Bible Game Olympics
Backstroke Relays
Set up: Establish a large playing area to designate the "Olympic pool." At the opposite side of the
"pool" place a cross. Players, "the swimmers," assemble into teams.
How to Play: The first set of swimmers line up side-by-side at the start line. At the go, players
"swim" backwards to the cross, touch it, and then turn around facing forward to
"swim" breast stroke-style back to the start line. Players tag off to their teammates, with the next set of swimmers taking their turns, playing as before. First team to complete the relay wins the gold, second team the silver, and third team the bronze.
Object lesson: This is a fun way to remember what it means to repent. When you recognize you're going in the wrong direction in life, by being disobedient to
God's ways, and then turn around towards God—changing your direction, desires, and goals in
life—this is called repentance. Some people come to God earlier in life—like the team who scored the
gold—that is always the best way! But as long as you have life, it is never too late to turn around and go in the right direction towards God.
Listen to what the Bible has to say about repenting: "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped
out." Acts 3:19.
Jesus said, "Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with
me" Revelation 3:19-20.
And this warning from Scripture, "I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of
salvation" 2 Corinthians 6:2b.
If you like this game, then you're sure to love Bible Games Explosion!
Broad Jump Olympians
Set up: Make the broad jump field about ten feet wide and long enough to accommodate your
"Olympians" so they can stand side-by-side. Have players line up on one side of the broad jump field. Tell them their challenge is to attempt to jump across to the other side, or jump further than their opponents.
How to play: At the go, players jump from a standing-still position, attempting to jump across the ten-foot wide field. Take notice of the players who made it further than the other players. Commend players for trying and then have them go again. Now have them take a running jump. Who did better this time? Allow them to try several times. Finally, award a gold medal to the player who jumped the farthest across, and silver and bronze medals to the players who jumped the second and third farthest across.
Object Lesson: Sin means missing the target of God's perfection. The Bible tells us that all have sinned; we fall short of
God's glory (Romans 3:23). None of us are perfect. We cannot reach God's holiness by our own efforts. Good works are not enough to measure up to
God's perfect nature (Ephesians 2:8-10).
Our broad jump field illustrates our problem. The player's side represents our lives apart from God. The opposite side of the field represents our perfect,
Holy God. Some of you, by trying really hard, were able to get closer to
"God's side." Likewise, some of us do more good things in life. But still, all those good things never reach God's
perfect way of being. We still miss the mark! We still have sin in the way! (Point out the distance that separates people from God, as indicated by the amount of space between the
player's side and God's side.)
The good news is that Jesus has made a way for us! He is our "broad jump" to God! The Bible says,
"The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our
Lord" (Romans 6:23). If we receive God's gift, repent of our sins, turning
from our way of doing things to God's ways, Jesus will take us into his family
and his Forever Kingdom.
The Bible says, "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. . .
.' Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved'" Romans 10:9-13.
Lead children in prayer.
Copyright 2012 SA Keith
SundaySchoolNetwork.com
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