Intro – 15 minutes

· Introduce the timeline on the wall. Discuss the sections into which it is divided. Mention some of the stories that we have covered in Faith Challenge or Faith Quest and where they fit into the timeline.

· Discuss: one purpose of Faith Challenge is to take the stories that we have learned and put them into chronological order so that we can see the entire story that is the Bible

· Display the Bible in 50 words on chart paper or poster board. Say it first all the way through.

· Then review it with the commentary. Ask the kids first what each couplet means to see if they know the story to which it relates.

Rap – 10 minutes

· Divide into small groups of 3-5 kids. No more than 5 groups.

· Ask each group to interpret the 50 words in rap language and actions.

Presentations – 10 minutes

· Present the groups’ interpretations. You may ask the audience to clap or tap a rhythm. Cheer for each interpretation.

Cliffs Notes on the Bible

The Bible in 50 words (and commentary)

God made              the world.
Adam bit                into the fruit of the tree of knowledge; God sent him out of Eden.
Noah arked            when the floods came. God made a covenant.
Abraham split         the land with Lot. His descendants would number the stars.
Jacob fooled           Esau out of his birthright and Isaac into blessing him.
Joseph ruled           in Egypt. Many Israelites settled there and became slaves.
Bush talked            Moses was called to free the Israelite slaves.
Pharaoh plagued     10 times because he would not let God’s people go.
Sea divided            saving the Israelites when Pharaoh’s men chased them.
Tablets guided        the Israelites with the Law of Moses.
Promise landed       the people in Canaan after 40 years of wandering.
Judges led              the Israelite people. It was a rough and violent time.
Saul freaked           as the first king. The people had wanted a real live king.
David peeked         at Bathsheeba. God loved David in spite of his weakness and sin.
Kingdom divided    into Judah and Israel. Warring and fighting and sinning prevailed.
Prophets warned    the kings and people about their evil ways.
People exiled          from Judah into Babylon. Israel had already fallen. What a mess!
Hope rose              as prophets spoke of a messiah who would save the people.
Jesus born              in a stable. Angels proclaim the news. Shepherds and kings visit.
God walked           in human form as Jesus, preaching about the Kingdom of God.
Anger crucified       Jesus. He upset the Jewish leadership. He died for our sins.
Love rose               when Jesus was resurrected after 3 days, conquering sin and death.
Spirit flamed           the disciples of Jesus at Pentecost after his ascension.
Word spread          the Good news in the early church. Paul preached to Gentiles.
God remained.