Now and Then – A Fun Bible Object Lesson for Your Kids
Written by Kathy Vincent, The Scripture Lady
Now and then. What a wonderful phrase. Let me show you what I mean. Now, we experience many trials. Then, in Heaven, we will be free from all suffering. Now, we only see God as looking through a glass darkly. Then, we shall see Him face to face. Heaven is definitely something our children should look forward to. It will be worlds apart from the way we know life to be now. In fact, Revelation 21:23 says this: The city has no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it.” Now that’s what I call different! What an amazing verse and here is a fun Bible object lesson to help teach this important truth.
Here’s what you do:
The objects you will use for this lesson will be 2 paper plates. On one of them, write the word “NOW” and on the other, write “THEN”. Make the “NOW” plate very plain, but lavishly decorate the “THEN” plate.
Ask the following questions to help stimulate discussion:
1. Raise your hand if you think Heaven is going to be very different than the way live now?
2. Who can read the 2 words on my plates?
3. Who can tell me one way we live on the earth now, but will be different, then, in Heaven? (Wait for responses.)
4. Ask a child to read Revelation 21:23.
5. Say the following: Wow! That’s very different! Let’s learn a little more about this portion of Scripture and how it teaches us to live our lives for God. Here are 3 important points about this truth.
Point 1:
Heaven is a wonderful place.
Filled with glory and grace.
I want to see my Savior’s face.
‘Cause Heaven is a wonderful place.
I want to go there!
Have you ever heard this little song? It’s one of my favorites because it reminds me of how wonderful Heaven is going to be.
Point 2: Let’s play a little game. I am going to tell you the way things are here on earth and you see if you can tell me the way things will be in Heaven. Here we go. (Hold up your plates during the “Now” example and the “Then” example.)
1. Now, we wear clothes that wear out. What will it be like in Heaven? Answer: In Heaven, we will wear white robes that will never go bad.
2. Now, we need medicine to heal our sickness. What will it be like in Heaven? Answer: In Heaven, there will be no sickness.
3. Now, we sleep to get rested. What will it be like in Heaven? Answer: In Heaven, we will never sleep, but praise the Lord day and night.
4. Now, we have the sun and moon to give us light in the day and night. What will it be like in Heaven? Answer: In Heaven, Jesus will be the only light we need.
5. Now, things die when they are old and worn out. What will it be like in Heaven? Answer: In Heaven, there will be no more death, crying or pain.
Point 3: Sometimes it’s hard to imagine how fantastic Heaven is going to be because we’re so used to living on earth. But how glorious life will be there. Jesus will be our joy forever and ever and ever!
This 3-Point Bible Object Lesson for Kids was inspired by my reading of C.H. Spurgeon’s devotional on Revelation 21:23 from his book Morning and Evening. You too can be inspired by your favorite Christian authors and come up with your own 3-Point Sermon for Kids.
Next, if you liked this Sunday School/Homeschooling idea, then sign up today to receive Scripture Lady's Free Email Kid Tips packed full with creative ideas and receive 6 FREE Bible Review Games to help your kids get excited about the Bible!
Just click here: http://myfreebiblegames.com to receive your 6 FREE Bible Review Games today!
Article author
About the Author
She is also a regular seminar speaker, author/creator of over 30 products for the Christian children's worker and a veteran homeschooling mom of two.
Further reading
Further Reading
Article
Psychic Poise — the Standpoint of Balance in the Response to Life Situations
when we base our viewpoint in the external being and the ego personality, we are always reactive and imbalanced. When we shift to the soul standpoint, we gain balance and poise in our responses to life situations
September 20, 2026
Article
The Psychic Transformation — First Stage of the Triple Transformation of Consciousness
the transformation from the standpoint of the external ego-personality involves 3 major stages, the psychic transformation, the spiritual transformation and the supramental transformation. The psychic transformation holds the key to the other two stages.
September 20, 2026
Article
Signs Indicating the Coming Forward of the Psychic Being
The psychic being has specific qualities and characteristics. When they begin to express themselves through an individual, it means the psychic being has taken a more active role in the guidance and management of the life of that individual
September 19, 2026
Article
Perfect Sincerity Is Based in Organising the Entire Being’s Action Around the Psychic Centre
sincerity in the ordinary sense is different than sincerity in the spiritual growth of the individual.
September 17, 2026