Breaker Rock Beach

June 6, 2023

By Aaron Wilson

BRENTWOOD (Tenn.) — “Truth can be different for different people. Do what makes you happy. If you don’t agree with me, you don’t love me.”

These are just a few of the lies today’s culture is telling our kids. But standing tall amid the changing tides of popular opinion is God’s rock-solid truth. This imagery forms the idea and setting for “Breaker Rock Beach,” Lifeway Christian Resources’ 2024 Vacation Bible School (VBS) theme.

“Next year’s VBS setting takes place in the Pacific Northwest, where wild, rugged beaches stretch for miles and are untouched by the trappings of tourism,” said Melita Thomas, VBS and kids ministry specialist for Lifeway. “These beaches are teeming with wildlife and marked by enormous rock formations seemingly jutting out of the middle of the ocean. That image—a monolithic rock standing tall and firm while waves crash on either side—is the reason we chose this theme. It’s a visual representation of what God’s unshakable truth is like in a world of cultural crashing waves and shifting sands.”

The biblical lessons in “Breaker Rock Beach” flow from the motto “God’s truth never changes!” and the theme verse, Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God” (CSB).

“We’re living in a world where culture has become the primary determinant of what is considered true, normal and celebrated,” said Thomas. “Kids must wrestle with the differences between what the world says is true and truth as defined by Scripture. They need to learn to think biblically and practice discernment to spot counterfeit truth.

“Next year’s VBS will help kids discover that God’s Word is not like the shifting sands of popular belief that can change as quickly as a wave washing away a sandcastle,” said Thomas. “They will discover that God’s truth is immovable, unchanging and worth building one’s life upon.”

“Breaker Rock Beach” includes the following daily focus points and Bible stories, along with “some people say” statements juxtaposed to “God says” truths.

Day 1: Truth comes from God. Bible story: Satan tricked Adam and Eve.

• Some people say: “Truth can be different for different people.”
• God says: “Truth comes from Me.”

Day 2: God’s plan is best. Bible story: Daniel chose God’s way.

• Some people say: “Do what makes you happy.”
• God says: “My plan for you is even better.”

Day 3: Everyone needs Jesus. Bible story: The rich young ruler

• Some people say: “Being a good person gets you into heaven.”
• God says: “Everyone sins and needs a Savior.”

Day 4: Jesus is the only way. Bible story: John wrote about Jesus.

• Some people say: “There are many ways to get to heaven.”
• God says: “Jesus is the only way.”

Day 5: Speak the truth in love. Bible story: Paul encouraged the Ephesians.

• Some people say: “If you don’t agree with me, you don’t love me.”
• God says: “Speak the truth in love.”

“The ‘some people say’ and ‘God says’ statements will help kids and adults recognize ideas that might sound good on the surface but are counter to what Scripture teaches is true and best,” said Thomas. “It’s going to be eye-opening because many people hear these sayings every day and accept them as true without stopping to discern whether these platitudes line up with Scripture. This VBS theme is going to make us all think, and that’s a good thing!”

VBS remains one of the most popular church programs in the U.S., Lifeway Research shows. Six in 10 Americans say they went to VBS growing up, and 95% of parents whose child attended VBS say it provided a positive experience.

More information about “Breaker Rock Beach” can be found at vbs.lifeway.com.

-30-

Aaron Wilson is a writer for Lifeway Christian Resources.