September 10th, 2023: God Is Not the Author of Confusion, but of Peace

Welcome, parents and teachers!

Today, we have created a lesson plan delving into the teachings of 1st Corinthians 14-16. Within these chapters, we'll learn about the teachings of Paul, learning about edifying those with us as well as those who have passed, and what happens to us after we die.

In 1 Corinthians 14-16, Paul discusses orderly worship and the value of spiritual gifts, emphasizing prophecy over speaking in tongues. He addresses doubts about bodily resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15:12–22, affirming that Christ's resurrection guarantees believers' resurrection. He briefly mentions a debated practice of baptism for the dead in verse 29. In 1 Corinthians 15:40–41, Paul compares different bodies in the resurrection, illustrating the transformation from earthly to glorious bodies. Paul's teachings highlight unity, love, and the hope found in Christ's resurrection.

While we work hard to provide you with a lesson plan for these chapters, we would like to remind you to prayerfully prepare this lesson to lead your class through the scriptures. We invite you to prayerfully study the scriptures as well as our lesson plan to determine the best plan for your class's needs.

1 Corinthians 14–16: “God Is Not the Author of Confusion, but of Peace”

Supplies Needed:

• Family Tree Fan - Each Section Cut Out (Used in Part 2)
  For this activity, you can make a blank fan, or follow the instructions here to print out one with your ancestor's names on it. I recommend making the chart color coded for ease later, when you will be putting the pieces together.
  
  
• Oven Mitts (Used in Part 3)
  Adult oven mitts work, but if you are looking for some made for children, I recommend these. Whichever you decide to do, make sure the mitts can stay on their hands and that there are not separate fingers.
  
  
• Simple Puzzle (Used in Part 3)
  I use puzzles in quite a few lessons. Having a simple set like this has come in handy more than once!
  
  
• Kid Scissors and 2 Papers (Used in Part 3)
  
  
• Ribbon, Yarn, or String (Used in Part 3)
  
  
• Puppet (Used in Part 4)
  
  
• Images of Sun, Moon, and Stars (Used in Part 5)

Part 1: Introductions and Reminders

(2 minutes)

Remind the children of any upcoming special events or rewards. Provide a quick recap as to who Paul is and that we are currently studying the letters he wrote to the people in Corinth, an ancient city in Greece.

First time here? See what else to include in your introductions in our post here.

Part 2: There Are Many People Who Lived Before Me

(7 minutes)

Prior to class, hide the different sections of the family tree fan around the room.

When class starts, allow the children to take turns searching for the different pieces of the fan. Once all of the pieces have been found, grab a piece - one at a time, from the center of the fan outwards - and ask the children if they know that relative of theirs. Eg. "This piece is my dad. How many of you know your dad?". At the beginning, the children will likely all raise their hands, but there will become fewer and fewer the farther up the tree you go. When the children don't know the relatives anymore, explain that there are many other ancestors that came before that, all the way back to the beginning of the earth.

Explain to the children how all of our ancestors were important to help us become who we are. At this point, you could share a story about something one of your ancestors did, such as immigrating, something special for their town/village, or anything else that was unique. Also explain that each one of their ancestors was special to Heavenly Father and Jesus.

Part 3: My Ancestors Need My Help

(7 minutes)

Have one child place the oven mitts over their hands. Then, tell them that they have to complete certain tasks for you, without removing the oven mitts. First, have them attempt to build the puzzle. Next, have them attempt to cut a paper in half. Finally, have them attempt to tie the ribbon in a knot.

When they are unable to do these tasks, ask another child to be their helper. Have the other child complete the three tasks. Explain to the children that there are times when we are unable to do things without others helping.

Remind the children of all the ancestors that they have. Explain to the children that many ancestors have something that they are unable to do, since they are no longer on the Earth. Show a picture of one of your ancestors who died without being baptized. Explain that in the temple we can be baptized for people who have died without being baptized.

Part 4: After Death, I am Resurrected

(3 minutes)

Show the children a puppet, and ask them if it is able to move. Then, put your hand in and have the puppet move around. Explain to them that without your hand, the puppet is unable to move around. Liken this to their bodies, which are unable to move without our spirits in them.

Share with them how death is like the hand being removed from the puppet. Show the children that though they are now separate, both the body and the puppet still exist. When we are resurrected, our bodies and our souls are brought back together. Place the puppet back on your hand, and show that once again our bodies will be able to move, thanks to our spirits.

Part 5: Heavenly Father Wants Me to Live With Him

(4 minutes)

Show the children pictures of the sun, moon, and stars. Ask them which one gives off the most light. Explain that the sun, moon, and stars represent the kingdoms we can live in after we are resurrected: The telestial kingdom is compared to the brightness of the stars. The terrestrial kingdom is compared to the brightness of the moon. The celestial kingdom is compared to the brightness of the sun, and is where Heavenly Father lives. 

Explain to the children that Heavenly Father want us all to live in the celestial kingdom with them one day. Ask the children why they think the celestial kingdom is compared to the sun. Some examples of this could include: it’s the brightest, it’s warm, or the sun gives us life, just like God.

Tell the children that, in order to join God in the celestial kingdom, we must follow the commandments and keep the promises that we make with him, just like the promises they are preparing to make when they get baptized. Explain to them that if they try their hardest to choose the right and repent when they make mistakes, Jesus will help them reach that kingdom and help them return home with Heavenly Father.

Part 6: Conclusion

End the lesson by bearing your testimony and inviting a child to offer the closing prayer.

To keep the children thinking about what they learned, have them draw in their journals. Here are some prompts that go along with this week's lesson:

• I can live with Heavenly Father again.
• I have many ancestors.
• I can help my ancestors.
• I will be resurrected some day.
• I can keep God's commandments to live with Him again.

Thanks for Reading!

As we wrap up this lesson plan, remember that teaching these young hearts isn't just about imparting knowledge; it's about fostering understanding, love, and a connection to their Heavenly Father. Remember to prayerfully read and ponder this weeks lesson, and follow any promptings you get to adjust the lesson to fit the needs of you and your little ones.

Stay tuned for more inspired lessons and ideas that will continue to enrich your journey as a gospel educator!