God's Big Story

Julie and Matt are joined by Tanner, the Worship Leader, to talk about the importance of worship. Tanner explains that worship is showing someone or something that they are most valuable and that we were made to worship God. He also shares his role as a worship leader, encouraging and leading people to worship the one true God. Helpful Definitions: WORSHIP — Showing someone or something that they are most valuable . Scripture Reference: Psalm 100:1–3 5-Second Fly Through Review: True or False. We were made to worship God (TRUE) Finish this sentence. Worship is telling and showing someone or something that they are most _______. (VALUABLE) True or False. There are many ways to worship God. (TRUE) Which book of the Bible is made up of songs or praises to God? (PSALMS) Last Question True or False? God alone is worthy of our worship. (TRUE) Song: Enter His Gate (Psalm 100) by The Village Kids USE Code: GODSBIGSTORY23 at checkout on Lifeway.com for 40% off regular priced CSB Bibles If you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You! Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected]

Join us this Summer for a new mini-series as we learn all about worship: Who and why we worship Worship with our hearts + minds Worship with our actions Worship with our voices We'll be releasing 4 all-new episodes next week! Check out more resources from The Village Church. Listen to music from The Village Kids. Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected]

Julie and Matt are on the search for the answer to the question “Who is a minister?” They’ll be joined by their friend Heather (a minister) as she helps clarify who ministers and what ministry is. Together, we’ll read the Bible, play a game, and sing a song as we conclude our season about B!g Church. Helpful Definitions: MINISTER — Everyone who loves and trusts Jesus is a minister. A minister is someone who attends to the needs and wants of others. At church, ministers attend to–or help–others in the name of Jesus. A CHURCH — A group of people who love and trust Jesus. THE CHURCH — Everyone who loves and trusts Jesus. Scripture Reference: Ephesians 4:15-16 5-Second Fly Through Review: 1. True or False? A minister is a helper of people. (TRUE) 2. True or False? Everyone in the church has the same job. (FALSE…God gives each person different gifts to serve the church) 3. People who work at the church are called ______. (MINISTERS) 4. All people who love and trust Jesus are called ______. (MINISTERS) 5: When everyone uses their gifts to serve the church, the church is built up in _____. (LOVE) Song: Our Great God (Attributes Song) by The Village Kids

Join Julie and Matt as they explore the answer to the question “What is worship?” They’ll be joined by their friend Lauren (a musician) as she helps discover what worship is. Together, we’ll read the Bible, play a game, and sing a song as we continue to learn more about B!g Church this season. Helpful Definitions: WORSHIP — how we show that God is most valuable. Only God deserves our worship. We use our voices, minds, and bodies to worship God. BIBLE — God’s true Word. It is from God and about God. Scripture Reference: Daniel 3:17-18 5-Second Fly Through Review: 1. True or False? God deserves our worship. (TRUE) 2. True or False? God was with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace? (TRUE) 3. True or False? God protected the men because they perfectly worshiped God (FALSE–God rescued the men because He is good and He loved them) 4. True or False? We can only worship God if we are in church? (FALSE- We can worship God anywhere at any time) 5: We can worship God with our voices, minds, and bodies? (TRUE–We can worship God with our whole self) Song: Our Great God (Attributes Song) by The Village Kids

Join Matt and Julie as they help answer the question “What is a Sermon?” They’re joined by Pastor Carter as he helps track down what makes a sermon special. Together, we’ll read the Bible, play a game, and sing a song as we continue to learn more about B!g Church this season. Helpful Definitions: SERMON – A special speech that always talks and teaches about something from the Bible. The whole point of a sermon is to help people know what the Bible says, understand what the Bible means, and do what the Bible commands. BIBLE — God’s true Word. It is from God and about God. Scripture Reference: Acts 2:37, 38, 41 5-Second Fly Through Review: 1. True or False: A sermon is a special speech that teaches about something in the Bible. (True.) 2. What does a sermon do? (It helps people know what the Bible says, understand what the Bible means, and do what the Bible commands.) 3. True or False: God uses sermons to change peoples’ lives. (True.) 4. Why should we pay close attention and listen to sermons? (Because God wants to talk with us.) 5: True or False: Sermons are just for grown ups. (False! Sermons are for everyone.) Song: God Wants to Talk With Us by The Village Kids

Join Matt and Julie as they answer the question “What is Communion?” Today they’re joined by their friend, Bernie the baker (a legend in the baking), as they look for answers and find what they knead to know. Together, we’ll read the Bible, play a game, and sing a song as we continue to learn more about B!g Church this season. Helpful Definitions: COMMUNION – when people who love and trust Jesus eat and drink together to remember His death on the cross, how Jesus’ body was broken like bread and His blood was poured out like wine for sin. BIBLE — God’s true Word. It is from God and about God. Scripture Reference: Matthew 26:26-29 5-Second Fly Through Review: 1. The symbolic meal of bread and juice served during church is called ___________ (Communion. Or the Lord’s Supper!) 2. What does the bread remind us of? (Jesus broken body) 3. What does the juice remind us of? (Jesus shed blood) 4. Does taking communion save you or forgive you of your sins? (No! Turning from sin and believing in Jesus does!) 5: Who is communion for? (Everyone who loves and trusts Jesus) Song: Jesus Came To Save Sinners by The Village Kids

Join Matt and Julie as they answer the question “What is Baptism?” They’re joined by their long-time friend, Will Derness, the wilderness explorer, as they search for answers. Together, we’ll read the Bible, play a game, and sing a song as we continue to learn more about B!g Church this season. Helpful Definitions: BAPTISM — to dip someone under some water and bring them back up—like Jesus died and was raised back to life—to show everyone that God has given them a new heart like Jesus. THE CHURCH — everyone who loves and trusts Jesus. MOTIVATION — the reason why Scripture References: Romans 10:9, Matthew 28:19-20 5-Second Fly Through Review: 1. True or False: Jesus was baptized by his cousin John. (True) 2. True or False: When someone is baptized, we should celebrate. (True) 3. True or False: You should get baptized if your friends are. (False) 4. True or False: Once I’m baptized, I am saved. (False…baptism doesn’t save you, it shows others you already love and trust Jesus) 5. True or False: When someone is baptized, they go under the water and come back up. (True…that symbolizes Jesus death, burial and resurrection) Song: Our Great God (Attributes Song) by The Village Kids

Big church shouldn’t be scary at all. There might be some big words or things that are hard to understand but that’s why we’re here to help! Join Matt and Julie as they help answer “What is baptism? What is communion? What’s a sermon? What is worship?” and “Who is a minister?” They’ll be joined by some fun and interesting friends and you won’t want to miss out on the fun beginning next week!

This season is all about prayer, and episode 64 is all about confessing our sins and repenting. Join Julie and Matt as they travel back in time to a place called Jericho!

In the first episode of our series on prayer, Julie and Matt learn all about praise and thanksgiving with help from their friend, Kim the Minister! Join us as we kick off season six of God’s Big Story!

In episode 63, Julie and Matt learn what it means to lament when we pray to God. Their good friend, Kayley the Songwriter, stops by to remind them that God wants to talk to us about everything, even difficult things!

In this last episode on prayer, Julie and Matt talk with their friend, the Theologian, to learn more about asking God to do or give us things.

God's Big Story season six is coming soon! Join us as we learn all about prayer.

Julie and Brad review all of the fruit of the Spirit we've learned about this season and then play two special review games with game show host, Anna!

Brad and Julie learn about our last fruit of the Spirit—self-control—from their friend and favorite pro wrestler, Ultimate Romans Road Warrior!

Join Julie and Brad as they head to the museum to learn all about gentleness—our next Fruit of the Spirit!

Head to a construction site with Julie and special guest host Producer Brad as they learn all about faithfulness from their friend Ron the Builder!

Matt and Julie are off to the zoo to learn about the next fruit of the Spirit—goodness—with Guy the Zookeeper!

Matt and Julie play a special game to help them remember and review the first five Fruit of the Spirit we've learned about so far!

Matt and Julie hop in the time machine to travel back in time to meet an inn keeper who helps them learn about the story of the Good Samaritan and our next Fruit of the Spirit—kindness!

Matt and Julie are joined by their friend the Gardener the continue learning about the Fruit of the Spirit. On this episode, they learn all about patience!

On this episode of God’s Big Story, Matt and Julie’s friend the Historian joins them to help them learn about peace! Tune in to hear about when Jesus sent His people a Helper—the Holy Spirit—and what that means for us now!

Next up as we learn about the fruit of the Spirit is JOY! Join Matt and Julie as they learn all about what it means to have true joy through the story of Job.

With the help of their friend the Perfume Maker, Matt and Julie learn about the first Fruit of the Spirit—love! Join them as they hear from Luke 7, play a game, and sing a song.

Join Matt and Julie as they get ready for season 5 of God's Big Story! Tune in today to hear a short recap of everything we've learned on seasons 1–4 and what we plan to learn about this fall (spoiler: it's the Fruit of the Spirit!). We hope you'll join us!

Join us for season 5 as we learn about the Fruit of the Spirit.

On the last episode of season 4, Julie and Matt review what we learned from the Old Testament this season, talk to some listeners, and give a preview of what's coming this fall!

Marissa the Meteorologist joins Matt and Julie to learn about a special group of people from the Bible—God's prophets!

Guy the Zookeeper is back as we learn about the story of how God used Jonah to save lots of people, even when Jonah didn't obey Him.

Guy the Zookeeper joins Matt and Julie to learn all about lions and the time God saved Daniel!

Julie and Matt are joined by three best friends to help them learn about the God saved Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace!

On today's episode, God uses Esther to help save His people, the Israelites, from an evil king.

Julie and Matt's friend, The Blacksmith, joins them to talk about idols and the story of Baal from the Bible!

We’re singing on this episode of God’s Big Story as we learn about a book of the Bible that is full of songs of worship to God—Psalms!

Join us on this episode to learn more about a familiar story from the Bible—when David defeated Goliath!

Today on God's Big Story, Julie and Matt visit their friend Sam the Shepherd to learn about how God chose a young shepherd boy, David, to be the next king of Israel!

Join Matt and Julie as they learn about how God wants to talk with us through the story of Hannah!

Julie and Matt travel back in time to learn about how God is a Good Provider through the story of Naomi and Ruth!

Season 4 of God’s Big Story starts TODAY! This season, we’ll continue hearing stories from the Old Testament as we visit some old and new friends, learn new songs, and even start a brand new Bible Challenge!

God's Big Story season four is coming soon! Join us as we continue learning from the Old Testament.

Christmas was last week, but we still have one more episode of our Advent mini-series. Join us as we learn about when the wise men traveled to meet and worship Jesus.

Prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ with episode two of our Advent mini-series!

Our Advent mini-series begins today as we learn about how and why God promised a Savior! Join us as we learn from the Bible, hear from listeners, and learn a new memory verse song together!

Sean is back to talk about his big move and what it might have been like for the Israelites when they finally entered the Promised Land! Helpful Definitions: THE CHURCH — God’s family. Scripture Reference: Joshua 6:16 and 20 5-Second Fly Through Review: Who was the new leader that God gave the Israelites? (JOSHUA!) God promised to lead His people into a wonderful land, but there was a city in the way. What was the name of the city? (JERICHO!) What was around the city of Jericho (A GIANT WALL!) How many days did the people march around the giant walls of the city? (SEVEN!) On the seventh day, what did God tell the Isarelites to do? (MARCH AROUND THE WALL 7 TIMES, MAKING LOTS OF NOISE!) What happened next? (THE WALL FELL DOWN | AND THE ISRAELITES GOT TO GO TO THE PROMISED LAND!) Who made the wall fall down? (GOD! HE’S IN CHARGE OF EVERYTHING!) Song: God is in Charge of Everything by The Village Kids If you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You! Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected]

Julie and Matt are joined by their friend, The Baker, to learn about when God gave manna and the 10 Commandments to the Israelites! Helpful Definitions: MIRACLE — Something amazing, that doesn’t normally happen, that shows God’s power. THE CHURCH — God’s family. Scripture Reference: Exodus 16:15 5-Second Fly Through Review: The Israelites wandered in the hot, dry…(DESERT!) Who are God’s special, chosen people? (THE ISRAELITES) God provided food in the morning for his people. What was it called? (MANNA!) God provided food in the evening for his people. What was it called? (QUAIL!) God gave his people laws called the 10….(COMMANDMENTS!) Were God’s people able to keep all of God’s laws? (NO!) Did God love them? (YES!) God loved them so much that he sent Jesus, who kept the law perfectly. Everyone who loves and trusts Jesus is part of the Church. The Church is….(GOD’S FAMILY!) Song: God’s Big Book by The Village Kids If you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You! Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected]

Jared the Israelite teaches us that God is good through the story of when He rescued the Israelites from Pharaoh at the Red Sea. Helpful Definitions: MIRACLE — something amazing, that doesn’t normally happen, that shows God’s power. Scripture Reference: Exodus 14:29–30 5-Second Fly Through Review: God sent Moses to save the Israelites. What were the Israelites doing in Egypt? (THEY WERE ENSLAVED BY PHARAOH) What did God put in the sky to lead the Israelites away from Egypt? (A CLOUD IN THE DAY AND A PILLAR OF FIRE AT NIGHT!) When the Israelites left Egypt, did Pharoah change his mind about letting them go? (YES!) What did Pharaoh send to chase after the Israelites so he could bring them back to Egypt? (HIS ARMY OF HORSES AND CHARIOTS!) How did the Israelites cross the Red Sea and escape from Pharaoh’s army? (GOD PARTED THE RED SEA AND THEY CROSSED ON DRY LAND!) Is God Good? (YES!) Song: God is Good by The Village Kids If you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You! Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected]

Tune in as we learn about how God is in charge of everything through the story of the ten plagues God sent to Egypt! Helpful Definitions: PLAGUE — something really bad—usually a disease or sickness—that affects a LOT of people. Scripture Reference: Exodus 7:5 5-Second Fly Through Review: Why did God send Moses to Egypt? (TO RESCUE THE ISRAELITES FROM ENSLAVEMENT) Who was the king of Egypt? (PHARAOH!) Did Pharaoh listen to Moses when he told him to listen to God and let God’s people go? (NO!) God sent 10 plagues to Egypt to show his power and save the Israelites. What were some of the plagues? (WATER TURNED TO BLOOD, FROGS, FLIES, GNATS, ANIMALS DIED, SKIN HURT, DARKNESS, AND ALL THE FIRSTBORN BOYS DIED) Finally, after God sent all of the plagues to show how powerful he was, did Pharaoh listen to Moses and do what God said? (YES!) What is God in charge of? (EVERYTHING!) Song: God is in Charge of Everything by The Village Kids If you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You! Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected]

Special Agent Mike joins the God’s Big Story crew to talk about when God rescued and called Moses to be a part of His plan to rescue the Israelites! Tune in as we use this story from the Bible to learn more about how God wants to talk with us! 🎉 Scripture Reference: Exodus 2:24-25 5-Second Fly Through Review: Who were God’s special and chosen people? (ABRAHAM FAMILY, THE ISRAELITES) Who did Pharaoh enslave in Egypt? (ISRAELITES!) What did the Israelites do? (THEY PRAYED FOR HELP) Did God hear them? (YES!) Who found and raised Moses? (PHARAOH’S DAUGHTER) Moses saw something while he was taking care of his sheep. What was it? (A BURNING BUSH) Who called out to him from the bush? (GOD!) What did God tell Moses to do? (GO BACK TO EGYPT TO BE A PART OF HIS RESCUE PLAN) Song: God Wants to Talk with Us by The Village Kids If you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You! Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected]

Julie and Matt time travel to ancient Israel, where they meet Joseph's brother, Benjamin, and learn all about their big family and how God used Joseph! Scripture Reference: Genesis 50:20–21 5-Second Fly Through Review: How many brothers did Joseph have? (ELEVEN!) Why were Joseph’s brothers angry at him? (THEY WERE JEALOUS, THAT JACOB SHOWED HIM MORE FAVOR) What did Jacob give to Joseph that made his brothers really jealous? (A BEAUTIFUL COAT!) How did Joseph’s brothers get rid of him? (THEY SOLD HIM TO BE ENSLAVED.) Where did Joseph live when he was enslaved? (EGYPT!) After Joseph helps Pharaoh understand his dream, what did Pharaoh do for him? (FREED HIM AND MADE HIM A PRINCE!) Was Joseph mean or kind to his brothers when they came asking for help/food? (KIND!) Song: God is Good by The Village Kids If you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You! Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected]

Join Julie, Matt, and The Theologian as they learn about how God is in charge of everything through the story of God rescuing Isaac! Scripture Reference: Genesis 22:2 5-Second Fly Through Review: Did God give Abraham and Sarah a son? (YES!) What was their son’s name? (ISAAC) What did God ask Abraham to do with Isaac? (GOD ASKED ABRAHAM TO SACRIFICE ISAAC AND GIVE HIM BACK TO GOD) Did Abraham obey? (YES, BECAUSE HE LOVED AND TRUSTED GOD!) What happened right before Abraham was about to sacrifice Isaac? (A VOICE TOLD HIM NOT TO SACRIFICE HIS SON AND GOD GAVE THEM A RAM INSTEAD!) How do we know that God can keep His promises? (BECAUSE GOD IS IN CHARGE OF EVERYTHING!) Song: God is in Charge of Everything by The Village Kids If you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You! Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected]