“Boys & girls, let’s play a game and have fun!“

1. Choose a Coach to be the “Distracter.” This Coach will subtly distract the Players without their knowledge. Consider having more than one “Distracter” for larger groups. Do not tell Players this is happening. That Coach is going to walk around distracting the Players from following the leader.
2. Inform the Players that the Game Zone Leader will start as the “Leader” for the first round.
3. Line up all the Players behind the “Leader.” The “Leader” will then move around, and the Players must copy their actions, like hopping on one foot or turning in circles, moving from one side of the room to the other, or walking backward.
4. Players who fail to mimic the “Leader’s” actions are out and sit on the sidelines.
5. Once only a few Players remain beside the “Leader,” the current Player becomes the new “Leader,” and the game restarts with all Players joining the line.
6. Play multiple rounds based on available time.

“Boys & girls, listen carefully. Can you uncover today’s powerful Bible Discovery? Ready?”
THE CIRCUMSTANCE: (1 Kings 18:20-29)
Today when I say wicked King Ahab shake your finger three times meaning Bad, Bad, Bad King Ahab. When wicked King Ahab (shake finger) ruled over the kingdom of Israel he made many bad choices. These bad choices led the people away from serving God and into the worship of false gods and idols. Wicked King Ahab (shake finger) causedthe people to doubt God. During this time, a bold prophet named Elijah who loved and served God came forth. He challenged wicked Ahab (shake finger) for a showdown on Mount Carmel to reveal the one true God. The nation needed to make a decision,—either return to the commandments of the one true God or keep following the false gods of King Ahab.(shake finger)

THE CHOICE:  ( 1 Kings 18:20-29)
Arriving at Mount Carmel, Elijah spoke to the people, challenging them with one question: “How long will you go between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” The people hesitated, torn between loyalty to the One True God and the temptation to worship false gods. Elijah set up atest—the prophets of Baal would call upon their god to consume a sacrifice, and he would call upon the name of the Lord to do the same. As the prophets of Baal cried out to their gods, Elijah mockingly (teasing) suggested that their god might be busy or asleep. Despite their efforts, there was no answer. The people faced a critical choice—to continue serving false gods or to fully commit to serving the God, who had shown his power throughout history. Children, what would you do? Let’s shout“Serve God.” One more time “serve God.” Good Job.

THE CONSEQUENCE: ( 1 Kings 18:30-40)
Children during the story when I point to you and say “Drench it with water” you must take your hands and pretend you are throwing water on the wood.) Elijah’sturn came. He rebuilt the altar of the Lord that had been neglected, choosing twelve stones to represent the twelve tribes of Israel—a sign of unity and covenant with His people. He prepared a sacrifice and (pointing to the children for them to pretend to throw water.) drenched it with water, defying the odds. Elijah’s prayer reechoed, asking God to reveal His power and turn the hearts of the people back to Him. Suddenly, fire blazed from heaven, consuming the offering, the wood, the stones, and even the water in the trench. The people fell on their faces, and said“The Lord, He is God.” The Prophet Elijah through the power of God lead the people’s hearts back to God. Let’s all shout “The Lord, He is God!” can we say it one more time like the Israelites did? “The Lord, He is God!” Wonderful. Children just as the Israelites faced the choice between the Lord God and false gods, we make decisions that shape our faith and life. Sometimes we must choose to stand firmly with the One True God. Just as Elijah boldly challenged the people, we are called to
boldly live out our faith and point others to Christ. This happens when we make the right choice to follow God.

“Boys & girls, what did we discover about God in this Bible History? (Coaches: answers will vary.) Let’s become great discoverers by asking some fun & challenging questions. Ready?”