fourth of july bible study

Fourth of July Bible Study for kids- Freedom!

Fourth of July Bible Study-   Freedom !!

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free!”

It’s the Fourth of July, and summertime is officially in full swing !

If you’re looking for ideas to teach your children (grandchildren, Sunday School Class, or Co-Op Group) about the reason we celebrate this day so joyously,  keep reading this FREEDOM BIBLE STUDY FOR KIDS !

*NOTE:  This study is part of the Colonial America (American Girl Felicity) Unit Study   I posted awhile back, but  it will work fine without needing any references at all to the unit !

This study is broken up into three parts.  You may want to focus on just one part, or jump in and do all three!  I’ve included lots of ideas for Scripture reading, discussion questions, songs, activities, object lessons, and coloring pages.
I hope you will enjoy learning together !!

Part 1-  What is Freedom?
Part 2-  Slavery
Part 3-  I Am Free !!


*NEW!

I added some fun Fourth of July Coloring Pages  (for all ages!) to the Book Store!
Just for a little extra fun!

4th of July coloring pages  


*This post contains some links for products on Amazon.  I promise nothing spammy.  If you purchase any of them, I will receive a small commission, and that would bless me bunches !  Just so you know 🙂

 

freedom bible study


*Part 1:   What is Freedom?

 

**Just a note to begin:
Please just scroll on down if this isn’t what you’re looking for.  Just a few thoughts before the lessons 🙂

“Freedom” might just be one of the most foundationally important, yet often overlooked concepts we must teach our children.  Why is it so important?
If we understood this word deeply and fully, it would change our hearts (and the hearts of our children too!).  It goes deeper than patriotism, and it’s power is much greater.  If the world just understood freedom, EVERYTHING would change!
Is that too dramatic?  😀

There are two aspects of freedom to iron out, and then to talk to our kiddos about- physical freedom, and  spiritual freedom.  First, and most important to understand is freedom in the spiritual sense.   I think that it will set the groundwork to appreciate the freedom we usually celebrate on the Fourth of July, and the type of freedom we will learn about in these lessons below.
I venture to guess that most people at some point at least have wrestled with the idea of giving God control over their lives.  Until we know Him, this idea of giving up our independence and rights to another seems anything but LIBERATING!!  Here is a quick example-
I have taught many ages of children, in all kinds of settings, and in different parts of the world.  It is always surprising to me that so many children (and therefore many adults I would guess) when asked about giving their lives to Jesus think of that as anything but living in abundant, joyful FREEDOM!   Once, a child in my class told me confidentially that he didn’t want to be a Christian anymore because he could never “keep all the rules”, and he was tired of trying to figure it all out and get it right.  It was such a sad confession 🙁
This  kind of thinking  (basically that of works) will never produce the goal of an abundant life in anyone, child or adult!    This will only cause your kiddos to follow rules out of fear or compulsion, often creating resentment toward God, and rebellion in a little heart.
Instead, why not press in and teach your children about the FREEDOM Jesus died to give to all those who believe! 


So what does this have to do with freedom?

In order for us to have a relationship with God, Jesus had to come and set us FREE from the world. The world is so broken- full of quarreling, division, hate, confusion, sadness, and sickness.
Before we know Jesus, we live here in this world like slaves…slaves to all those things of the world.  To fear, to sin, and to death.  But Jesus has loved us right where we are in the middle of all this mess, and He’s reaching out His hand to us, inviting us to come on out of the craziness, and live above it all.  He wants to set us FREE!
If we teach children first of God’s desire for us to live as a FREE people, bound only by our love for Him & for each other, the foundation for a life of gratitude and love for Jesus is laid!
Maybe better said…

God’s great love, and our response to that gift, is what sets us free, and the very thing that causes us to want to live a holy life.

The love we’ve been shown and the freedom we’ve been given causes our hearts to overflow with gratefulness, and creates in us a desire to live in a way to please Jesus!
It is Christ Himself, in us, that sets us free !!

The feeling that comes when you understand FREEDOM-  that you have truly been set free from this world by Love, is incomparable!!

And during this holiday, we can celebrate both the spiritual and the physical parts of freedom!
If we understand our FREEDOM in Christ,  it hopefully will create an APPRECIATION and RESPECT for the physical  freedoms we enjoy as well.   We can remember the sacrifices made by men and women that have lived before us (like Jesus who made the ultimate sacrifice), so that we could enjoy all of the liberties we have in this country!
May this spur us on to remember the cost, and to LIVE gratefully as FREE men and women and kids!  <3

 

* Read It! 

– Scriptures to explore & discuss –
Let’s start our Bible Study by finding out what God thinks about FREEDOM !

+ Genesis 1: 26-30 and Genesis 2  (particularly 2: 8-17)
*God created the most amazing place and set man right in the center of it,  to rule over His new, magnificent creation,  in the truest sense of freedom ever.  God saw that this was all very good.   From the beginning this was  God’s perfect intention for an abundant life of freedom & joy for all people!

*God’s plan for His people has consistently and from the beginning, been that we would look to Him as our God, that we would always be HIS people, and that we would rule by His ordering and by His law of Love over all of His creation in freedom.

-You can read more here !
Leviticus 26: 11-13            – Exodus 6: 1-8             – Genesis 9
Luke 4: 18-19                     – Isaiah 61:1                   –Galatians 5
James 1: 25                        – Romans 8: 21              – 1 Corinthians 10:23
1 Peter 2:16                        –John 8:36


-Pilgrim’s Progress

You might like to add a short version of Pilgrim’s Progress (maybe even a children’s version) to your reading (or viewing…there are lots of great movie options too)  as it goes along perfectly with the theme of freedom !

*You can watch a children’s movie cartoon version of Pilgrim’s Progress on YouTube for free.
OR you can listen to the Audio Book in full !



*Ideas to Think About & Discuss-


+ What is freedom?

*You might like to just ask your children this question.  No intro.
I bet if you ask this without any other promptings, their own answers will be pretty interesting and insightful !

*Here is the definition of freedom as found in the Oxford Dictionary:
– http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/freedom
-What do you think about this definition?
Does freedom mean being allowed to do anything you want to do?
>For example…If you like something that belongs to someone else, and you want it, can you just take it?
If you are driving a car, can you go through a stop sign because you don’t feel like stopping there?

Kids Wordsmyth Definition of Freedom


+ What is independence?

– http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/independent
Kids Wordsmyth Definition of Independence


+ What is the difference between freedom & independence?


+ What picture comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘freedom’ ?

– Do you think of the American flag or the Statue of Liberty?
– Or do you think of being able to do whatever you want to do?
– Do you think about your own country, or maybe another country where there is not freedom?
– Do you think of someone coming out of prison?


+ How does it make you feel to think about being free?
– Does your freedom make you feel grateful?  Proud?  Confident?  Happy?
– Can you name some freedoms you have?


+ What would it be like to NOT be free?

– Can you think of any examples of people who are not free?


*The celebration of freedom in America!
Now that we have learned what TRUE FREEDOM is, and what God thinks about it, let’s discover why we have a special holiday to celebrate it in America!
What does the flag, fireworks, and cookouts have to do with what we’ve learned about freedom so far?


+Why do we talk about freedom & independence so much on the Fourth of July ?

https://www.gominno.com/parents/how-to-talk-your-kids-about-independence-day/
(This resource is best to read and share with your kids)
What Is Independence Day?
What Is the Declaration of Independence?
– You can click here to read the original words of The Declaration of Independence !
– Listen to the Declaration of Independence read aloud, and follow along

+ Why was freedom so important to the first settlers in Colonial America?
– Do you know why many of the first settlers came to America?  Freedom!
– As our country grew, what kinds of freedoms were most important to the Colonists?
– Were the Colonists mindful of God’s ideas about freedom ?   How do we know?
(It might be a good time to read a bit of the Declaration of Independence  or other such historical documents important to the foundation of our government… be sure to point out how many times God is mentioned.)
– http://government.mrdonn.org/freedomdocuments.html
( America’s Freedom Documents-  reading & activities)
– Explore this interactive  “Season of Independence

 


*Watch & Listen!

Independence Day and Freedom in Christ    (about 7 minutes)

The First Fourth of July      (Liberty’s Kids-  about 24 minutes)

Schoolhouse Rocks!  Fireworks & The Declaration of Independence   (about 2 minutes)

Betsy Ross and The Story of the American Flag    (about 3 minutes)

I Am Free- Hillsong Kids …this is a super fun, get-moving kind of song!)

-Or take a listen to this song by Lindell Cooley-  “Freedom!”

-You might enjoy listening to the following song, Freedom-  Bethel Live  to go along with Part 1 of this lesson.

 

 

*Activities-

+ Crafts and Other Fun

Free Falling Freedom     (Play this fun hands-on game-  our freedom is delicate!!)
-Play “For Crown or Colony” online
(You have to create an account to save your progress in the game, but it is free!)
– Try making this layered Patriotic Punch!
– No Bake Flag Cake  No Bake Flag Cake   (kids could make this from start to finish!)
Patriotic Windsock Craft
– Print and play this 4th of July Bingo Game
– Decorate your sidewalk with these Patriotic Luminaries

+ Bible Journal/Notebooking-
It might make a nice notebooking page to creatively portray what freedom means… let your creativity go crazy!
This is a broad topic and this type of slow reflection may help pull out some deeper thoughts.  🙂
Collages are a great way for expression-  use any medium that your family enjoys!
Recently, on my Free Modern American History Curriculum post, I featured a collage that my dad created to honor Martin Luther King, Jr.   He used ink, and pieces torn from magazines.

Martin Luther King Jr. Paper Collage by Artist Gary Gresko

-Try an Art Journal….here are some beginner ideas, especially good for younger children.
– http://artfulparent.com/2012/01/guest-post-beginning-art-journaling-for-kids.html


+ Object Lessons

– http://www.creativeyouthideas.com/resources/creative-teaching-ideas/freedom-in-christ/
(Freedom in Christ object lesson)
– http://www.nailscars.com/2011/07/03/2-freedom-object-lessons/
(Freedom object lesson)
– http://www.sunday-school-center.com/independence-day.html
(A complete lesson on Independence…including some craft ideas!)

 

*Coloring Pages-

John 8:36 Coloring Page
Freedom Coloring Page
4th of July Coloring Pages
Independence Day Coloring Pages
Fourth of July Coloring Pages
Patriotic Color By Number Pages   (great for younger kiddos)
Coloring Page of Original US Flag

– https://calvarycurriculum.com/ot-genesis-exodus/
This is my favorite resource for free online Bible coloring pages!
(See today’s Scripture verses and then find the coloring pages & activity sheets)

 


 Family’s bible study for Fourth of July


*Part 2:  Slavery, the Opposite of Freedom


*Reading-

In the last lesson we learned some very important definitions.  Definitions for words like FREEDOM, INDEPENDENCE, and TRUTH.  Today, we are going to learn about SLAVERY, BONDAGE, and LIES.
YIKES!!!
I know it all sounds kind of dark and gloomy, but sometimes learning about the opposite meaning of a word can help us understand the meaning of that word better.  Sometimes understanding the negative meaning of a word, can help us recognize the importance and precious nature of it’s opposite!
For example, we can understand what light is better, if we know what darkness is.  We can better relate what big is, if we understand what little is.
This week we will explore the opposite of FREEDOM….  SLAVERY!

 

Let’s start again in this lesson with GOD thinks about these things… we’ll start with the Bible!


+ God’s people were created to be FREE!   So what happened?
Genesis  chapter 3 (with attention to verses 6 & 21 in particular)
Genesis  6: 5-6 ,  17-18
Genesis  9: 1-17
-Read the story of the Israelites as slaves in Egypt & see what God did !
The Book of Exodus  (particularly Chapters 1, 12 , and 14)

*Just a little side note:
Have you ever noticed that there is a cyclical nature apparent in the Scriptures?

It usually goes something like this…
*God creates something amazing with a beautiful purpose
*Humans forget who God is and doubt His purpose is sufficient
*We turn away from God and try to do it our own way
*We then become slaves to whatever we decided to do our own way ( sin)
*God deals with us in different ways as we suffer the consequences of our sin,
which thankfully includes bringing us back into His purpose…
So you will be my people,  and I will be your God”, that we would  “Be fruitful and increase in number;  and fill the earth and subdue it”,  so that His Kingdom would be evident “on earth as it is in Heaven”.


+Related Scriptures for Further Reading-

Exodus 6: 2-7                 – 1 John 3:8                    – Romans 8:21
Hebrews 2: 14-15         – 2 Timothy 2:26             – 1 Corinthians 6:12
John 8:34



*Ideas To Think About & Discuss-

Slavery.
One of the saddest and most regrettable parts of the history of the United States.   It’s a difficult, but important subject to study.    (If you’d like to dig in on this topic you can read more, and find lots of activities  HERE )
While there are some countries around the world that still struggle with slavery today, the United States has fought hard as a nation for the freedom of all of it’s citizens.
But spiritually, there are many people in our country that are still slaves;  abused by the cruelest slave master and bound by some pretty awful things.  Your children may ask, “So, if our country is really free, how can there still be slavery?”

As we read in Part 1, our call to a life of  liberty was given from the foundations of the world.
It is also from the beginning that we can see what it is that has enslaved humanity.
Simply put, it is sin.
This is what we will talk about this week.


+ What is slavery?

(You may want to review your children’s definitions of freedom from earlier to draw attention to this antonym)
-Read the definition of  slave  and  slavery.

-What is it like to be a slave ?
(If you don’t know, read more about the history of slavery in the United States  HERE .)
– What was it like to be a free child ?
-Think about being born into each of those families.
Compare what life would be like to be a child born into a slave family versus being born to a  wealthy plantation family.   It might be good to discuss that many slaves had been born free and then “sold” into slavery.


+ Have YOU ever been a slave?

– Read John 8:34 together
(Your children will most likely say no, but Scripture shows us how we all are slaves to sin & death without Christ….see Scriptures in the reading section…   Another good continuance on the conversation of spiritual freedom.)


+ What is sin ?

Again listening to your child’s response to this question will be very helpful in understanding how to teach this difficult topic.  Without Jesus’ help, we all are slaves to a terrible master named SIN!
– Watch What Is Sin?     (short video and a good explanation just for kids !)
Dictionary definition of sin


+ How can sin still make us a “slave”, even though our country says every citizen is free?
-The Declaration of Independence states these words-
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
-What do you think that “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” means?
-WHO does the constitution state gives “all men” their rights?


+ Is it possible for a person to be a slave, yet be ‘free’ at the same time?

(Discussion of spiritual freedom….many of the slaves embraced the deep truth of spiritual freedom that only God has the power to give through Christ, and the sweet HOPE they would some day be free physically too!  This is what so many of the songs slaves sang were about. )


+ From this sad part of our history have come some beautiful songs written by the slaves, called spirituals.  Why do you think so many of these songs include references to Moses?

-Listen to  Go Down Moses! 
(No one is sure exactly when this song was first sung!)

-Here’s a bit of it’s history about the song if you’d like to know more…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Go_Down_Moses

John Newton: God’s Amazing Grace
(Read about how one slave trader (and slave!) was set free by God’s amazing grace!!)


+All of this is so SAD!!!
So what is the ANSWER to this slavery and sin?!?!   THERE IS GOOD NEWS!

– Jesus is the answer of course!  (We’ll talk even more about this in the Day 3 lesson)
You can read what Isaiah prophesied Jesus would come and do in Isaiah 61
Isaiah 61:1 includes “setting the captives FREE and releasing PRISONERS from darkness!
*John 8:36
*Galatians 5:1
*2 Corinthians 3:17

 

*Watch & Listen!

God’s Story   (about 4 minutes)
The Story of Sin    (about 3 minutes)
God Sets The Israelites Free   (about 3 minutes)
Reading Rainbow:  Follow The Drinking Gourd   (about 45 minutes)

The Story of “Amazing Grace”  (about 6 minutes)
No Longer A Slave To Fear    (song with lyrics)
Freedom-  Bethel Live      (keep singing it!)

*Activities-

+Creatively portray what sin or slavery means…here are a few ideas to get you started !
– Choreograph a dance
– Make a mini-movie
– Draw a picture
– Write a song
– Make a large wall mural with words related to slavery
– Create a “chain of slavery” by writing related words on strips of paper and
forming them into a chain

+Explore this A Day In The Life Of A Slave Interactive  to learn more about what it is to be enslaved

+Try this Declaration of Independence Detective Activity
+Fill out this Declaration of Independence Mad Lib

 

+Object Lessons-

– A Heavy Load:
*Though your children will never know what it really feels like to have been a slave, you might like to try the activity below (perhaps before your discussion time)  to illustrate what it feels like to carry the heavy burden of sin that keeps us enslaved spiritually (and sometimes physically too!) and unable to live freely.
*Directions:  Fill a backpack with as much canned foods (or weights) as you think your child could carry safely.  Have them put it on at the beginning of this lesson.  You may ask them to stand instead of sit … or to do a task such as going up & down the stairs to put some things away for you.

“Sin” Object Lessons
–  Slavery Object Lesson     (YouTube)
 – Short retelling of The Story of Moses & the Exodus    (also many printables!)

The Beginning of Freedom       (full lesson!)

 

*Coloring Pages-

– Adam & Eve Are Tempted……coloring page and printable questions, word puzzles, etc…
Israelites In Slavery…. coloring page and printable questions, word puzzles, etc…
– The First Passover…. coloring page and printable questions, word puzzles, etc…
– The Exodus…. coloring page and printable questions, word puzzles, etc…
Moses and the Red Sea Coloring Page
Galatians 5:1   Coloring Page
Person in Bondage

**You can learn more about Moses and the Israelites in my  Free Ancient Egypt Unit !

ancient egypt free homeschooling history curriculum

 

 


Fourth of July Family Bible Study

*Part 3:  I Am Free !!  The VERY Good News!


*Reading-

-Scriptures-
+ Exodus 12           (The First Passover )
+ Luke 22:7-20      (The Last Supper)

+Complete lesson on the First Passover/the Last Supper  and Christ’s fulfillment of many of the symbols of the first Passover

Romans 8: 1-4         – John 8:36                    – John 10:10
Isaiah 61:1               – Romans 6: 6-7            – Romans 8: 14-15
1 Corinthians 6:12

 

*Ideas To Think About & Discuss-

+ It is certainly important to study how our country was established and how we gained our independence.   If you have been following along through the Colonial America Unit, or the Early American History Curriculum, we have read about many brave men, women, and even children who risked and sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom.   They went to battle so America would be a FREE COUNTRY FOR ALL !

Our country has battled for FREEDOM for it’s whole existence.  It’s THAT important!
In Day 2, we learned about the Constitution… but the people of the brand new United States wanted to be EXTRA clear about what liberty was given to all it’s citizens.  And so the Constitution, and it’s Bill of Rights, were written to be sure that EVERYONE knew what kind of freedom they had the right to.  It has been a constant struggle of the United States to keep the balance of fair government and free citizens, but one that has been well worth it!  Today we’ll learn what the Constitution and Bill of Rights say.

**********************************************************************************************************

Let’s find out first how God’s ideas of government and freedom compare to the ideas of government and freedom that we celebrate on Independence Day in America!

 

**********************************************************************************************************


We’ve learned from this Bible Study that God has shown us His perfect plan for a life of freedom from the time He created the earth…
And also, the trickiness of sin that makes us spiritual slaves;
Today we will see that God also shows us the way for ALL people to
win “the battle” and be set free FOREVER, never to be slaves again !!

 Similarly to the people we have studied this week, that died to gain freedom for their families and for their country,  Jesus Christ died so that ALL of humanity might be freed FOREVER !
That is pretty good news!
This lesson will hopefully will tie all that we’ve been learning about freedom and about slavery together.


+What does God think about government?
Exodus 6:7
1 Peter 2:13-17
Psalm 22:28
Isaiah 9:6
Deuteronomy 16:18-20
Revelation 1:5-6


+ God always had a good plan for His people…freedom & abundant life by the King of Kings!

– Who are some of the people in the Bible that we read about that were set free?
– How did God set those people free?
– How did God give the offer of  freedom to ALL people FOREVER ?
– What are some things that have happened that seemed to destroy His plan?
– What do we have to do to be set free from slavery forever?

+While living in the United States doesn’t give you the kind of AMAZING freedom that Jesus can give, we do have a lot of benefits of liberty just because we live in this country.
-Do YOU know what freedoms you have?   How do you know?
-Can you name some of them?
-Why was freedom such an important issue to the founders of our country?
-What kind of freedom are we guaranteed as citizens of the United States?
-Where can you find a list of these “rights”?
*Here are a few resources that might be helpful  (also in the section below!):
>The Constitution
>The Bill of Rights
-Why is freedom STILL a very, very important issue today?
-What can YOU do to protect/fight for your own freedom and freedom for your country?


*Watch & Listen!


God’s Story-  The WHOLE Story of the Great Rescue!
There Is Power In The Name of Jesus
I Am Free– Hillsong Kids….this is a super fun, get-moving kind of song!
Freedom

-The Constitution-  School House Rock!
The Preamble of the Constitution
Do YOU Know the Constitution?
(Lesson on the Constitution about 4 minutes)

Bill of Rights Song
(You’ll be singing this in your sleep!  But that might not be such a bad thing!)
– OR  The Bill of Rights Rap
(This one states each Amendment a little more clearly)

-Learn some Patriotic Songs:
*My Country Tis of Thee
*America The Beautiful
*You’re A Grand Old Flag
*National Anthem

 

*Activities-

+ In Part 2 of this study, we read about the first Passover in the Book of Exodus.

I think that sharing a special Seder meal together would be a sweet and meaningful way to tie everything we’ve studied together in Christ.   If you live in America, we can celebrate the freedoms we have been given by being a citizen of this great country… and as a believer in Jesus Christ, we can celebrate even BIGGER that we have ETERNAL FREEDOM in Him!!!!
Here is a lovely sample including a menu and very pretty photos on Ann Voskamp’s blog.
Sharing The Passover Meal

+Bill of Rights Quiz Yourself
+Constitution Concentration Game


+Find Out WHY?

Why do we celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks?
(Hint!  It is NOT a new tradition!)
Why do we have BBQs on the Fourth of July?


+Crafts-

15 Fireworks Activities  (Without the Fire!)

+Enjoy the “sweeter” things in life with these patriotic snack ideas!
Easy 4th of July Ice Cream Cones
Patriotic Snack Mix
Red, White, and Blue Marshmallow Pops
Fruit Sparklers

* Object Lessons-

Set Free!
Sin and Set Free!


* Share it !

– http://www.futureflyingsaucers.com/the-fall-in-the-garden-genesis-3-object-lesson/ 
(A really nice site with TONS of original & creative ideas to share the good news)

-You could also host a Fourth of July Neighborhood Movie Night and get to know your neighbors!
Here’s all my best ideas to host AN EASY Summertime Movie Night!

Family Movie Night

*Coloring Pages-

Constitution Coloring Page
Signing the Constitution Coloring Page
LOTS of Patriotic Coloring Pages
Fireworks Coloring Pages

+ Visit Calvary Curriculum for really great children’s lessons and printables for pretty much the entire Bible!
There are lessons for both the Littles in your family and the older kids too!
Click –>  HERE

– https://calvarycurriculum.com/pdf/Curriculum/Original/Curriculum/CURR229.PDF
(Luke 22: 7-20  coloring & activity sheets)

– 
http://www.calvarycurriculum.com/pdf/childrenscurriculum/NEW/CURR272.PDF
(Romans 8: 1-12  coloring & activity sheets)

– https://calvarycurriculum.com/pdf/Curriculum/Original/Curriculum/CURR280.PDF
(2 Corinthians 5:14-21 coloring & activity sheets)


 

I hope your family (or class) has been blessed by this study.
Praying it brings a whole new awareness of the gift of FREEDOM and a whole lot of JOY in celebrating the Fourth of July this year!
I’d love to hear how you used this study or any other comments or suggestions you have.


**Check out these other holiday family Bible Studies and Printables from Fields of Daisies!**

*Journey To Easter-  A Family Devotional
*A Family Journey To Easter Unit Study
*The Name of Jesus Christmas Devotional

*Daily Bread From the Psalms Devotional

spring tree of life Easter devotional

Christmas Devotional Free Name of Jesus  

 

Psalm 1 Praying the Psalms

 


 

 

 

Freedom Bible Study for Families

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