Sunday School Materials

Introduction

These lessons have been prepared with the belief that children need to know the whole Bible story from beginning to end. They have been written in the belief that children can begin to understand their Christian family story while still very young. Our experience is that they love to discover what is in the Bible and to know how they belong to this larger story.

The 191 lessons have been prepared in the context of the Coromandel Baptist congregation in South Australia. In this situation, the children are encouraged to see themselves as part of a whole believing community but the lessons can be used in a variety of church situations, and other opportunities for sharing the Christian faith, including in Christian homes.

Some may wish to read the Bible stories to young children directly from the Bible and to use the pictures to supplement this, and for this purpose, we encourage the use of the International Children’s Bible (New Century Version, © 1983, 1988 by Word Publishing). As children become competent to read for themselves, their lessons can increasingly use this translation for reading as a major or basic part of their learning.

The materials are organised into books with accompanying story notes for teachers.

Old Testament New Testament
Book 1 – Creation to Abraham Book 1 – The Coming of Jesus
Book 2 – Isaac to Joseph Book 2 – Jesus in the Temple and Jesus’ Public Ministry (A)
Book 3 – The Exodus to the Promised Land Book 3 – Jesus’ Public Ministry (B)
Book 4 – Conquering and Living in the Promised Land Book 4 – Jesus’ Public Ministry (C)
Book 5 – Samuel, King Saul and David Book 5 – Jesus’ Public Ministry (D)
Book 6 – Solomon to Elisha Book 6 – Mary Anoints Jesus to The Ascension
Book 7 – Joash to the Captivity Book 7 – Coming of the Holy Spirit and the Early Church
Book 8 – The Jews in Babylon to the Return to Jerusalem Book 8 – Paul Sent to the Gentiles and the Prophecy Given to John
Supporting Materials
Storytelling Helps Arranging Classes
2 – 4 Years Programme 5 – 8 Years Programme
Suggested Order of Use Sample Teaching Roster

 

Old Testament Materials

Book 1 – Creation to Abraham

Contains stories from Genesis and Job

  1. Creation Genesis 1:1 – 2:25; 3:20
  2. The Fall Genesis 2:8–17; 3:1–24
  3. Cain and Abel Genesis 4:1–16
  4. The Flood Genesis 6:1 – 9:19
  5. The Tower of Babel Genesis 11:1–9
  6. God’s Promise to Abraham/Abraham Goes to Egypt Genesis 11:27 – 13:4
  7. Abraham and Lot/Abraham Helps Lot Genesis 13:1 – 14:24
  8. A Son for Abraham and a Land for God’s People Genesis 15:1–21
  9. Hagar the Servant Girl/’Walk Before Me’ Genesis 16:1–16; 17:1–8, 15–22
  10. Abraham’s Three Vistors Genesis 18:1–22
  11. Abraham Prays for Sodom/Sodom Destroyed Genesis 18:22 – 19:29
  12. Birth of Isaac Genesis 21:1–21
  13. Abraham Offers Up Isaac Genesis 22:1–19
  14. Job Job 1:1 – 42:17

Book 2 – Isaac to Joseph

Contains stories from Genesis

  1. A Wife for Isaac Genesis 24:1–67
  2. Esau Sells His Birthright/Jacob Steals the Blessing Genesis 25:21–34; 27:1–41
  3. Jacob’s Dream Genesis 27:41 – 29:1
  4. Jacob Works for Laban Genesis 29:1 – 31:55
  5. Jacob Fights with God Genesis 32:1 – 33:16
  6. Joseph Sold by His Brothers Genesis 37: 1–35
  7. Joseph in Potiphar’s House/Joseph in Prison Genesis 39:1 – 40:23
  8. Joseph Becomes a Ruler Genesis 41:1–52
  9. Joseph’s Brothers Go to Egypt/Joseph Forgives His Brothers Genesis 41:46 – 46:7; 46:28–34; 50:1–14

Book 3 – The Exodus to the Promised Land

Contains stories from Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Joshua

  1. The Baby Moses Exodus 1:1 – 2:10
  2. Moses Runs Away/The Burning Bush Exodus 2:11 – 4:31
  3. ‘Let My People Go’ Exodus 5:1 – 10:29
  4. The Passover Night Exodus 11:1 – 12:42
  5. Crossing the Red Sea Exodus 13:17 – 15:21
  6. Food in the Wilderness/Water from the Rock Exodus 16:1 – 17:7
  7. God Gives His Law and Covenant to Israel Exodus 19:1 – 20:26; 24:3–11
  8. The Golden Calf/Moses Prays for His People Exodus 32:1 – 34:29
  9. The Tabernacle in the Wilderness Exodus 35:4 – 40:38
  10. Day of Atonement Leviticus 16:2–34
  11. The Twelve Spies Numbers 13:1 – 14:45
  12. The Bronze Snake Numbers 20:14–21; 21:4–9
  13. Balak and Balaam Numbers 22:1 – 25:18
  14. God Takes Moses ‘Home’/God Chooses a New Leader Numbers 27:12–23; Joshua 1:1–18

Book 4 – Conquering and Living in the Promised Land

Contains stories from Joshua, Judges, and Ruth

  1. Two Spies Visit Jericho Joshua 2:1–24
  2. Crossing the Jordan Joshua 3:1 – 5:1
  3. The Walls of Jericho Joshua 5:13 – 6:27
  4. Achan’s Sin Joshua 7:1 – 8:31
  5. The Men of Gibeon/When the Sun Stood Still Joshua 9:1 – 10:27
  6. Possessing the Land/Cities of Refuge Joshua 13:1–7; 14:6–14; 17:14–18; 20:1–9
  7. The People Forget Their Promise/Deborah and Barak Judges 2:7 – 3:11; 4:1 – 5:3
  8. God Chooses Gideon Judges 6:1–34
  9. Gideon Prepares for War/How Gideon Won Judges 6:33 – 8:28
  10. A Baby Promised by God/Samson Fights the Philistines Judges 13:1 – 14:7,20; 15:9–20
  11. Samson and Delilah Judges 16:4–31
  12. Ruth Ruth 1:1 – 4:22

Book 5 – Samuel, King Saul and David

Contains stories from 1 and 2 Samuel

  1. God Answers Hannah’s Prayer 1 Samuel 1:1 – 2:11
  2. God Calls Samuel 1 Samuel 2:12 – 3:18
  3. The Capture and Return of the Ark 1 Samuel 3:19 – 7:15
  4. ‘Give Us a King’/How Samuel Found a King 1 Samuel 7:15 – 10:9
  5. Saul Disobeys the Lord/Jonathan’s Daring Deed 1 Samuel 13:1 – 14:23
  6. Samuel Annoints David 1 Samuel 16:1–13
  7. David and Goliath 1 Samuel 17:1-53
  8. Saul Tries to Kill David/God Keeps David Safe 1 Samuel 18:1 – 20:42
  9. David Hides from Saul 1 Samuel 22:1–5; 23:1 – 24:22
  10. David and Nabal 1 Samuel 25:1–42
  11. David Finds Saul Asleep 1 Samuel 26:1–25
  12. David King Over Israel/David Brings the Covenant Box to Jerusalem 2 Samuel 2:1–4; 5:1 – 6:19
  13. God’s Covenant with David, His Kingdom would be Forever 2 Samuel 7:1–29
  14. Mephibosheth, the Lame Prince 2 Samuel 4:4; 9:1–13
  15. David’s Great Sin 2 Samuel 11:1 – 12:14
  16. Proud Prince Absalom/The End of the Proud Prince 2 Samuel 15:1–30; 17:1 – 20:3
  17. David Counts His Men 2 Samuel 24:1–25; 1 Chronicles 22:1

Book 6 – Solomon to Elisha

Contains stories from 1 and 2 Kings, and 2 Chronicles

Book 7 – Joash to the Captivity

Contains stories from 2 Kings, Jonah, Amos, Isaiah, and Jeremiah

  1. Joash Saved — Jehoiada , Faithful Priest 2 Kings 11:1–24
  2. Jonah the Unwilling Prophet/Jonah Preaches in Nineveh Jonah 1:1 – 4:11
  3. Israel Would Not Listen Amos 1:1; 4:1 – 4:14; 9:11–14
  4. God’s Messenger, Isaiah Isaiah 6:1–23
  5. A Letter for Hezekiah 2 Kings 18:17 – 19:36
  6. Josiah’s Great Work for God/The Book Found in the Temple 2 Kings 22:1 – 23:3, 21–23
  7. Jeremiah the Prophet Jeremiah 1:1 – 2:7, 12–13; 4:1, 5–7, 14; 25:1–12; 39:9–14

Book 8 – The Jews in Babylon to the Return to Jerusalem

Contains stories from 2 Chronicles, Ezekiel, Daniel, Ezra, Esther and Nehemiah

  1. Jews in Babylon/Ezekiel the Watchman 2 Chronicles 36:14–21; Ezekiel 2:1–7; 3:10–21; 36:22–36
  2. Daniel and His Friends Daniel 1:1–21
  3. When the King Forgot His Dream/Daniel Explains the Dream Daniel 2:1–49
  4. Daniel’s Friends in the Burning Furnace Daniel 3:1–30
  5. A Proud Tree Cut Down Daniel 4:1–37
  6. Belshazzar’s Feast Daniel 5:1–31
  7. Daniel with the Lions Daniel 6:1–27
  8. The Jews Set Free/Starting to Build the Temple Ezra 1:1–11; 3:1 – 4:5; 5:1 – 6:22
  9. Esther Esther 1:1 – 10:3
  10. Nehemiah in the King’s Palace/Nehemiah Comes to Jerusalem Nehemiah 1:1 – 2:18
  11. Nehemiah Builds the Walls of Jerusalem/Giving Thanks to God Nehemiah 2:19 – 4:23; 6:1–16; 12:27–43

New Testament Materials

Book 1 – Coming of God’s Son, Jesus

Contains the Advent stories

  1. God’s promise of the Messiah Genesis 3:1–15; 12:1–2; 15:1–6; 17:1–6
  2. The angel visits Zechariah and Mary Luke 1:15–56
  3. Elizabeth’s baby: John the Baptist Luke 1:57–80
  4. The birth of Jesus and visit of the shepherds Matthew 1:18–25; Luke 2:1–20
  5. Simeon and Anna: The baby in the temple Luke 2:21–40
  6. The wise men worship Jesus Matthew 2:1–23

Book 2 – Jesus in the Temple and Jesus’ Public Ministry — A

Contains stories from the Gospels

Book 3 – Jesus’ Public Ministry — B

Contains stories from the Gospels

Book 4 – Jesus’ Public Ministry — C

Contains stories from the Gospels

  1. A lesson about forgiving (An unforgiving servant) Matthew 18:21–35
  2. Jesus sends out seventy disciples Luke 10:1–23
  3. The good Samaritan Luke 10:25–37
  4. Mary and Martha Luke 10:38–42
  5. The man who was born blind John 9:1–41
  6. Jesus, the good shepherd John 10:1–6, 22–30
  7. The lost sheep and coin Luke 15:1–10
  8. The lost son Luke 15:11–32
  9. ‘Lord, teach us to pray’ Luke 11:1–13
  10. The Pharisee and the tax collector Luke 18:9–14

Book 5 – Jesus’ Public Ministry — D

Contains stories from the Gospels

  1. The foolish rich man/Don’t worry Luke 12:13–34
  2. Dead for four days (Jesus raises Lazarus) John 11:1–52
  3. The rich young Ruler Mark 10:17–31
  4. The workmen and their wages Matthew 19:27 – 20:16
  5. The great feast Luke 14:1, 7–24
  6. The rich man and Lazarus Luke 16:19–31
  7. The ten lepers Luke 17:11–19
  8. Zaccheus welcomes Jesus Luke 19:1-10
  9. Blind Bartimaeus Mark 10:46–52
  10. Trading for the King (Parable of the pounds) Luke 19:11–27

Book 6 – Mary Anoints Jesus to The Ascension

Contains stories from the Gospels

  1. Mary anoints Jesus John 12:1–8
  2. Triumphal entry/Jesus weeps for Jerusalem/Jesus in the temple Luke 19:28–48
  3. Parable of the wicked tenants Matthew 21:33–46
  4. ‘When will these things happen’ Luke 21:5–38
  5. Parable of the ten bridesmaids Matthew 25:1–13
  6. Jesus washes the disciple’s feet/One will betray Me/The first Lord’s supper John 13:1–32; Matthew 26:26–30
  7. Look out Peter Luke 22:31–34; John 13:33–38; 14:1
  8. Knowing the Father, Son and Holy Spirit John 14:1–31; 15:9–17
  9. Jesus’ prayer John 17:1–26
  10. Garden of Gethsemane/High priest’s court Matthew 26:30–32, 36–38
  11. Peter denies the Lord Matthew 26:57, 58, 69–75
  12. Judas Iscariot/Jesus in Pilate’s judgement hall Matthew 27:3–5, 11–26
  13. When Jesus died/Friends bury him Matthew 27:31–66
  14. Jesus is alive! Matthew 28:1–10; John 20:1–10
  15. Road to Emmaus/The disciple who would not believe Luke 24:13–43; John 20:19–29
  16. Peter goes fishing again John 21:1–19
  17. Forty wonderful days (Ascension) Luke 24:44–53; Acts 1:1–14

Book 7 – Coming of the Holy Spirit and the Early Church

Contains stories from Acts

Book 8 – Paul Sent to the Gentiles and the Prophecy Given to John

Contains stories from Acts, Philemon, and Revelation

Supporting Materials

  1. Storytelling Helps – An article by Grant Thorpe. (Download PDF)
  2. Arranging Classes – Class arrangements at Coro. (Download PDF)
  3. 2 – 4s Programme – Typical weekly lessons for 2 to 4 year olds. (Download PDF)
  4. 5 – 8s Programme – Typical weekly lessons for 5 to 8 year olds. (Download PDF)
  5. Suggested Order – Order in which to work through the materials. (Download PDF)
  6. Teaching Roster – A template for preparing a teaching roster. (Download PDF)

A set of books called ‘Step by Step through the Bible’ written by Daisy L Henderson, a missionary who worked with South Sea Evangelical Mission, have been a help to many. They were produced by Missions Publications and are held by Australian Indigenous Ministries. Their catalogue contains details on ordering and purchasing these books.

Acknowledgements

The Sunday School Curriculum arranged by Jane Linn and Chris Thorpe, the Story Notes by Grant Thorpe, and special Teacher’s Notes by Helen Farmer for stories 84, 88 and 158. These materials were prepared for use at Coromandel Baptist Church.

Copyright and Usage

These Sunday School materials may be freely downloaded, copied and used, provided they are acknowledged, unchanged in content, and not sold for profit. Acknowledgement should be with the name of the author, and that the material is available from https://www.corobaptist.org.au. If translation into another language is desired, permission should be sought from Coromandel Baptist Church.