Phil Vischer, Founder of Jellyfish Labs and co-creator of the acclaimed VeggieTales, opens the Bible to a tiny book all the way at the back. With the help of some animated friends, Phil walks through the entire book of 1 John to answer the question, “What is a Christian?”
This pioneering series packs tons of good theology into short sessions that toddlers to adults will enjoy. Learn not only what the Bible says, but also why and what it means for us today.
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Use these questions to talk to your child about the message of 1 John. Then consider taking the so-what challenge to incorporate this session’s message into your own life alongside your child.
Read Again
1 John 4:1–6
“This is how you can know God’s Spirit: One spirit says, “I believe that Jesus is the Christ who came to earth and became a man.” That Spirit is from God.” (1 John 4:2, ICB)
- Who showed up in the Garden and lied to Adam and Eve? (A lying serpent. A “sneaky snake.”)
- Are angels fat babies with wings? (Nope. They are God’s messengers.)
- What name is given to the snake later in the Bible? (Satan.)
- Did Satan start out as an angel? (Yes. An angel who decided he wanted to be God’s enemy instead of God’s friend.)
- Why don’t we need to be afraid of God’s enemy? (Because God is the biggest!)
- What does John want us to know about he messages we hear? (Not all messages are from God! Test the messages against what you know is true about God.)
- Can you think of any messages you’ve heard on TV, in songs or at school that you’re pretty sure are “sneaky snake” messages, not God’s messages?
So What?
For toddlers: Create with your child—either drawing or with modeling clay. Make a “sneaky snake.” Say three times together, “God is the biggest.”
For grade schoolers: Pick a song or movie your child likes. Talk with him or her about the “sneaky snake” messages that could be hiding in it. Talk about what God’s message would say in contrast.
For you: Take a moment to think about the forms of entertainment you consume. What messages are you ingesting? What might your child learn from your choices in entertainment?