This FHE lesson on scripture study helps us understand why the Old Testament is important and how we can love learning from it.
Scripture
And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them:
Hymn
Follow the Prophet | Children’s Songbook pg. #110
1. Adam was a prophet, first one that we know.
In a place called Eden, he helped things to grow.
Adam served the Lord by following his ways.
We are his descendants in the latter days.
CHORUS (repeat after each verse)
Follow the prophet, follow the prophet,
Follow the prophet; don’t go astray.
Follow the prophet, follow the prophet,
Follow the prophet; he knows the way.
2. Enoch was a prophet; he taught what was good.
People in his city did just what they should.
When they were so righteous that there was no sin,
Heav’nly Father took them up to live with him.
3. Noah was a prophet called to preach the word,
Tried to cry repentance, but nobody heard.
They were busy sinning—Noah preached in vain.
They wished they had listened when they saw the rain.
4. Abraham the prophet prayed to have a son,
So the Lord sent Isaac as the chosen one.
Isaac begat Jacob, known as Israel;
Jacob’s sons were twelve tribes, so the Bible tells.
5. Moses was a prophet sent to Israel.
He would lead them to the promised land to dwell.
They were slow to follow, or so it appears.
They were in the wilderness for forty years.
6. Samuel was a prophet chosen as a boy.
Hannah promised God her son would serve with joy.
In the tabernacle, Samuel heard his name;
He was called by God and answered, “Here I am!”
But he later learned to listen and obey.
When we really try, the Lord won’t let us fail:
That’s what Jonah learned deep down inside the whale.
8. Daniel was a prophet. He refused to sin;
So the king threw Daniel in the lion’s den.
Angels calmed the lions, and the king soon saw
Daniel’s pow’r was great, for he obeyed God’s law.
9. Now we have a world where people are confused.
If you don’t believe it, go and watch the news.
We can get direction all along our way,
If we heed the prophets—follow what they say.
Lesson
FOR CHILDREN
Begin the lesson by asking the question: What are some things that are old?
Read aloud: We’re going to be talking today about the Old Testament. Even though it is called “old,” this book of scripture is still important for us today. It starts with the creation of the Earth and tells the story of God’s people until right before Jesus Christ came. In the Old Testament, we learn about prophets, God’s promises, and how to follow the commandments.
Ask: Do you know any of the prophets of the Old Testament?
Read aloud: Some of the prophets of the Old Testament include Adam, Noah, Moses, Daniel, and Elijah. They were all sent by God with the same message, that Jesus was coming and they should follow the commandments.
Even though these prophets lived a very long time ago, we can learn from them. Noah and his family faced a great flood. Sometimes we feel like we are drowning, but Noah’s experience teaches us God will save us. Moses had a stutter and was scared to talk to Pharaoh to let God’s people go. God gave him the strength to stand up for what was right and do what he needed to do.
As we study the Old Testament, we can have our questions answered.
Ask: What are some questions you have about the Old Testament?
Finish the lesson by answering questions and bearing your testimony. Help the children make a plan to read an Old Testament story before your next FHE.
FOR TEENS & ADULTS
Begin by watching the following video. Before pressing play, ask everyone to think about what common themes and messages can be found in the Old Testament.
Read aloud: The Old Testament starts with the creation of the earth and takes us all the way through to the time before Christ’s births. Of all the books of scripture, the Old Testament is often one of the hardest to get through. However, there is still so much we can learn. In many ways, we are like the people of the Old Testament. Just as they followed the prophets and anxiously looked forward to the coming of the Messiah, we strive to prepare the world for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
Share a story or a message from the Old Testament that has impacted your life.
Ask: What experiences have you had with the teaching from the Old Testament?
Read aloud: As we study the Old Testament, our understanding of prophets, God’s promises, and the plan of Salvation will be enriched.
Ask: What are some things you would like to know about the Old Testament? What are some ways we can learn to love studying the Old Testament?
Finish the lesson by bearing your testimony.
FOR SINGLE STUDY
Watch the video available in the Teens & Adults section and find an Old Testament story to study. Write down ideas & promptings.
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Treat
Ingredients:
-3 cups shredded coconut
-1 cup coconut oil
-1/4 cup maple syrup or liquid sweetner of your choice
Directions:
Line an 8 x 8-inch pan or 8 x 10-inch pan with parchment paper and set aside. Alternatively, you can use a loaf pan.
In a large mixing bowl, add your shredded unsweetened coconut. Add your melted coconut oil and maple syrup (or sticky sweetener of choice) and mix until a thick batter remains. If it is too crumbly, add a little extra syrup or a tiny bit of water.
Pour the coconut crack bar mixture into the lined pan. Lightly wet your hands and press firmly into place. Refrigerate or freeze until firm. Cut into bars and enjoy!
(Courtesy of thebigmansworld.com)
Activity
Click here to download this Old Testametn word scramble activity page.