The Fiery Furnace
Computer Workshop
Summary of Lesson Activities:
Uses the "Let's Talk" (Sunday Software)
"Let's Talk" software program is now free to the supporting members of Rotation.org!
Leader Preparation:
- Gather the materials.
- Read the scripture ahead of time.
- Explore the software.
Supplies List:
- "Let's Talk" (Sunday Software)
Presentation
Opening- Welcome and Lesson Introduction:
Greet the children and introduce yourself.
Open with a prayer.
Dig-Main Content and Reflection:
Here's how I have done Fiery Furnace in my labs: with Let's Talk CD (Sunday Software)
The teacher will "stand and deliver" a series of questions which the kids will respond to using the "Talk Now" module in Let's Talk. Whatever the kids type, the computer will speak out-loud.
This "stand and deliver" question/response method is a popular technique in Let's Talk CD and is described in greater detail at the CD's website.
In this particular lesson, we'll be asking the kids 5 questions about the FRIENDS, FURNACES, ANGEL, FAITH and KINGS in our lives.
After each question, the kids play their responses. Each response is an opportunity for the teacher to elaborate! Follow up questions are very appropriate.
1. FAITH
How strong is YOUR FAITH on a scale of 1 to 10.... ten being "I'd go in a furnace for my faith".
2. KINGS
On a scale of 1 to 10, ten being really hard....How hard is it to OBEY God's law and being a good Christian these days?
What one rule change could YOU make to spend more time with God?
3. FURNACE
What do you think is the #1 reason why people lack faith these days?
What is the biggest temptation/heat young people face today that keeps them away from church and learning about God?
4. ANGEL
Name three things God sends us to strengthen our faith and protect us.
5. FRIENDS
Name 3 people (of any age) who you know will help you grow in faith and help you with tough decisions, and/or help you resist temptations.
How do we "demonstrate" our faith to others?
Closing:
End with a prayer.
Additional Notes:
My Bible/Lesson Notes:
Story Summary: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego won’t worship false gods. They are condemned to death in a furnace for their faith, yet saved by God's angel. This demonstration convinces the King to rescind his law.
- Bullies. Is the King a Bully? or is the King being bullied by his advisors into doing something he didn’t want to do?
- FRIENDS: Notice that the three friends faced the trial TOGETHER. Their friendship is a great metaphor for why we join a church.... for strength.
Where are the furnaces in a 4th graders’ life?
- A parent or sibling that makes fun of going to church?
- A coach that makes a law that if you go to church instead of ball practice, you’ll have playing time taken away?
- People who look down on you because of the church you go to.
Who is the King?
- Bullies, people who make fun of us, parents?, pastors? governments?
- The "King and his Laws" COULD BE EACH OF US. We in the church often exert PRESSURE TO CONFORM/BEHAVE/ATTEND that is a furnace of sorts. Looking down on non-believers or judging them for NOT going to church is a form of "being the King."
Fact of the matter is, most of us DO get burned by the furnaces we find ourselves in. It's tough being a Christian. Jesus didn't avoid the torment of the cross. This is important to say to our kids. God doesn't promise us a rose garden when things get tough. What DOES God promise us? This is another great question to ask your kids to articulate with Let's Talk CD.
A lesson written by Neil MacQueen from: Venice FL
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