Fundamental #19

Memory Scripture

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first—1 Thessalonians 4:16

Summary Statement

During His ministry, roughly 2,000 years ago, Jesus Christ often spoke of the Kingdom of God. Only God the Father knows when this Kingdom will begin, but when it does, He will send His Son, Jesus Christ, back to earth to rule as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

The return of Jesus Christ will be obvious and awesome, and astonishing miracles will happen in a world where evil has become the norm. With Jesus Christ’s rule, a time of restoration can begin, undoing the terrible mess that the world will be in.

Begin Your Study

Read through the memory scripture together with your children, then read through the summary statement (remember to simplify the statement, if necessary). Have your children cut and paste the summary statement from this page in their “Fundamentals Bible Study Journal” (as suggested in the Memorizing Scripture resource “The Fundamentals”). Next, have your children read and write the memory scripture, 1 Thessalonians 4:16 , in their journals.

The first 1,000 years of Christ’s rule on earth is often called the Millennium. At His return, Jesus will establish God’s government and rule over mankind ushering in a time of healing, peace, and great joy! Ask your children if they know which festival represents this time. (You may wish to review the EEI study “Feast of Tabernacles” in the Word of God section.) Remind your children that when Christ returns and descends from heaven, He will rule as King of Kings during this time.

Together, make a list of some things that will be completely different from today’s world during the Millennium! Some examples might include government, education, nature of animals, and general health. Discuss what that time will look like and what people will do!

Digging Deeper Interaction #1

Have your children write the memory scripture in their journals and practice it out loud. Ask your children if they remember Fundamental #4, why did God make people? In one of the interactions, they drew a poster of what they imagined a city in the Millennium would look like. Today they are going to build their own millennial city!

When Christ returns, part of our job will be to help rebuild the cities for people to live in and learn about God’s way. Today, your children are going to practice being millennial city architects and engineers. Using cardboard boxes, LEGO, blocks, modeling clay, or any other material they can find to create with, have your children bring to life the city they have imagined.

Digging Deeper Interaction #2

Ask your children, “Who is the ruler of the Millennium? Who will be helping Him?” We will!

To be rulers with Christ, we need to know how to be a good ruler. Have your children cut out and decorate a crown to wear. Then help your children brainstorm attributes of a good ruler. Examples may include patient, kind, good listener, follow God’s law, and so on. Have your children add this list of traits to their journals.

Bible Story: King David 

To be a good ruler who can rule with Christ in the Millennium, you must have a heart that pleases God. David was a ruler who God called “a man after My own heart” ( Acts 13:22 ). Learn from the life of David and why God described him this way.

You and your children might enjoy reading through the EEI lesson “David, a Youth Whose Heart Pleased God,” which can be found in the People of the Bible section.

Bonus Ideas

Review Jesus Christ’s Sermon on the Mount, found in chapters 5-7 in the book of Matthew. This sermon contains the foundational elements of what it means to be a Christian. How can we be more like Jesus Christ? By studying and applying this passage of scripture. Have your children record any scriptures they want to remember in their journals.

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New King James Version (NKJV) The Holy Bible, New King James Version ©1982 by Thomas Nelson" > Matthew 6:33  is often considered a key memory verse.

Several psalms were written by King David. Though he made many mistakes in his life, his prayers recorded for us in the book of Psalms reveal his heart. When he did wrong, he was quick to change and follow God. David hated evil and loved God. Read through a few psalms with your children and have them include any scriptures they want to remember in their journals.

Learn more about what the Kingdom will be like by learning from Jesus’ parables. Find the fun resource “Kingdom Parables Seek and Find,” found in the Additional Resources section, and enjoy assembling and playing with this creative twist on an I Spy bottle.

Learn all the components that are needed in a kingdom. Review the EEI resource “Components of a Kingdom,” located in the Additional Resources section.

Wrap-Up Activity

To make this week’s scripture poster, cut out a crown shape from paper or card stock and have your children write 1 Thessalonians 4:16 on the poster. Hang up the poster where your children can see it every day.

To end your study, have your child recite the memory scripture for a small audience, perhaps for the sound crew at your local congregation. You could also have your child write the scripture and send it in a card to someone who is no longer able to attend services because of health challenges.