Hagar and Ishmael

12/3/2024

This is the story of Hagar and Ishmael. God had promised Abram that he would make him the father of many nations. However, Abram was well into his eighties and had become the father of one child, much less many. He and Sarah decided to take matters into their own hands and create a family through their servant woman, Hagar.

In this story, we see the consequences of trying to do things in our own might, instead of trusting in God. In the end, Abram does have his first son, however it is not the child God had promised. There are lasting consequences to this moment of doubting God.

Key Themes:
1. Faith is being sure of what we hope for, but do not see.
2. God's answers to prayer are yes, no and wait. We must have faith during the "wait."
3. There are consequences for disobeying God.

Memory Verse

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1

Songs

Books of the Old Testament
Rock-a my Soul
Abraham's Journey
Father Abraham
I'm Calling You, Abraham
Three Wandering Jews

Story

Begin Class with Songs, Games, Table Activity, or Sharing Time

Open Class in Prayer

Introducing the Story Ideas
1. Waterbag & Pencil Object Lesson
Use thissimple "magic trick" from Bedtime Devo Mama to illustrate faith and trust. You will need a plastic ziploc bag, very sharp pencil and some water. Discuss the idea of faith and trust and believing God when you can't see how his plan will work out.

2. Cups of Water Object Lesson: Demonstrate this object lesson from Kids Ministry Tools to illustrate how faith and action go hand in hand. We may say we have faith, but we demonstrate our faith by what we do. You will need 3 cups and a some water.

3. Simon Says: Play a simple game of Simon Says. Discuss the idea of obeying through actions.

Story: We have been talking about how God tried to redeem the world from sin. However, it became apparent that as hard as people tried, they would always struggle with sin. God decides to create a new plan, through a new family. The beginning of this family would begin with a man of faith named Abram, and would later be called Abraham. God made Abram a promise that he would build a large family through him. When Abram was in his 80's, he and his wife decided to make their own plan for building this family instead of waiting on God.

SHOW the power point Hagar and Ishmael or read Genesis 16.
EMPHASIZE that: