Picture That
2

Bible Story Book

Dedication

To my —Amy, Lauren, and Ryan. I you and I am that you in the

Old Testament

Oh No! Sin Comes In

Genesis 1:1–3; Romans 5:1–21

God made the and everything in it. The first God made were Adam and Eve. God said they could any in the of Eden except 1. Adam and Eve made the choice. That first sin changed the whole ! Adam and Eve had to leave the . After that, would die and have big problems. Many years later God would send his Son to save from sin and death. When we believe died on the to take the punishment for our sins, God will forgive us and will let us live forever in with him.

What Did You Learn?

Because Adam and Eve sinned, people die. Because Jesus gave his life, people can live forever.

The First Rainbow

Genesis 6:5–8:17

After a while, in the became so bad that every thought they had was evil. God was very But there was 1 Noah, who followed God. God told Noah to build a big Then God sent at least 2 of every into the After that, it so much that covered the But God kept Noah, his family, and the safe in the God promised that it would never that much again. He put a rainbow in the sky as a reminder of his promise.

What Did You Learn?

Rainbows remind us that God promised not to cover the whole world with water again.

A Tower to Heaven

Genesis 11:1–9

When people first lived on the everything was new, all spoke the same language. When they learned to make bricks, they became proud. They tried to build a that would reach to God did not want them to build the To them, he changed their languages. They could not understand each other. So the building came to a When a babbles, no one understands him. No one understood the people when they talked, so they called the Babel.

What Did You Learn?

God wants us to be humble.

Angels Come to Lunch

Genesis 18:1–15; 21:1–2

The Lord and 2 visited a named Abraham. Abraham told his wife, Sarah, “Quick! Bake some !” He gave his a to fix for lunch. The ate the food. Then the told Abraham a secret. Sarah would have a within 1 year. Sarah laughed. She thought she was too old to have a The Lord said, “Is anything too hard for God?” Sarah had the at the very time that the Lord had said.

What Did You Learn?

Nothing is too hard for God.

A Woman Becomes Salt

Genesis 18:16–19:26

in the of Sodom and the of Gomorrah did God could not find 10 there who him enough to do what was even tried to harm God sent there! came and led a named Lot and his family out of the The “ warned,” look back and .” Then the cities caught on and burned to the Lot’s wife did not obey. She looked back, and she became salt!

What Did You Learn?

When you are following God, keep looking forward.

A Mean Weddinng Trick

Genesis 29:1–30

Jacob fell in with a named Rachel who took care of . He worked 7 years for Rachel’s dad so he could marry Rachel. On their wedding day, Jacob’s bride wore a veil — a cloth that covered her face. When the came the next morning, Jacob was surprised! His bride was not Rachel! Her dad had tricked him! Jacob had married the Rachel’s sister, by mistake. Jacob promised to work another 7 years so he could marry Rachel.

What Did You Learn?

Be careful whom you trust!

Joseph’s Strange Dreams

Genesis 37:1–36;39:1–43:28

When Joseph was a boy, he had a . 11 , the and the all bowed to him. God told him the dream meant his whole family would bow to him someday. When Joseph told his family about his dream, they were very angry! But many years later when Joseph lived in Egypt, the had a of 7 skinny eating 7 fat Joseph told that during 7 years when wouldn’t grow, in would the they had saved during 7 earlier years. then made Joseph a leader. And one day, Joseph’s family bowed to him, just like in his .

What Did You Learn?

God knows what will happen in the future.

God Splits the Water

Exodus 13:18–22;14

God led the through the . They followed a during the day and at wanted the to come back to . He and his chased them! The could not cross the Red Sea. So God made the split! The could through on dry They got away from and his !

What Did You Learn?

God gets us through our troubles.

A Holdup Wins a Battle

Exodus 17:8–15

When an attacked the , Moses stood on top of a hill with his in his while Joshua and some of the fought the . As long as Moses held his the won, but whenever he put his they lost. When Moses’ grew tired, he sat on a Aaron and Hur held his —1 on 1 side, 1 on the other—till the went That is how the won the battle!

What Did You Learn?

We need to help each other.

A House for God

Exodus 26–28; 1 Corinthians 6:19–20;
Hebrews 4:15–16; 6:19–20; 8:3–5, 9:11–14

God told the to make a called a tabernacle where God would live. Later he had Solomon build a to replace the tabernacle as God’s home. The most holy room of the tabernacle and held the that was like God’s throne in Only the high priest could into that room. was the last high priest. He made it so any 1 who believes in him can to God’s throne when we In fact, God’s Holy Spirit lives inside who believe in so our bodies are now God’s

What Did You Learn?

The tabernacle and temple were houses for God. Now our bodies are God’s temple.

A Talking Donkey

Numbers 22:21–33

1 morning a named Balaam got angry and hit his for off the for hurting Balaam’s on a and for lying The talked! She said, “What have I done to make you beat me?” The said, “You made a fool of me!” He was angry that he couldn’t make the Then the saw that an was in the with a drawn. The was the reason the had to

What Did You Learn?

Sometimes angels are nearby and we don’t even know.

A Spy Mission

Numbers 13:1–27

God wanted to give some land to the Moses sent as spies to look at the land. He said, “See whether the who live there are or weak, few or many. Is their land good or bad? Do their have ? Will the grow plants? Are there Do your best to bring back some of the land.” They looked at the land for 40 days. 2 of the came back carrying a huge bunch of grapes on a pole between them. They told Moses and the “The land does flow with milk and honey! Here is its

What Did You Learn?

God gives good gifts to his children.

You Want to Go Where?

Numbers 13:28–14:34

God wanted the to move into the good land that the spies had seen. Caleb said, “We should take the land!” The other spies said, “We can’t. We’re not as as the there.” That the complained, “We should back to Joshua said, rebel against God.” The wanted to throw at Joshua, Moses, and Aaron! Then Moses saw a and God said, “How long will they treat me like they hate me? Why won’t they believe in me?” Because of his God forgave the but because they complained so much, they would have to around lost in the for 40 years.

What Did You Learn?

Don’t complain about God’s plans.

Just Look and Live

Numbers 21:6–10, John 3:14–16

While the were in the , bit them and many died. The asked Moses to God told Moses to make a bronze and put it on a pole. When any 1 who had been bitten by a looked at the bronze he lived. All the others died. The says to lift like Moses lifted the bronze so that any 1 who believes in will live forever. God loved the so much that he gave his 1 and only Son that whoever believes in will not die but will live forever.

What Did You Learn?

If we show Jesus to people, they can look to him and live.

Aaron’s Staff Blooms

Numbers 1:50; 17:1–11

Some didn’t believe God put the Levites in charge of the tabernacle. They were angry with Moses and his brother Aaron. God told Moses, “Get 1 from the leader of each of the 12 tribes and write each man’s name on his .” Aaron was from Levi’s tribe, so his name was on the Le vite . Moses said that the staff belonging to the God chose would sprout. The very next day, Aaron’s not only sprouted, but it budded, blossomed, and grew almond nuts!

What Did You Learn?

God cared about who was in charge of his tabernacle.

An Ark that Wasn’t a Boat

Exodus 25:1–22; Deuteronomy 10:55; Psalm 99:1; 1 Chronicles 13:9–10;
Joshua 3:15–17; 1 Samuel 5:9–10; Hebrews 4:14–16; 9:4

Unlike Noah’s the in the was a wooden box covered with gold. Its lid was called “the mercy seat.” It was like God’s throne. Carved on the lid looked like those who worship God in The held the some manna, and Aaron’s that bloomed. As carried the into the Jordan , the split so they could through on dry Once when a man touched the he died instantly. Another time, an stole the and got lumps under their skin. They quickly gave the ark back to the Solomon put the in the holiest room of the

What Did You Learn?

The ark reminded the Israelites that God was with them.

Joshua’s Amazing Battles

Joshua 1:1–24:24

God made the so Joshua could lead the across on dry into Canaan. God promised, “I will give you every place where you set your .” Remember how God made a fall and how he made the so Joshua’s could win battles for the Promised Land? When a bad tried to run away from Joshua, God sent big hailstones from the The hailstones killed more of the bad than the of the did! Joshua reminded his “It was God who fought for you.” He got them to promise that they would serve and obey God. He gave each family part of the Promised Land.

What Did You Learn?

God gives what he promises.

The Moldy Bread Trick

Joshua 9

To get the to promise not to fight them, the Gibeonites pretended to live farther away than they really did. They loaded with worn-out sacks, put patched sandals on their , wore old clothes, and brought that was dry and green with mold to Joshua. They lied and said these had all been new when they began their trip. The did not about what to do. They wrote a promise that they would not fight the Gibeonites. When they learned about the trick, they didn’t fight. Instead, they used the Gibeonites for

What Did You Learn?

We need to pray before we make decisions.

Amazing Deborah Wins a War

Judges 4

A named Deborah was an leader. She decided who was and who was 1 day she told Barak, “God says to take an to a where God will put the other army’s leader into your Barak would not without Deborah. She said, “I will with you, but if you do this the way God said, the honor will not be yours. God will hand that leader to a “Deborah and Barak’s won, but a named Jael, instead of Barak, was the 1 who killed the other army’s leader.

What Did You Learn?

It would be a shame if we didn’t obey God and he had to use someone else.

Surprising Signs for Gideon

Judges 6

An told Gideon to lead the in a battle. Gideon wanted to be sure this was what God wanted and that God would help him. Gideon said to God, “I will place a fleece outside. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the is dry, I will know that you will save the The next morning the fleece was wet and the was dry! Gideon , “Let me ask for 1 more test. This time make the fleece dry and the covered with dew.” The next morning the fleece was dry and the was wet!

What Did You Learn?

It is important that we try to find God’s will for our lives.

The Incredible Shrinking Army

Judges 7:1–22

God wanted the to know that when they won a battle it was through his help, not just because they had many God told Gideon to send home any 1 in the who was to fight. Then he told Gideon to take the men who were left to get a at the . God told Gideon to send home the men who got down on their knees to water. Gideon only kept 300 who lapped with their to their mouths. Then God told Gideon’s small how to win. if They blew trumpets, broke , held torches, and shouted. The other fought themselves by mistake, , and ran away!

What Did You Learn?

God is our strength.

Samuel Picks the Little Guy

1 Samuel 16:1–13

Samuel had to find out which of Jesse’s sons God wanted to be . God said,” think about how he looks or how tall he is. looks at the outside, but God looks at the .” Samuel met 7 of Jesse’s sons and knew God had not chosen any of them. Then Jesse said his youngest son was taking care of . That was David. He was the 1 God wanted. So Samuel put drops of oil on David to show that he would be . Later, David fought a and won. Then after many years, he became .

What Did You Learn?

God looks at the heart.

Saul’s Close Calls

1 Samuel 24; 26:5–25; 1 Chronicles 10:4–14

1 day while David was playing the harp for Saul, Saul threw a spear at David! David ran away. For a long time, Saul and his chased David and planned to kill him. 1 time Saul came into a cave and didn’t see David in the dark. David cut off a corner of Saul’s to prove to Saul that he had passed a chance to kill him. Later David found Saul asleep with his spear stuck in the near his head. He took the spear to prove he had shown mercy to Saul again. Later Saul died, and David became the .

What Did You Learn?

God doesn’t want us to take revenge.

David Helps a Lame Guy

2 Samuel 9

Saul’s son, Jonathan, was David’s very close friend. After Saul and Jonathan died, David became , He asked, “Is any 1 left in Saul’s family to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” A said, “Jonathan’s son is alive. He is crippled in both .” David gave the lame son land and after that always let him at his like 1 of his sons. The lame asked, “Why should you notice a dead like me?” David showed kindness like God does. We’re like the who felt as worthless as a dead . God wants us at his in as his !

What Did You Learn?

Show kindness like God does. Who’s the Real Mom?

Who’s the Real Mom?

1 Kings 3:16–28

Solomon asked God for wisdom, and God gave it. 1 day 2 came to see Solomon. They both said they were 1 baby’s mother. The pretended he thought the should be cut in 2 pieces so half of the could go to each The real mom her She said, “Give the to her! Don’t kill him!” Then the knew who the real mom was. He let the live, and gave him to the who wanted him to be safe. The saw that the had wisdom from God to do what was and fair.

What Did You Learn?

Wisdom comes from God.

The Incredible Expanding Food

1 Kings 17:1–16

During a time when no fell for years, there was not much or God sent black to bring and meat to Elijah 2 times each day. Then God told a to share with him. When Elijah asked her for a of and a piece of , she told him, “I only have a little flour and oil.” She thought the flour and oil would make her last meal for her son and herself before they starved. The shared with Elijah anyway, and the flour and oil did not run out until God sent .

What Did You Learn?

God blesses us when we do what he asks.

Fire Falls from Heaven

1 Kings 18:16–40

Elijah said to who a “You offer meat to your god. I’ll offer meat to my God. The god who catches the meat on is real.” The to the , but no 1 answered. Elijah teased, “Maybe he is asleep.” Then Elijah to the real God, “I did what you said. Answer me so these will know you’re God and you’re turning their back again.” Then came and burned the meat, the wood, and even around it! The fell and “The Lord is God!”

What Did You Learn?

God wants people to know he is real. Three Thirsty Kings

Three Thirsty Kings

2 Kings 3

After 3 marched for 7 days with their they had no more for themselves or their 1 asked Elisha for help. Elisha told him, “God says to make this valley full of ditches. You will see neither nor yet this valley will be filled with You, your and your other will This is easy in the of the Lord. You will win your battle too.” The next morning, flowing filled the valley. Then the 3 won the battle just as God said they would.

What Did You Learn?

Amazing miracles are easy for the Lord.

The Miraculous Oil Jar

2 Kings 4:1–7

A could not repay she owed to some . They wanted to take her sons and make them work as . She turned to Elisha for help. He asked, “What do you have in your ?” She said, “Just a little oil.” Elisha said,” ask neighbors for empty . Ask for many. Then inside, shut the , and pour oil into all the .” The of oil kept pouring until there were no left to fill. Then the oil stopped flowing. Elisha said,” sell the oil, and pay the you owe. You and your sons can live on the that is left.”

What Did You Learn?

We can trust God to take care of us.

An Axe Head Floats

2 Kings 6:1–7

A named Elisha listened to God. He and his friends wanted to build a meeting place near the Jordan so they got to work. They chopped with an As 1 was cutting a the metal part of the fell into the and sank. “Oh no!” he out, “I had borrowed that !” Elisha cut a stick and threw it where the head had fallen. That made the heavy metal part of the float! “Lift it out,” Elisha said. Then the reached out his and took it.

What Did You Learn?

God even cares about our little problems.

Chariots of Fire to the Rescue

2 Kings 6:8–23

When Elisha’s got 1 morning, he saw an evil king’s , , and around the The was . Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his so he may see.” Then the saw the hills full of and made of all around! As the bad came toward him, Elisha “Strike them blind.” The could not see! Elisha led them to another Then when he asked God to open their they could see again. Elisha let the back to their

What Did You Learn?

Sometimes we can’t see all of the help God has sent.

An Eight-Year-Old King

2 Kings 22:1–23:30

Josiah was 8 years old when he became He did what was . He had workers fix the . They found part of the that no 1 had read for a long time. Josiah felt that his had not obeyed what the said. Josiah told God he was sorry, and he Because the God put a to his plans to destroy their land. Josiah read the aloud to his . They promised to follow God and keep his commands with all of their and soul.

What Did You Learn?

A leader who loves God can turn his people away from evil.

A Shadow Creeps Backward

2 Kings 20:1–11, 20

A named Hezekiah got Isaiah told him, “The Lord says to get ready because you will die.” Hezekiah and After Isaiah left the palace, God sent him back to tell the that God said, “I heard you and saw you I will heal you. I will add 15 years to your life. And I will not let the of Assyria rule over you.” Hezekiah asked how he could be sure. Isaiah for the shadow on the to backwards up the 10 it had already gone and that’s what happened!

What Did You Learn?

God is in charge of how long we live.

A Praying Queen Foils a Plot

Esther 1–10

A bad named Haman got a to say that all the Jews would be killed. The did not know that his wife, a named Esther, was Jewish. Esther wanted to Haman’s evil plan, but a could be killed if she went to see the when he had not called for her. Her cousin said to her, “Who knows, but maybe you have become the for such a time as this?” Esther asked the Jews to fast—not or —for 3 days. After 3 days, Esther went to see the . He was glad to see her! The let the Jews live. He had bad Haman killed instead.

What Did You Learn?

It is good to pray and fast with friends about big problems.

It Couldn’s Get Much Worse

Job 1–42

A named Job often and did . God let Satan tempt Job. killed his and . His were stolen. blew a , killing his . Job bowed to the in He said, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away.” Then sores covered Job, but Job didn’t sin. He said, “Should we take good from God and not trouble?” Friends said he must have sinned to deserve all this. God said Job’s friends were . He gave Job twice what he had before.

What Did You Learn?

Trust God even in hard times, and don’t blame people when bad things happen to them.

New Testament

Christmas Angels

Luke 1:26–39; Matthew 1:18–21

1 day an surprised a young named Mary. He said, “You will have a . Name him .” The explained, “He will be the Son of God. Nothing is impossible with God.” An came to Joseph, the who was engaged to Mary. The said in a , “ be to take Mary as your wife. Name the Jesus because he will save from their sins.” When was born, an said to some , “A Savior has been born to you! He is Christ the Lord. Suddenly a large group of from also appeared and praised God!

What Did You Learn?

Jesus is the Son of God, and he saves us from our sins.

God Speaks Up for His Son

Matthew 17:1–8; 3:16–17; John 12:20–28

God spoke from the day Jesus was baptized and said, “This is my Son, whom I ; I am well pleased with him.” God said the same thing from a while and 3 friends were on a That day God added, “Listen to him!” Jesus’ friends were so they fell on the . On another day, told friends he would die on the soon and receive glory. He said, “Father, glorify your name!” A voice from said, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.”

What Did You Learn?

God loves his Son Jesus and is pleased with him. He wants us to listen to him.

Jesus Heals Ten Men at Once

Matthew 9:20–22, 2–30; 8:14–15; Mark 2:1–12;
Luke 5:12–13, 6:6–10; 17:11–19; 22:49–51

One day 10 with a skin disease called loudly, Master, have pity on us!” Jesus said, “ show yourself to the religious leaders.” And as they went, Jesus made their skin disease disappear! One came back praising God loudly. He threw himself at the of and thanked him. Jesus asked, “Weren’t all 10 cleansed? Where are the other 9?” Then he said to the Get and ; your faith has made you well.” healed the of blind men. He helped lame men to . touched the of a with a fever and the fever left. said to a whose was shriveled, “Stretch out your .” He did and his was normal!

What Did You Learn?

Jesus cares when we’re sick, and he wants us to thank him when he heals us.

Back to Life

Luke 7:11–17; 8:49–9:1, John 11:1–46

brought some back to life after they died. When he saw a dead carried out of the Jesus felt for the man’s mom and said to her, “Don’t .” told the dead to get . The sat and began talking! After a 12-year-old died, Jesus took her and said, “My child, get !” She did! After Lazarus had been in a for 4 days, said to the man’s sister, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me will live, even though he dies.” After the was moved from the doorway of the , Jesus called to the dead “Lazarus, come out!” Every 1 was amazed when Lazarus out of the

What Did You Learn?

Jesus has power over life and death.

Jesus—A Good Friend to Bad People

Matthew 9:9–13; Mark 2:13–17;
Luke 5:27–32; John 8:1–11; Luke 7:36–50

1 time, caught a doing They brought her to and wanted to throw at her. said, “If any of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a Every 1 left except the and He told her, “I want you to be punished. and leave your life of sin.” Another day, a who had been sinful came to . She on his and wiped them with her Jesus said, “Her many sins have been forgiven because she much. But he who has been forgiven little little.”

What Did You Learn?

Jesus loves us even when we have done wrong.

Love Your Enemies

Matthew 5:44–48; 22:37–40; John 13:34, 35

said loving God and other are the greatest commands. Every command in the is about showing . said to even your enemies and for those who are mean to you. After all, God makes his rise on both the evil and the good, and he sends on both those who do and those who do We are not just supposed to those who us or only say hello to friends and family. Even without God do that. said, “As I have loved you, so you must 1 another. This is how all men will know that you learn from me, if you 1 another.”

What Did You Learn?

God wants us to love everyone like he does.

What Is Most Valuable

Matthew 19:16–26; 13:45–46

said, “The kingdom of is like a salesman who looked for fine pearls. When he found 1 of great value, he sold everything he had and bought the pearl.” The kingdom of God was worth more than what the man gave for it. asked a young ruler who had a lot of to sell all he had and give to the poor so he would have in Instead, the went away He made the choice. Disciples of made the choice. They even away from their jobs to follow .

What Did You Learn?

Following Jesus as King is worth more than anything.

How Many Hairs Do You Have?

Matthew 6:25–30; 10:28–3; Luke 15:3–24; James 4:8

You matter very much to God. said that if 1 falls to the God knows about it. And you are worth more than the . He said even the hairs of your head are counted! God feeds the and clothes the , so you can trust him to feed and clothe you. If you ever wandered away from God, he would look for you like a looks for his lost . told about a runaway son who did things. The son wanted to come home, but he was his dad would be very Instead, the dad ran out to hug him! God feels that way about you!

What Did You Learn?

We matter very much to God!

Peter Starts to Walk by Faith

Matthew 8:23–27; 14:22–33; 15:32–38; Luke 5:1–11; John 21:1–14

did many miracles. He fed thousands of with only 1 boy’s lunch. He filled with He even calmed a instantly! On another , on across the sea to friends who were on a Peter wanted to on the sea too. When said to him, “Come,” Peter did. But as soon as Peter saw the he became and began to sink. Peter “Lord, save me!” Jesus caught him by the and said, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they climbed into the , the in the boat worshiped saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

What Did You Learn?

Jesus can do what seems impossible, so walk by faith and don’t let doubts pull you down.

Runaway Pigs

Mark 5:1–20

A lived among . No 1 was enough to control him. He broke chains, out, and cut himself with . When he saw , he fell on his knees and shouted, “What do you want with me, , Son of God?” said, “Come out of him, you evil spirit!” The many evil spirits that were in the man went out of him and into a herd of about 2,000 . The rushed the hill into the lake and drowned. Now the was fine. Jesus said,” tell your family how much the Lord has done for you.”

What Did You Learn?

Jesus is stronger than evil.

A Fish Delivers a Coin

Matthew 17:24–27

Where lived, paid called taxes to take care of the and its workers. Someone asked Peter, “Doesn’t pay the tax?” Peter said, “Yes, he does.” When Peter came into the , was the first to speak. He asked, “Do of the collect taxes from their own sons or others?” Peter said, “From others.” “Then the sons have to pay,” said. “But so that we may not upset them, to the lake and throw your line into the . Take the first you catch; open its mouth and you will find a coin. Give it to them for our tax.”

What Did You Learn?

God can give us what we need … even in unusual ways.

Jesus Puts Back an Ear

Jesus went to a to He wanted to be ready for the time when he would die on a . After , a mob showed up who wanted to take him away. Jesus’ friend Peter wanted to them. He lifted a and cut off the right of a named Malchus. Jesus said, “No more of this!” He touched the man’s and healed him.

What Did You Learn?

Jesus even helped people who wanted to harm him.

The Day Jesus Died

Matthew 27:50–61; Mark 15:37–16:1;
Luke 23:44–56; John 19:38–42

When died on the , many amazing events happened. The stopped shining. The curtain, which had separated from God, tore apart. The shook, split, and broke open. After Jesus rose, bodies of holy who had died came to life and went into the ! When the guards saw the earthquake and all that happened, they were and said, “Surely was the Son of God!” Joseph of Arimathea took the body of from the . With the help of a named Nicodemus, Joseph put the body of in a that had never been used.

What Did You Learn?

Surely Jesus is the Son of God.

Jesus Appears

Luke 24:13–53

While 2 were on the to Emmaus, began to with them. They didn’t recognize him. They told him, “Our rulers put on a 3 days ago. went to the but didn’t find his body. They told us said he was alive. Our friends went to the but they did not see .” said, “You are slow to believe all the says! Christ had to suffer these things.” Then the invited Jesus into their . He sat at their , , and handed them some . That’s when they saw that he was , and then he disappeared! Many others saw alive too.

What Did You Learn?

Jesus is alive! He did what the Bible said he would do.

The Sewing Lady Comes Back

Acts 9:36–41

A named Tabitha sewed clothes for a living. She did good and helped who didn’t have enough 1 day Tabitha became and died. Some who followed said to Peter, “Please come at once!” When Peter went into the room where Tabitha’s body was, he saw . They showed him the clothes Tabitha had made while she was still alive. Peter sent them out. Then he got on his knees to . He turned toward the dead and said, “Tabitha, get .” She opened her and sat ! Peter took her and helped her to her . Many in the heard about this and believed in .

What Did You Learn?

When people hear about the great things God has done, many believe in him.

Two Liars Drop Dead

Acts 4:32–5:12

After went to his followers shared all they had. No 1 was needy, because from time to time, who sold their land or brought the to the apostles. Then those leaders gave the to whoever had a need. Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, sold some land, but kept part of the . Then they brought the rest to the leaders as if it was all of the . Peter said, “You have not lied to men but to God.” Ananias fell dead. carried him out and buried him. His wife came in later and lied too. Peter said, “The of the who buried your husband are at the . They will carry you out also.” Then she fell at his dead. buried her beside her husband.

What Did You Learn?

God knows the truth.

Angel Power Opens a Gate

Act 12:1-17

Herod put Peter in for telling about . The of the church began to for Peter. While Peter was asleep and chained between an 2 soldiers, an came. The woke him. “Quick, get !” he said. The chains fell off Peter’s wrists. Then the told him to put on clothes and follow him. Peter followed the out of . The gate leading to the opened by itself. Then the left. Peter went to a where many were . He told them how God had brought him out of .

What Did You Learn?

God can lead us out of our problems.

Philip Disappears!

Acts 8:26–9:1–40

An told Philip to a through the . There he saw an African riding a . The spirit told Philip, “ to that .” Philip ran to it and heard the reading the . “Do you understand it?” Philip asked. The said, “I need someone to explain it.” He asked Philip to sit with him. Philip said the verse was about . When they came to some near the , the asked Philip to baptize him. When they came out of the , Philip was suddenly gone! Philip showed in another and told there about .

What Did You Learn?

God can put us in the right place at the right time to tell about Jesus.

Stephen Sees Right in Heaven

Acts 6:1–8:3

Stephen helped the church give to widows. Stephen told all about the . He said their families killed prophets who said would come. He said these themselves had killed They were very angry! Stephen looked to and saw the glory of God and standing at the right of God. The threw . Stephen , “Lord , receive my spirit. Do not hold this sin against them.” After he said that, he died and went to .

What Did You Learn?

Jesus is with us as we bravely tell others about him.

A Clever Escape

Acts 9:20–25

Saul, who was also called Paul, was cruel to Christians. Then 1 day a light blinded him. He heard speak and believed in After God healed his , Saul began to preach that is the Son of God. who heard him were amazed. They asked, “Isn’t he the who caused trouble for Christians? Has he come here to take them to ?” Yet Saul proved to them that is the Christ. Some plotted to kill Saul, but he learned of their plan. Day and they kept close watch on the gates of the so they could kill him as he came out. But one his friends lowered him in a through an opening in the of the

What Did You Learn?

Tell others about Jesus even if it’s risky.

An Earthquake Shakes the Jail

Ascts 16:16–40

Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into Instead of , they and hymns to God! An earthquake shook the The flew open, and everybody’s chains came loose. The jailer was he would be in big trouble if prisoners escaped. Paul shouted, “We are all here!” The jailer fell in front of Paul and Silas. He asked, “What must I do to be saved?” They said, “Believe in the Lord and you will be saved.” The jailer and his family were baptized. He was very his whole family believed in God. In the morning, leaders told him to let Paul and Silas free.

What Did You Learn?

Praise God in every situation. He can turn what’s bad into good.

Falling Out the Window

One , who believed in had a meeting. A young named Eutychus sat in a third-story listening to Paul talk. Paul talked for a long, long time until midnight. The young man’s began to close. He sank into a deep sleep and fell out the to the . When they picked him , he was dead! Paul went the , threw himself on the young , and put his arms around him. “Don’t be ,” he said. “He’s alive!” They were that Eutychus was alive. Then they all went back the , ate and listened to Paul talk until the rose.

What Did You Learn?

God can do great things through people who trust him.

Shipwrecked!

Acts 27

While Paul was in , he and other prisoners had to to Italy by . A terrible arose. The were Paul said to them, “An told me not 1 of you will be lost; only the will be destroyed.” The ran into a sandbar, and the back part of the was broken to pieces by the waves. Some jumped into the to swim to land. The rest got there on wooden planks or pieces of the . Everyone was safe!

What Did You Learn?

When we’re in danger, we can trust God.

Whate’s Biting You?

Acts 28:1–6

After the shipwreck, Paul and the others swam or floated to shore in the cold The nice on the island built a As Paul put wood on the , a poisonous came out of the wood and bit Paul! When the saw the hanging from Paul’s , they thought Paul was being punished for doing something But Paul just shook the off into the . Paul did not swell or die. He was fine. Then thought he was a god. Of course, Paul was not a god, and the people should have the real God who saved him instead!

What Did You Learn?

The devil attacks us when we’re down, but God helps us survive.

God’s Amazing Grace

John 3:16; 23–25; 14:6–7; Romans 5:8
Ephesians 2:8–10; 1 John 2:3–6, 9–10

God’s grace is the undeserved kindness he shows us. Because God us, he offers us a way to . Jesus said, “I am the way … No 1 comes to the Father except through me.” We sin when we do things and also when we do what is good and Sin could have kept us out of . But because of his grace, God let take punishment for our sins on the . God the so much that he gave his 1 and only Son so whoever believes in will not die but will live forever in .

What Did You Learn?

Because of God’s amazing grace, he sent Jesus to be the way for us to go to heaven.

Dressed in Armor

Ephesians 6:10–17

Be in the Lord and put on the full of God so you can stand against the devil’s tricks. We don’t fight against but against evil. Believe and tell the truth—buckle the belt of truth around your waist. Be with God through —wear the breastplate of righteousness. Be ready to share good news about peace that gives—put on readiness shoes. Believe God—hold a shield of faith against temptations the devil shoots like fiery arrows. Trust to save you—wear a of salvation. Remember the Word of God—fight the devil with the of the Spirit.

What Did You Learn?

Be strong in the Lord so we’re ready to fight temptations.

We’re the Body of Christ

1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4:1–16

God gives his Holy Spirit to people who believe in The Holy Spirit gives us the power to serve God. Just like , , , and work together in a body, believers with different abilities work together for Jesus. The can’t say to the , “I don’t need you!” Christians need each other very much. If 1 part suffers, every part suffers with it. If 1 part is honored, every part is with it. Every believer is an important part of the body of Christ, and Jesus is the head. As each part does its work, the body grows in .

What Did You Learn?

Christians need to work together like parts of a body.

We’re Going Up in the Air

Matthew 24:36–44; 25:1–30; Mark 13:32–37;
Luke 12:35–56; 21:34–36; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–18

When went to in the , told the there that would return the same way. said he will come back when no 1 expects him. Even the know the exact day or hour. A will sound when comes from . who died believing in him will rise first. After that, believers who are still alive will catch with them in the to meet in the air and to be with forever!

What Did You Learn?

Jesus wants us to be ready for his return.

A Note to Moms & Dads

When I was five or six years old, I informed my mother: “I don’t need to go to Sunday school anymore because I’ve already heard all of the Bible stories.” I’m glad she kept taking me because, obviously, the Bible held much more to discover! This book tells many Bible stories that are amazing.

The little pictures within the text of this book not only add fun, they make reading easy for beginners. The first time my five-year-old son, Ryan, ever read a complete sentence was when he picked up from my desk the manuscript for my first storybook of this kind—Picture That! Bible Storybook. He beamed and said, “Hey, I can read this! I can read this!” I was thrilled to hear him sound out the simple words. Every time he came to a picture within the text, he smiled because he could guess the word it represented. The pictures in the sentences gave him the hints he needed for reading by himself.

I hope you’ll feel the same joy as you hear your children read aloud these amazing stories simplified from God’s Holy Word. It is my prayer that as you read together, you and your children will be awed by God’s power and touched by his love.

ZONDERKIDZ

Picture That! 2 Bible Storybook
Previously published as Amazing Stories of the Bible
Copyright © 2002, 2011 by Tracy Harrast
Illustrations copyright © 2002, 2011 by Garry Colby

All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this ebook on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, down-loaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of Zondervan.

EPub Edition © MARCH 2011 ISBN: 978-0-310-72720-0

Requests for information should be addressed to:

Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Harrast, Tracy L.
        Picture That! 2, Bible storybook / by Tracy Harrast.
        p. cm.
        ISBN 978-0-310-72715-6 (softcover)
        1. Bible stories, English. I. Title.
    BS551.3.H356 2011
    220.9'505-dc22                                                            2010052265

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other—except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the publisher.

Zonderkidz is a trademark of Zondervan.

Editor: Gwen Ellis
Art direction: Michelle Lenger

11 12 13 14 15 /SCP/ 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

About the Publisher

Founded in 1931, Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Zondervan, a division of HarperCollinsPublishers, is the leading international Christian communications company, producing best-selling Bibles, books, new media products, a growing line of gift products and award-winning children's products. The world's largest Bible publisher, Zondervan (www.zondervan.com) holds exclusive publishing rights to the New International Version of the Bible and has distributed more than 150 million copies worldwide. It is also one of the top Christian publishers in the world, selling its award-winning books through Christian retailers, general market bookstores, mass merchandisers, specialty retailers, and the Internet. Zondervan has received a total of 68 Gold Medallion awards for its books, more than any other publisher.

Share Your Thoughts

With the Author: Your comments will be forwarded to the author when you send them to zauthor@zondervan.com.

With Zondervan: Submit your review of this book by writing to zreview@zondervan.com.

Free Online Resources at
www.zondervan.com/hello

| Zondervan AuthorTracker: Be notified whenever your favorite authors publish new books, go on tour, or post an update about what’s happening in their lives.
| Daily Bible Verses and Devotions: Enrich your life with daily Bible verses or devotions that help you start every morning focused on God.
| Free Email Publications: Sign up for newsletters on fiction, Christian living, church ministry, parenting, and more.
| Zondervan Bible Search: Find and compare Bible passages in a variety of translations at www.zondervanbiblesearch.com.
| Other Benefits: Register yourself to receive online benefits like coupons and special offers, or to participate in research.