Time
20 minutes
Description
This object lesson is a fun way to reinforce some truths about Jesus, the Bible and the Gospel message. It’s a cadence much like the ones military groups might use during exercise. You can use it when outdoors with the kids or in a classroom setting.
Materials
None are necessary, but you might want to post the rhymes so that the kids can remember them more easily. In that case, you might need a flipchart and markers or PowerPoints and an LCD projector. Since you will be calling these out, it’s helpful to have the cadences written on note cards for your own use.
Preparation
· Make slides of the rhymes or prepare flipcharts
· Prepare note cards if you plan to use them.
· Practice the script.
Procedure
Use the following script (or modify to suit your needs):
- “We’re going to do a fun review activity today that will help us remember some important things about Jesus, the Bible and the Gospel.”
- “It’s a cadence. Does anyone know what that is?” (Take responses)
- “A cadence is a rhythmic pattern of sounds or words. It helps establish a beat, like in music, and it’s good for helping groups of people to do something physical all at the same time. Military groups often use cadences to help them march or exercise in unison.”
- “Here’s the way a cadence might sounds when they do it in the military: (Try to find the rhythm as you call these out. Your speed should match the speed of a group of soldiers marching. Typically, the leader will draw out the last word. So, instead of “told!” on this first rhyme, it would sound more like, “tooooold!”)
I don’t know, but I’ve been told!
(Children repeat)
The sun shines bright, but I’m still cold!
(Children repeat)
I don’t know, but it’s been said!
(Children repeat)
We might all freeze ‘fore we get to bed!
(Children repeat)
(Instructor) Sound off! (Children ) One – two.
(Instructor) Sound off! (Children ) Three – four.
(Instructor) Sound off! (Both) One – two – three – four….THREE! FOUR!”
- “So, since these are usually done with some type of physical activity, we are going to get up do some marching while I teach you this cadence.” (Have children stand up and either march in place or follow you as you march around the room.)
- “We will follow the same pattern as the military cadence, but we are going to use rhymes that give God glory. Try repeating after me:
I surely know, and I have heard!
(Children repeat)
The Bible is God’s Holy Word!
(Children repeat)
I surely know, and I believe it’s true!
(Children repeat)
Jesus gave His life for you!
(Children repeat)
(Instructor) Sound off! (Children ) One – two.
(Instructor) Sound off! (Children ) Three – four.
(Instructor) Sound off! (Both) One – two – three – four….THREE! FOUR!”
· “Excellent work, soldiers! Let’s try some more!” (Use any or all of the following cadences, or make up some of your own. To really get the kids involved, you might ask them to come back the next teaching time with some new cadences of their own.)
Gospel Cadence
I surely know and can say in one breath!
The wages of our sin is death!
I surely know, yes, I’m on track!
We owed too much to pay it back!
I surely know, and it’s time to tell!
All our souls were bound for Hell!
I surely know, please understand!
God loves us; He had a plan!
I surely know, and for what it’s worth
Jesus was born of virgin birth!
I surely know for us to win!
Jesus lived here without sin!
I surely know, and I hope you see!
Jesus hung up on a tree!
I surely know, and I’ve heard account!
Jesus paid the whole amount!
I surely know, and I’ve heard it said!
Jesus Christ rose from the dead!
I surely know, and I can say!
Jesus is the only Way!”
Teach Them 