LESSON OVERVIEW FOR ADULTS
In Genesis 12:1–9, God commands Abram to leave everything familiar and go to a new place. God doesn’t give a map or destination, only a promise: to bless Abram, make his name great, and turn his family into a nation that would bless the whole world. Despite having no children and not knowing where he was going, Abram obeyed. His faith was more than belief; it led to action.
This passage introduces children to the concept of “living faith” or a trust in God that moves us forward, even when we don’t see the full picture. For preschoolers, it’s a gentle beginning into the understanding that God’s plans are always good, and we can trust Him even when we feel unsure.
OPENING ACTIVITY 6:00–6:15 | Kinetic Sand Star Dig
Items Needed
Hide stars in the sand. Children scoop and count. God said Abram would have more children than stars or sand!
SONG 6:20–6:30
PRAYER 6:30–6:40
Whisper a Prayer (sing together)
Prayer Example:
“Dear God, thank You for loving Abram and loving us. Help us to follow You with happy hearts, even when we don’t know everything. Amen.”
BIBLE STORY 6:40–6:50
Question 1: What book is this story from? (Genesis)
Question 2: Is that in the Old or New Testament? (Old Testament)
Story:
A long time ago, there was a man named Abram. Abram loved God very much. One day, God said, “Abram, pack your things. I want you to go to a new place.” Abram did not know where he was going, but he trusted God. He packed up with his wife, Sarai, and his nephew, Lot. They put their things on camels and walked for many days.
They didn’t have a house. They slept in tents. God promised Abram that his family would be very big, more than the stars in the sky! Abram stopped to say thank you to God and built a special place to worship Him. God was with Abram every step of the way.
Theological Questions:
- Who told Abram to go? (God)
- Did Abram obey God? (Yes)
Life Application Questions:
- Can you trust God like Abram? (Yes!)
- What do you do when you don’t know what will happen next? (Pray to God and trust Him)
Prayer:
“God, help me trust You just like Abram. I want to go where You lead and know Your plans are good.”
BIBLE STORY GAME 6:50–7:00 | Balloon Pop Challenge
Items Needed:
- Inflated balloon and a string for each child
Each child will tie the balloon to their ankle. On “go”, all the children will try to squash the balloons of the other players. The children who still have their balloon intact after 2 minutes are the winners. (Warn them to avoid stomping on feet.)
Application: Our faith is like the balloon. We need to protect it. Others will try to stomp out our faith and cause us to doubt what God has told us. When we keep our faith alive, we honor God.
BIBLE CRAFT 7:00–7:15 | Abram’s Suitcase
Items Needed
- Abram’s Suitcase Printed on Card Stock
- Crayons
- Scotch tape
- Scissors
Have kids color their suit case items and decorate their suitcase. Help them tape the sides of their suitcase together. Help them cut out the items and put them inside of the suitcase.
Explain that Abram had to pack everything he owned and moved. Ask what other items he might have packed.
SNACK TIME & CENTERS 7:15–7:30
Items Needed:
- Coloring Page
- Crayons
- Snack
Children will color a picture of Abram’s journey, eat a simple snack, and enjoy fellowship time.
STORIES OF THE BIBLE
Play the Stories of the Bible video.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (KJV)
Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:
2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
4 So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.
5 And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.
6 And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land.
7 And the Lord appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the Lord, who appeared unto him.
8 And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the Lord, and called upon the name of the Lord.
9 And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the south.
PARENT TAKE HOME SHEET
Today’s Key Takeaway: Trust and Go
What I Learned Today:
- God asked Abram to go to a new place.
- Abram trusted God and obeyed.
- God has good plans for people who listen to Him.
Questions to Ask Me:
Theological Questions:
- Who told Abram to move? (God)
- What did God promise Abram? (A big family and blessings)
- Did Abram trust God? (Yes)
- What did Abram build to worship? (An altar)
- What kind of faith did Abram have? (Living faith)
Life Application Questions:
- What do you do when God asks you to do something new? (Trust and obey)
- Can you follow directions even if you don’t know everything? (Yes)
- Who helps you when you’re scared or unsure? (God)
- Can you talk to God like Abram did? (Yes)
- How can we show faith like Abram? (By doing what God says)
