGG

Bring a basket with a plastic egg. Inside the egg should be a tiny chick. The full-sized soldier with his armor should be in full view of the children.

One task around the farm was to collect the brown eggs from the hen's nest. This was a particularly fun task until the hen decided she wanted to raise a family. Then she would peck at me and scare me away from her nest. The hen knew that inside the hard egg shell was a baby chick. I don't know how she knew, she couldn't see inside. It must have been something God put inside her heart. Mama, always called it instinct. Sometimes we would leave the hen alone and leave her to brood and sure enough, in about three weeks she'd have the cutest little family of chicks.

One morning at breakfast, Mama interrupted my endless chatter about the baby chicks to read the Bible to us. She read in Ephesians about the armor of God. I told her I'd never seen a single Christian wearing any armor. I asked her if people stopped wearing it. She said, "Oh, my goodness, No!" She said every Christian needs to wear their armor everyday. I scratched my head and asked her where her's was. She said the funniest thing. She said she was wearing it. Imagine that. I'd never known my mama to tell a tall tale before. I could look at her and see she was wearing her yellow plaid dress that she wore a lot around the house. She didn't have any armor on. Then she explained to me that the Christian armor is put on by prayer and faith. She said just cause you can't see it, doesn't mean it ain't there. Like the hen, just cause she can't see her little chick doesn't mean it's not growing inside that shell. Christians need to wear their armor even if they can't see it. I remember just like yesterday, the first day I put mine on. I've been doing it ever since! So should you!

PUPPET SONG "BIBLE DRILL"

Puppets-As many human puppets as your team can handle.

Charity Church Mouse: On the Front Line, Maranatha Music, P.O. Box 1396, Costa Mesa, CA 92628. Use "The Bible Drill" song. The puppets should enter marching behind a female drill leader miming the solo part. They should be carrying flags (perhaps your company flag) and wave it back and forth as they march. Stop marching on the second verse and sway in unison first right, then left. Continue marching when you want. Do the motions for "I'm in the Lord's Army."

MEMORY MEDAL

Announce the memory program. Repeat the verse and hand out sheets with the memory verse on it. Show them a complete medal with all the ribbons attached. Give all the awards in a simple ceremony after the service.

PILGRIM'S PROGRESS BY JOHN BUNYAN

Travel with Christian until he reaches the Slough of Despond.

EGGSHELL CRAFT

Prepare egg shells ahead of time so they will have time to dry completely. Crumble and dye the shells with food coloring. Give each child a sturdy card stock cut in half (8 1\2 X 5 1\2) with two holes punched in the top and a piece of string about 9 inches long. Let them print on the card in large block letters, "Don't Leave Your Room Without It!" Decorate the letters and the background using the colored shells like mosaic. The children should tie one end of the yarn in each hole to make a hanger.

COLONEL'S BRIEFING: THEME INTRODUCTION

Puppet: "Colonel" (See character sketch for description.)

Welcome to Fort Shekinah. I am Colonel Believe. Shekinah is an un-translated Hebrew word meaning "There will I meet with you." This is the training camp for new recruits in God's army. This time in training is very important. It will affect your entire military career. Listen carefully and allow the Commander-in-Chief's words to develop you into a strong soldier.

PVT. Reggie AND FORT SHEKINAH RULES

Puppets: "Reggie" , miscellaneous objects for throwing, gloves for human hand puppet.

Leader: Reggie! Reggie!

Reggie: Hey (name). I'm fixing my hair. I want it to have a "spit" shine.

Leader: I never heard of spit shinning your hair. What's that?

Reggie: Just a minute I'll show you. (Comes up with a comb in his hand) You never heard of a "spit" shine hair-do? Well, it's where you spit in your hand and slick your hair into place. (Demonstrate after you explain the process.)

Leader: (Act totally disgusted.) Pvt. Reggie, I wanted you to explain Fort Shekinah's Rules to all the recruits.

Reggie: I'd be glad to help. Let me get my Training Manual. I know its around here somewhere. (Exits. Items begin to fly into the air.) Here it is!

Leader: Did you find your Training Manual?

Reggie: No, I found my peanut butter and onion sandwich. Oh, yuck! It's all moldy.

Leader: Reggie! Would you get up here?

Reggie: (Come back.) Pvt. Reggie reporting for duty, Sir.

Leader: Maybe I should find someone else to explain the rules to the recruits.

Reggie: I'm so smart. I don't need the Training Manual. I'll just wing it.

Leader: I don't know Reggie, maybe we should wait until you can find it.

Reggie: Oh! You don't think I'm smart enough to remember the rules. You hurt my feeling, (name). (Continues to murmur.)

Leader: All right. All right! Reggie, would you tell these fine recruits Rule number 1?

Reggie: Rule number one is the first rule. It comes before all the other rules. It comes before Rule number 2 or Rule number 3 or Rule number 4 . . .

Leader: (interrupting) Reggie, just tell them the rule!

Reggie: Rule number 1 (hold up 3 fingers) is, "Don't carry ice cream to school in your back pocket."

Leader: No, Reggie! Rule number one is, "All recruits should bring their Training Manual to all training classes."

Reggie: What if you can't find it?

Leader: You should put it in a certain place so you can use it everyday.

Reggie: I did. I put it in the refrigerator.

Leader: You put your Training Manual in the refrigerator?

Reggie: Of course! Don't you?

Leader: No. Why do you put it in the refrigerator?

Reggie: Cause I should use it everyday and it's more important than eating food. I put it where the food goes, so I can find it when I need it.

Leader: Then why can't you find it now?

Reggie: Maybe someone ate it.

Leader: Never mind Reggie. Would you explain Rule number 2 to the recruits?

Reggie: Sure. I'll be glad to explain it. Rule number 2 comes after Rule number 1 and before Rule number 3 or Rule number 4 or Rule number 5 . . .

Leader: Reggie, just tell them the rule!

Reggie: Sure. (Scratches his head in bewilderment) I don't know why you're getting' so upset. Rule number 2 is, "Don't wash your hair with spaghetti sauce." It just makes a terrible mess. Believe me, I tried it once. I thought it would make my hair a pretty red color. Well, it didn't. So don't try it.

Leader: Reggie, that's not the second rule. Rule number 2 is, "Set aside a time to pray everyday."

Reggie: That's a good rule for all those recruits out there.

Leader: Aren't you a recruit in God's Army?

Reggie: (saluting) Yes, Sir! I sure am!

Leader: Then shouldn't you set aside a time to pray everyday too?

Reggie: (shocked) Oh, yeah! Of course!

Leader: Well, what time are you going to set aside?

Reggie: What about 12:00?

Leader: It would be a difficult time for the kids, but if lunch time is a good time for you, that's great.

Reggie: No, 12:00 midnight.

Leader: That's too late for you.

Reggie: Oh, I won't be awake. I'll write them out for Him to read while I sleep.

Leader: Come on, Reggie. Prayer is a time of worship and getting to know God better.

Reggie: I can't just leave a list.

Leader: Prayer is a time to tell God your needs, but it's much more than leaving a list of things you want Him to do for you. It's a precious time to spend with your best friend.

Reggie: My prayer time is nothing like that.

Leader: Well, it can be. It's up to you to commit time each day to developing a relationship with Jesus, "The Commander in Chief."

Reggie: I'm gonna do it! Bye!

Leader: Bye, Reggie! I hope you recruits will do it, too.

ARMOR OF GOD

Puppets: Boy and girl. "

PEGGY bounces in first carrying pompons wearing a cheerleader's outfit yelling a cheer. Petey enters moaning and groaning wearing a football jersey with his hair mussed, clothes torn carrying his helmet. The pompons can be purchased from a toy store or made by cutting strips from a white trash bag and then carefully taping them to a short dowel rod. It will take a box of trash bags for one pompon.

Peggy: Petey, what happened to you? Come back here, the game just started.

Petey: Oh, I got hit. Wow! Football is a rough sport. A guy could get killed out there. I think I'll sit the rest of this game out in the safety of my living room.

Peggy: But Petey, the team needs you. Were you wearing your helmet?

Petey: Of course not. It might get dented or something.

Peggy: No, wonder you got hurt. Football is a dangerous game.

Petey: You're not kidding. That's why I'm quitting.

Peggy: (firmly) Oh, no you're not. That equipment is your protection. You have to wear it so you won't get hurt. We're going to win this game and you're gonna help us. Now you get in there and get on your equipment!

Petey: You mean you want me to put on the knee pads and the shoulder pads and all the other stuff too?

Peggy: You're beginning to get my picture. Get in there!

Petey: Give me one reason why I should do what you say.

Peggy: (real sweet) Petey, I'll give you, two good reasons. One, if you don't put the equipment on you could get hurt. Two (hollering), if you don't get back in the game I'm gonna break your face.

Petey: Oh, since you put it that way. See you around, Peggy! (Petey exits first, then Peggy.)

MOJO- JOINS THE ARMY"

Mojo: Is this the recruiting station? You know, where ya sign up to join God's army?

Teacher: This is (use the name of your group). We teach the Bible here. It's funny you should stop by here. We're talking about H.I.S. Army (point up) today. Would you like to join?

Mojo: I sure would. I want to join God's Army. I'm ready to sign on the dotted line.

Teacher: There's no need for that, you just have to ask Jesus into your heart.

Mojo: I've already done that. When I was just a little fellow, I prayed and I ask Jesus to forgive me of my sins. Then, I ask Him to come into my heart.

Teacher: Well, if you've done that you're in H.I.S. Army.

Mojo: I've got another question I want to ask ya. But it's sort of embarrassing, do ya mind if I whisper it to you? (Moves over and whispers in teachers ear.)

Teacher: No, you don't have to have muscles to be in H.I.S. Army.

Mojo: Shhh! I told you it's embarrassing not having any muscles.

Teacher: Don't worry about that. In this army God gives you His strength.

Mojo: What?

Teacher: In Ephesians 6:10 we are told "Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might."

Mojo: See! I knew it, I knew it. You have to have muscles to be in H.I.S. Army too.

Teacher: No, you don't understand. God gives you His strength. When He lives inside you He gives you strength. The more you study the Bible and pray, the stronger spiritually you will become.

Mojo: (excited) Does that mean I can be in H.I. S. Army?

Teacher: If you've asked Jesus in your heart, you're already in H.I.S. Army (point up).

Mojo: Well, do I get some sort of army gear or something.

Teacher: Oh yes, the Commander in Chief has provided a very special armor to protect you as you fight against the enemy, Satan.

Mojo: Is it real expensive? I don't have much money.

Teacher: It's free. God provides it for every soldier in H.I.S. army. It's "God Issued."

Mojo: That's great! I gotta go call my mama! She'll be excited! Oh, I'm in the army now! (Goes out singing)