BCIC Faith Sample

Faith Visualizing what God intends to do in a given situation and acting in harmony with it

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” HEBREWS 11:1

ABRAHAM TRUSTS GOD TO KEEP HIS PROMISES “And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.”

GENESIS 22:2

SPIRITUAL GIFT:

BIBLICAL CHARACTER ILLUSTRATED CURRICULUM Illustrated in Scripture, Illustrated in Life

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CONTENTS

Biblical Character Illustrated Curriculum Illustrated in Scripture “The testimony of the Lord is sure, making

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wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7b). Biblical

Introduction

character is illustrated in this curriculum

2 How to Use This Curriculum

through both artwork and lessons from

3 Goals and Objectives

the lives of people in God’s Word. We most

4 Character Quality Overview

often benefit from the positive examples

5 Faith in Scripture

of faithful men and women. “For whatso-

6 Lesson 1:

Receive His Promises

written for our learning, that we through

7 Bible Story: Abraham Trusts God to Keep His Promises

patience and comfort of the scriptures

8 Memory Verse: Hebrews 10:36

might have hope” (Romans 15:4). There were

9 Activity: Bible Reading Chart

also people in the Bible who are repre-

10 Lesson 2:

Act on the Truth

11 Bible Story: Two Spies Meet a Secret Believer 12 Memory Verse: Luke 11:28 13 Activity: Feeling, Faith, and Fact Scramble

14 Lesson 3:

Ask Expectantly

15 Bible Story: A Hopeful Centurion Makes an Urgent Request 16 Memory Verse: Hebrews 11:1 17 Activity: Word Search

18 Lesson 4:

Lay Aside All Doubt and Fear

19 Bible Story: A Disciple Admits His Unbelief 20 Memory Verse: Psalm 23:4 21 Activity: Bigger and Better

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ever things were written aforetime were

Additional Resources

learn from their lives as well. “Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted” (I Corinthians 10:6). We would be wise to learn from the testimonies God has given us in Scripture.

Illustrated in Life “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Hearing the Word of God causes us to grow in faith.

This curriculum offers many practical applications of God’s Word to everyday life. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). As God enables us to act in faith, our lives as believers will illustrate His character to others.

22 Faith GEMs 23 Journal and GEM

sentations of poor character, and we can

Mine

24 Hymn Sheet Music: “I Know Whom I Have Believed” 25 H ymn History: “I Know Whom I Have Believed”

by Daniel W. Whittle 26 Explaining Salvation to a Child 27 Reproducible Coloring Pages 31 Recommended Resources

The character of God is illustrated in Scripture.

May it also be illustrated in our lives.

Character Quality Overview What Is Faith?

Read aloud and discuss what faith means and how it applies to life.

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he operational definition of faith is “visualizing what God intends to do in a given situation and acting in harmony with it.” Often, the word faith is used to describe “religion” or “a person’s beliefs.” However, Biblical faith is seeing Who God is, discerning (visualizing) His will, and confidently obeying Him. Faith in God gives us access to His grace. (See Romans 5:2.)

Faith is developed by learning to hear God’s voice through His Word.

The Holy Spirit reveals Who God is and convicts of sin. He also directs in accordance with His Word and confirms with peace.

A Christian’s hope is Just as a sleeping baby’s full weight rests on his parent, we demonstrate faith by complete confidence fully resting in the Lord, trusting that He that God will fulfill will meet all our needs.

His promises, even while expectantly waiting for them to happen. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Those who exercise faith in God can overcome doubt and experience God’s supernatural peace and joy, even in stressful situations.

The opposite of faith is “unbelief.” When a person questions God, he is not trusting that God is Who He says He is. Doubting God is denying His faithfulness, which leads to relying on oneself or something other than Christ. Being independent reveals pride, which is the presumption that we know what is best for ourselves and others. This stubborn distrust is unbelief, which

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often is expressed in complaints, fears, and rebellion.

We demonstrate unbelief when we think: “I’m not sure God’s promises apply to my situation” or “I tried trusting God, but it didn’t work.” We may even conclude that “I need to be in control.” Acting on these lies will lead to disaster. Scripture warns: “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12).

Imagine an earthly father who is kind, dependable, and hardworking.

Wouldn’t his children have the confident expectation and Unbelief is seen in the theory of evolution, because it denies both the truths of the assurance that Bible and the evidence of a Creator clearly whatever their manifested in nature. dad promised, he would do? Of course they would! Because of their father’s love and integrity, the children would trustingly believe his word and be at rest. How much more should we trust our perfect, Heavenly Father, Who always keeps His Word? We can trust God because He loved us and died to redeem us from sin. If we doubt God’s love and goodness, we miss the joy of seeing His faithfulness and participating in His work. Our unbelief also prevents us from pleasing God: “But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

Faith in Scripture

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FAITH KEY VERSE

s you read and study God’s Word, you will see Who He is! Be willing to be changed by

Him so Christ can be seen through your life and

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

HEBREWS 11:1

others will glorify God.

The Character of God

Faith in My Life

We see faithfulness and faith manifested through the Trinity in the following ways.

Now let’s examine some ways God wants us to live out faith daily.

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God, unlike man, is always worthy of our faith.

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(See Psalm 18:2, 118:8.)

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God’s faithfulness gives us reason to trust Him.

(See Romans 14:23, Ephesians 2:8.)

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(See Hebrews 10:23, I John 1:9.)

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God is faithful to sanctify believers and to continue His work in them.

Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith.

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Jesus steadfastly obeyed the will of God despite great suffering, because He had faith in His Father.

(See Luke 22:42, I Peter 2:23.)

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How is my faith evident or demonstrated?

(See James 2:17–18.)

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Who are the enemies of my faith?

(See I Peter 5:8–9, Jude 1:3–4.)

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The Holy Spirit convinces the heart of truth and gives faith to say that “Jesus is Lord.”

(See I Corinthians 12:3.)

What enables me to please God and live the Christian life?

(See Hebrews 11:6, Galatians 2:20.)

(See Hebrews 12:2.)

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How can I receive faith?

(See Romans 10:17.)

(See Philippians 1:6, I Thessalonians 5:24.)

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Why is faith important?

What does God provide to protect me from the enemy?

(See II Corinthians 10:3–5, Ephesians 6:16, 18.)

The Holy Spirit produces faith in a believer’s life.

Why can I be confident that God’s Word will come to pass?

(See I Corinthians 12:8–9, Galatians 5:22–23.)

(See Psalm 119:160, II Corinthians 1:20.)

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GOD ENABLES ME TO

Receive His Promises INTRODUCTION

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od’s Word is a treasure chest of promises just waiting to be opened and received! For example, God declares that He is gracious, merciful, and slow to anger.

He is near to those who sincerely call on Him. God also forms and fulfills the desires of those who fear Him. He preserves the eternal souls who love Him. All these specific promises are found in a single psalm—Psalm 145!

Plus, there are thousands more promises in the Bible! You can receive God’s promises by trusting and acting on His Word.

“There failed not ought of any good thing which the Lord had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass” (Joshua 21:45). Be encouraged to know that this powerful God of the Bible is alive and true to His Word today!

Abraham Trusts God to Keep His Promises

FAITH Visualizing what God intends to do in a given situation and acting in harmony with it 6

BIBLE STORY

LESSON 1 Receive His Promises

Abraham Trusts God to Keep His Promises

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braham is called the “Father of Faith.” After he had walked with God for many years, one day

God would one day sacrifice His Own Son. As the small

God gave him a very difficult assignment. Because

servants, “Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad

Abraham trusted God, he obeyed. Early the next

will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.”

morning, Abraham took his beloved son Isaac, two

Isaac surveyed the supplies: the wood, the fire, and his

young men-servants, and a donkey, and they began a

father’s knife for slaughtering the sacrificial animal. He

three-day journey to the place where God told him to

noticed that something was missing. “My father: Behold

offer a special sacrifice. The purpose of sacrifices was to

the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt

maintain an open relationship between sinful man and

group approached their destination, Abraham told the

offering?” Isaac asked. What would Abraham answer?

holy God. With this particular sacrifice, God was testing

What promise did Abraham fully expect God to fulfill?

Abraham to see whom he loved most: his son Isaac or God. God was also leading Abraham to the area where

Let’s read the Bible story in Genesis 22:8–19 and then discuss the following questions.

1. Isaac was the promised son through whom the promised Savior would come. What did God ask Abraham to do? (See Genesis 22:2.) What did Abraham believe God would do if he obediently offered up Isaac? (See Hebrews 11:17–19.)

4. Jehovah-jireh means “the Lord will provide.”

What did God provide as the offering?

(See Genesis 22:13–14.) Whom did God later provide as the sacrificial Lamb for sin?

(See John 1:29, Romans 8:32.)

What are some promises God has given to you in His Word?

2. Who called to Abraham as he prepared to obey God? (See Genesis 22:11.)

How quickly do you respond when you hear God’s Word? If you waver in unbelief, what might you pray? (See Mark 9:24, James 1:5–6.)

3. What did God say to Abraham when he willingly gave up what was most dear to him?

(See Genesis 22:12.)

If God asked you to give up a precious possession, would you obey? As you obey, what can you be assured of? (See Romans 8:28, Mark 7:37.) What is more important than your prized possessions?

(See Philippians 3:7–9.)

What is God’s promise to you if you receive His Son, the Lamb of God? (See John 1:12, 3:16.)

What must you do in order to receive God’s promise of salvation? (See Romans 10:9–10.)

5. After the sacrifice, for what did the Lord commend Abraham? (See Genesis 22:16, Hebrews 11:17–19.) Because Abraham obeyed in faith, what promises did he receive?

(See Genesis 22:17–18.)

What are the powerful results of receiving God’s promises? (See II Peter 1:3–4.)

6. What did God say of Abraham’s faith?

(See Romans 4:3, 20–22.)

For what specific promises will you thank and glorify God?

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Operational Definitions of Character Qualities ALERTNESS vs. Unawareness

ATTENTIVENESS vs. Unconcern

AVAILABILITY vs. Self-Centeredness

BOLDNESS vs. Fearfulness

CAUTIOUSNESS vs. Rashness

COMPASSION vs. Indifference

CONTENTMENT vs. Covetousness

Being aware of that which is taking place around me so that I can have the right response to it

Showing the worth of a person by giving undivided concentration to his words and emotions

Making my own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I am serving

Confidence that what I have to say or do is true and right and just in the sight of God

Knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions

Investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others

Realizing that God has provided everything I need for my present happiness

Mark 14:38

Hebrews 2:1

Acts 4:29

Proverbs 19:2

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Philippians 2:20–21

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I John 3:17

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I Timothy 6:8

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CREATIVITY vs. Underachievement

DECISIVENESS vs. Double-mindedness

DEFERENCE vs. Rudeness

DEPENDABILITY vs. Inconsistency

DETERMINATION vs. Faintheartedness

DILIGENCE vs. Slothfulness

DISCERNMENT vs. Judgment

Approaching a need, a task, or an idea from a new perspective

The ability to finalize difficult decisions based on the will and ways of God

Limiting my freedom in order not to offend the tastes of those God has called me to serve

Fulfilling what I consented to do even if it means unexpected sacrifice

Purposing to accomplish God’s goals in God’s time regardless of the opposition

The God-given ability to understand why things happen

James 1:5

Romans 14:21

Visualizing each task as a special assignment from the Lord and using all my energies to accomplish it

Romans 12:2

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Psalm 15:4

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II Timothy 4:7–8

Colossians 3:23

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I Samuel 16:7

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DISCRETION vs. Simplemindedness

ENDURANCE vs. Giving Up

ENTHUSIASM vs. Apathy

FAITH vs. Unbelief

FLEXIBILITY vs. Resistance

FORGIVENESS vs. Rejection

GENEROSITY vs. Stinginess

The ability to avoid words, actions, and attitudes that could result in undesirable consequences

The inward strength to withstand stress to accomplish God’s best

Fervently expressing with my soul the joy of my spirit

Visualizing what God intends to do in a given situation and acting in harmony with it

Not setting my affections on ideas or plans that could be changed by God or others

Clearing the record of those who have wronged me and allowing God to love them through me

Realizing that all I have belongs to God and using it for His purposes

Hebrews 11:1

Colossians 3:2

Ephesians 4:32

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Proverbs 22:3

Galatians 6:9

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I Thessalonians 5:16, 19

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II Corinthians 9:6

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GENTLENESS vs. Harshness

GRATEFULNESS vs. Unthankfulness

HOSPITALITY vs. Loneliness

HUMILITY vs. Pride

INITIATIVE vs. Unresponsiveness

JOYFULNESS vs. Self-Pity

JUSTICE vs. Corruption

Showing personal care and concern in meeting the needs of others

Making known to God and others in what ways they have benefited my life

Cheerfully sharing food, shelter, and spiritual refreshment with those God brings into my life

Recognizing and doing what needs to be done before I am asked to do it

Delighting in fellowship with the Lord regardless of my circumstances

Personal responsibility to uphold God’s unchanging laws

I Corinthians 4:7

Hebrews 13:2

Recognizing that without the help of God and others my achievements in life would not have been possible

Romans 12:21

Psalm 16:11

Micah 6:8

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I Thessalonians 2:7

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James 4:6

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LOVE vs. Selfishness

LOYALTY vs. Unfaithfulness

MEEKNESS vs. Anger

OBEDIENCE vs. Willfulness

ORDERLINESS vs. Disorganization

PATIENCE vs. Restlessness

PERSUASIVENESS vs. Contentiousness

Giving to others’ basic needs without having as my motive personal reward

Using difficult times to demonstrate my commitment to God and to those He has called me to serve

Yielding my personal rights and expectations to God

Eagerly yielding to God’s Word rather than following my own will

Preparing myself and my surroundings so I will achieve the greatest efficiency

Guiding vital truths around another’s mental roadblocks

Psalm 62:5

II Corinthians 10:5

I Corinthians 14:40

Accepting a difficult situation from God without giving Him a deadline to remove it

I Corinthians 13:3

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John 15:13

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P

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Romans 5:3–4

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II Timothy 2:24

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PUNCTUALITY vs. Tardiness

RESOURCEFULNESS vs. Wastefulness

RESPONSIBILITY vs. Unreliability

REVERENCE vs. Disrespect

SECURITY vs. Anxiety

SELF-CONTROL vs. Self-Indulgence

SENSITIVITY vs. Callousness

Showing high esteem for other people and their time

Wise use of that which others would normally overlook or discard

Knowing and doing what both God and others are expecting from me

Luke 16:10

Romans 14:12

Structuring my life around that which is eternal and cannot be destroyed or taken away

Instant obedience to the initial promptings of God’s Spirit

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Awareness of how God is working through the people and events in my life to produce the character of Christ in me

Exercising my senses so I can perceive the true spirit and emotions of those around me

Proverbs 23:17–18

John 6:27

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Galatians 5:24–25

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Romans 12:15

SINCERITY vs. Hypocrisy

THOROUGHNESS vs. Incompleteness

THRIFTINESS vs. Extravagance

TOLERANCE vs. Prejudice

TRUTHFULNESS vs. Deception

VIRTUE vs. Impurity

WISDOM vs. Natural Inclinations

Eagerness to do what is right, with transparent motives

Knowing what factors will diminish the effectiveness of my work or words if neglected

Not letting myself or others spend that which is not necessary

Acceptance of others as unique expressions of specific character qualities in varying degrees of maturity

Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts

The moral excellence and purity of spirit that radiate from my life as I obey God’s Word

Seeing and responding to life’s situations from God’s frame of reference

G Philippians 2:2

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I Peter 1:22

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T P— Prophet

Proverbs 18:15

S— Server

Luke 16:11

G T—Teacher

E— Exhorter

Ephesians 4:25

P G— Giver

II Peter 1:3–5

O— Organizer

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Proverbs 9:10

M— Mercy

Revealing the character of Christ through the stories in His Word.

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Biblical Character Illustrated Curriculum Discover this unique tool that uses the stories in Scripture to illuminate character qualities God wants to develop in the lives of His people. This curriculum contains multiple ways to teach character to kids and give them a vision for building character through faith in Christ!

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