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Levels of Biblical Learning
At LifeWay, we work hard to know kids. We take
time to understand how they play and how they learn.
And we know you need resources you can count on to
connect kids to Gods Wordleading them toward knowing
Christ and growing in relationship with Him. Thats why LifeWay
Kids promises to offer foundational resources that are biblically
sound, age appropriate, fun and easy to use. All of the resources
we offer are built on the information in this document called
LifeWays Levels of Biblical Learning. This simple but important
ministry tool was developed by experts to provide you with visible
milestones as you guide kids in their spiritual growth. It provides
teachers, parents, and ministers of preschoolers and children
with milestones related to biblical knowledge, skills,
and attitudes at the designated levels from birth
through preteens. Levels of Biblical Learning gives a coordinated
approach from birth through preteens by using ten concept areas
God, Jesus, the Bible, Creation, Family, Self, Church, Community
& World, Holy Spirit, and Salvation. In developing Levels of
Biblical Learning, we had four basic assumptions.
1 The Bible as Our TextbookThe Bible is the basis for everything taught in Bible study
settings. Bible content is also the basis for the development of all teaching procedures.

2 The Child as LearnerPreschoolers and children are the focus of our teaching. Their
understanding, needs, and interests are important considerations in determining how to approach Bible
content. Bible study resources must touch the head, the heart, and the hands (body) of the child to create
life-changing experiences.

3 The Teacher as GuideThe teacher, whether teaching in an open or closed group Bible
study, must focus on the five functions of the churchevangelism, discipleship, ministry, fellowship, and
worship. The teacher must provide activities that will involve children in learning, will guide children to
correct information, and will share the biblical revelation. In addition to teaching Bible truths, teachers must
live out the biblical message in front of children and parents.

4 Parents as Primary TeachersThe primary responsibility for religious instruction of

preschoolers and children belongs to parents. The Holy Spirit works through Christian parents as they teach
biblical truths in word and action. The church and its ministries must assist and support parents as spiritual
leaders by training them and teaching their children.

The ten concept areas offer a broad biblical framework for guiding parents, teachers, and LifeWay curriculum
developers in teaching children from birth through sixth grade. It is important to see the correlation and
connectivity of the concept areas. Teaching about God and Jesus in the early years play an important role in
helping the child understand salvation later in life. The concept areas provide a biblical framework for laying
a foundation that becomes the pathway to conversion, spiritual growth, and a biblical worldview. Eight of the
concepts are foundational/prerequisite to the more advanced concepts of Holy Spirit and Salvation which are
distinctive to first through sixth grade.

As you read the chart, it is good to remember that:

Although children develop spiritually in similar ways, the rate of that development will vary. Some
children may understand concepts at an earlier or later age than indicated on the chart.

Certain concepts are introduced later when that concept and content are more useful and
meaningful to the child.

While God nor His attributes change, a childs level of understanding and vocabulary does change.
It is important to see that small nuances in words and slight changes in concepts are significant in the
mind of a growing child. From an adults perspective, it may seem minor, but these small steps are
important for the childs understanding.

When teaching or developing resources for broad-age groupings of children, concepts may be
combined or adapted to meet the needs of the group.

We hope youll find this ministry tool helpful. The Levels of Biblical Learning are another reason why
youll find that year after year, LifeWay Kids is the choice you can trust.

Adapted from the original introduction to the Levels of Biblical Learning written by Thomas L. Sanders.
Thomas L. Sanders is Director of the Master of Arts in Christian Education: Childhood Ministry, Gary
Cook Graduate School of Leadership at Dallas Baptist University.
 The following information will help you see how the concept areas of Levels of Biblical Learning can relate
to individual sessions and specific activities in preschool and childrens curriculum materials.

Age - Group Babies2s 3sPre-K Kindergarten Grades 12 Grades 34 Preteen

Concept God cares for me. God cares for people. God cares and provides God has concern and care God has concern and care Gods care and concern
Area: for people. for all people. for all people. exists regardless of peoples
God circumstances.

Bible 1 Kings 17:1-16 1 Kings 17:1-16 1 Kings 17:1-16 1 Kings 17:1-16 1 Kings 17:1-16
1 Kings 17:7-16
Passage God Helped Elijah God Helped Elijah God Helped Elijah God Helped Elijah God Helped Elijah
God Helped Elijah
and Story

Bible Truth God gives me what God gives me what I need. God gives me what I need. God provides for God provides for His people. God provides for His people.
I need. His people.

Life Babiestwos will learn Threespre-kindergartners I can learn that God knows I can trust God to provide I can trust God to provide I can trust God to provide
Application that God gives them will learn that God gives what I need. for me each day. for me each day. for me each day.
what they need. them what they need.

Bible- BIBLE STORY PLUS: HOMELIVING: DRAMATIC PLAY: PERSONALIZE PERSONALIZE EXPRESS YOURSELF
Learning Play Restaurant Make Bread Choice 1: How Does God Choice 2: Thank-You Cube Choice 2: God Will Meet My
Experience Invite twos near you Show Care? Mobiles Needs Radio Commercial
to sit in a circle on the Provide props for 3s When kindergartners come Boys and girls will work an
pre-kindergartners to to the dramatic play center, activity in the learner guide Preteens will begin by using
floor. Give each a small Girls and boys will work an
paper cup. Walk around use as they play out the explain that today they are to help them think about the learner guide to distin-
activity in the learner guide
the circle pouring a roles of cooks, servers, going to help make bread. ways God has concern and guish between some of their
to identify ways God has
small amount of water hostesses, and patrons. Ask one of them to open the care for all people. The wants and needs as they
concern and care for all
into each cup. Say: God Without interrupting their Bible to the marked verse, examples involve children work to learn that Gods care
people. They will identify
cares for you. God gives play, look for opportuni- God will always love in everyday situations and concern exist in spite of
in a picture the items that
us water to drink when peoples circumstances. Then
ties to comment naturally: me. Help them read the show Gods care for them. needing Gods care. Then
we are thirsty. Say a they will look at the memory
Thank You, God, for giving verse. Briefly tell todays They will use a compass children will play a game
brief thank-you prayer verse, Philippians 4:19. They
for the water. Introduce us good food to eat. This Bible story. Say: The activity to learn the words in which they name ways
makes me think of Elijah. woman made bread for God provides and cares for will look at needs of preteens
and tell the Bible story. of 1 Peter 5:9, He cares
God cared for him and Elijah. We are going to them. (Use the letters of in general and will write a
Sing the song God for you. Teachers will
helped him find food to make bread, too. Talk the alphabet to begin each radio commercial script that
Gives Food to Us. Play a guide children to think
guessing game, describ- eat. In the Bible we read, about other ways God took way.) With a cube pattern identifies some needs that
about their needs. The
ing food and other items God is good to us. care of Elijah. Guide from the leader pack, may not be common to
children will draw pictures
familiar to children. children to make bread, children will make their all preteens, but are
of ways God cares for them
using refrigerated bread own Thank-You Cube to circumstances in which
and attach those pictures
dough. As children eat the identify ways God has cared todays preteens need Gods
to a mobile on which
baked bread, read pages 7-8 for them and to thank God care. Preteens are encouraged
teachers have taped the
of the book I Can Choose. for His care and provision. to use the memory verse as
words of the memory verse.
part of their hook line at the
end of the commercials.
 Talking to Children About Salvation
When talking to a child about salvation:
* Ask follow-up questions. When a child asks a question, often he does not know exactly what to ask. Get clarification before
deciding how to answer a question. For example, you might say, Tell me more about what you are thinking, or What made
you ask that question? Where did you hear about this? Remember, many times the question a child asks may not be the actual
question for which he is needing an answer. Avoid asking questions that can be answered with yes or no.

* Avoid giving more information than a child needs. Adults can be tempted to tell all they know on a subject. When
a child asks a question, only answer what the child is asking. If a child asks for more information, be more specific with
your answers.

* Dont jump to conclusions. A child may ask, Why did Andy get baptized? This question may be only a request for
information, not a request for the gospel presentation.

* Speak in clear terms. Avoid symbolic analogies that may distract from discussion and understanding.

* Use simple wording. Rather than using the phrase accepting Jesus into your heart, say the words becoming a Christian.

Steps in talking with a child about Gods plan for salvation:

1. God loves you and has a great plan for you (Psalm 139:13-16). Talk about these truths: God made the world, God
made people, God made you, God wants to have a relationship with people, and God wants to have a relationship with you.
Say, Tell me one way you know God loves you.

2. We have all sinned (Romans 3:23). Everyone must understand that he is separated from God. Sin is best understood
as choosing to do things our way instead of Gods way. (Give some examples of sin such as disobedience, ungratefulness,
untruthfulness, etc.) Then ask the child: Have you sinned? What does God think about sin? Point out that everyone has sinned.

3. Even though we choose to sin, God still loves us and offers to forgive us (Romans 5:8). Ask, How do you think
it makes God feel when you sin? Focus on the fact that God loves the child even when he sins. Say: God promised that one
day a Savior would come and not sin and would die for all people. Do you know who that Savior is? Did you know that He
died for you?

4. Jesus died for us (John 3:16). Talk about John 3:16 and explain that because sin separates people from God, everyone
needs a Savior. Ask, Do you know why Jesus died? Say, Jesus loved you so much. He willingly died for you, so you could be
with God forever. If the child is old enough to understand the resurrection, say, Jesus rose from the dead, so we could have
eternal life.

5. You can become a Christian by confessing that Jesus is your Savior and Lord (Romans 10:9).
Ask, Would you like to be a Christian? State that the word confess means to say that Jesus is your Savior and that you must:
Admit you have sinned
Believe that Jesus is Gods Son
Confess that Jesus is Savior and Lord

6. Review and follow up. Encourage a child to tell you in his own words what he understands and believes. Either ask the
child to repeat a prayer after you or help the child know what to say in his prayer. After the prayer, read Romans 10:13 and
remind him that this verse is a promise. Jesus will be his Savior forever.

About Baptism:
* Always make distinctions between baptism and becoming a Christian. Point out that becoming a Christian comes
first, and then baptism follows because it is a way of showing he has become a Christian.

* Avoid emphasizing the emotional side of the baptism experience. Keep in mind that public recognition should not
become a motivating factor for making a decision.
 God
Babies2s 3sPre-K Kindergarten Grades 12 Grades 34 Preteen
God is good. God is special. God is special. No one is God is specialno one and God is uniqueno one and God is eternal, holy,
like Him. nothing can be compared nothing can be compared and perfect.
to God. to Him.

God made me. God made everything. God created everything. God is Creator. As Creator, God is to God the Creator is to be
be praised. worshiped, not His creations.

God loves me. God loves me and is God is always with me. God is everywhere. God is everywhere at all times. God is omnipresent.
with me.

God hears me. God hears people talk to God wants people to pray God hears and answers prayer. God hears peoples prayers and God knows the desires of
Him when they pray. to Him. communicates with them. my heart but still wants
me to pray.

God cares for me. God cares for people. God cares and provides God has concern and care Gods care and concern
for people. for all people. exist regardless of peoples
circumstances.

God loves people. God loves all people. God shows His love to God shows His love to all God loves and values Gods love is not limited by time,
all people. people in the same way. all people. space, culture, or ethnicity.

God gives rules because God gives rules to help me God loves people even when they God loves and forgives people. God loves people enough to God proved His unconditional
He loves me. know what to do. make wrong choices. provide forgiveness for sin. love for people through the
sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

God wants people to God wants people to sing God wants people to God is worthy of praise God wants people to worship
love Him. and pray to Him. worship Him. and worship. Him with all their hearts,
souls, minds, and strength.

God wants people to learn God wants people to do God wants people to obey Him. God wants me to obey, God deserves respect, Because God deserves
about Him what He says. respect, and honor Him. obedience, and honor. respect, obedience, and
honor, God nurtures and
disciplines Christians.

God can do things people God can do all things. God is powerful. God is almighty. God is omnipotent.
cannot do.

God does what He says He God always keeps God is fair and can be trusted. God is faithful and just. God is righteous.
will do. His promises.

God knows everything. God is all-knowing. God is omniscient.

God is real. God is real, the only true God. People believe in different
gods, but there is only one
true God. God is God the
Father, God the Son, and God
the Holy Spirit (Trinity).
 Jesus
Babies2s 3sPre-K Kindergarten Grades 12 Grades 34 Preteen
God chose a family Angels told Mary and People in the Old Testament Prophets in the Old Testament Old Testament prophets God planned for Jesus from
for Jesus. Joseph that Jesus told that Jesus would be born. told that Jesus would be born. revealed Gods plan for Jesus the beginning of time.
would be born. to be the Savior.

Jesus was born. Jesus was sent to God sent Jesus to earth Jesus came to earth in Jesus was born of a virgin.
earth by God. because He loves us. human form.

Jesus grew and had Jesus grew like me. Jesus grew, learned, and Jesus grew in mind, body, and Jesus understands what it Jesus was God in human form.
a family. had friends. in relationships with God and means to be human.
with others.

Jesus went to church and Jesus read the Bible Jesus worshiped God in the Jesus taught that Gods house Jesus taught that worship is Jesus taught that true
learned about God. at church. synagogue/temple. is a house of prayer. focused on God alone. worshipers must worship
in spirit and truth.

Jesus told people Jesus taught people Jesus taught people about Jesus shows me through His Jesus taught about faith, trust,
about God. about God. what God is like. life and teachings what God and obedience to God.
is like.

Jesus helped people Jesus did things that Jesus performed miracles Jesus performed miracles, Jesus performed miracles
because He loved them. people cannot do. and healed the sick. healed the sick, and because He is Gods Son.
restored life.

Jesus wants me to Jesus wants people to Jesus wants people to love Jesus wants people to Jesus wants people to Jesus wants people to be
love Him. love Him. and obey Him. follow Him. trust Him. transformed by Him.

Jesus loves me. Jesus loves all people. Jesus died on the cross Jesus died on the cross, Jesus died to pay the Jesus crucifixion, burial, and
and is alive. and God raised Jesus from penalty for sin. resurrection were a necessary
the dead. part of Gods plan for the for-
giveness of sin.

Jesus is Gods Son. Jesus is Gods one and Jesus is the only Son of God, Jesus is the only Son of Jesus is the Messiah and
only Son. and He was sent to be the God, and He was sent to Savior, and God sent Him to
Savior of all people. be my Savior. fulfill His promise of
redemption.

Jesus did everything God Jesus always obeyed God. Jesus was tempted by Satan Jesus is holy and perfect.
told Him to do. but did not sin.

Jesus is in heaven. The ascension describes Jesus

return to heaven.

Jesus promised His followers Jesus will return to

that He would come back earth someday.
to earth.
 Bible
Babies2s 3sPre-K Kindergarten Grades 12 Grades 34 Preteen
The Bible is a The stories in the The stories in the Bible Bible truths never change. The teachings in the Bible will The Bible is eternal.
special Book. Bible are real. are true. last forever.

The Bible tells about I can learn about God The Bible tells what God The Bible helps me know The Bible is Gods message. The Bible is Gods message
God and Jesus. and Jesus from the Bible. and Jesus are like. more about God and Jesus. about Himself.

People in the Bible People in the Bible wrote People wrote Gods words God helped people know what God inspired people who wrote The Bible is the only written
told about God. about God. in the Bible. to write in the Bible. the Bible. Word of God.

The Bible has stories The Bible tells what The Bible tells what Jesus The Bible tells what Jesus is The Bible tells me that Jesus The Bible tells me that
about Jesus. Jesus did. is like. like and how to be like Him. died on a cross, was buried, salvation through Jesus is
and was raised from the dead. Gods gift.

The Bible helps me The Bible helps me know The Bible helps me know The Bible helps me understand The Bible tells me how to live The Bible applies to personal
know what to do. the right things to do. what God wants me to do. how God wants me to live. the Christian life. and social issues.

The people in the Bible The Bible has stories about The Bible tells me what The Bible tells me how
were real people. God, Jesus, and people. God wants me to do through peoples lives were affected by
verses and stories about their responses to God.
people and events.

People at church use The Bible is for everyone. The Bible has truth and Every person can find truth The Bible is for people of all
the Bible. meaning for me. and meaning in Gods Word. languages, ethnicities, and
cultures.
 Creation
Babies2s 3sPre-K Kindergarten Grades 12 Grades 34 Preteen
God made day, night, God made everything. God created the earth and God created the world in six God created the world Creation can be credited to
plants, sky, sun, moon, everything in it. days and rested on the from nothing. God only.
stars, animals, water, birds, seventh day.
and fish.

God made people. God made people different God created people able to God created people able to God created people in His
from the other things make choices. think and solve problems. own image.
He made.

God made food for people God planned for God provides for His creation. God's creation follows Gods world is orderly. Gods created order is governed
and animals. people, animals, His plan. by His laws.
and plants to grow.

God wants people to God planned for people to care God tells people to take care People can accept increasing God helps people to
take care of the things for the things He made. of His world. responsibility for taking care discover, understand,
He made. of Gods world. and use His resources.

God wants me to enjoy God made the world for God wants me to feel a sense of Understanding what God is God wants me to feel secure
the things He made. people to enjoy. wonder as I enjoy His creation. like comes by discovering the because He made the world,
things He created. is still at work in it, and cares
what happens to me.

God wants me to God wants me thank God wants me to thank Him for God wants me to praise Him
thank Him for the Him for people, animals, His creation. for His creation.
things He made. plants, and things in
the world.
 Family
Babies2s 3sPre-K Kindergarten Grades 12 Grades 34 Preteen
God made my family. Gods plan for families is Gods plan for a family is Mothers and fathers are to The first responsibility of Families are part of Gods
found in the Bible. for mothers and fathers to love each other. mothers and fathers to their plan for providing my physical,
raise children. children is to teach them spiritual, mental, social, and
about God. emotional needs.

My family loves me. God wants family members I can show my family Each person in my family Understanding that each
to love one another. I love them. deserves love and respect. family member is a person of
significance and worth can
help me relate to her.

God gave me a mommy I can do what my parents I can obey my parents. God helps me know how to Gods plan is for parents to Gods plan is for parents to lead
and a daddy. tell me to do. honor and obey my parents. lead families. families according to His Word
and will.

Family members help me. Family members help Each family member has his Each family member should Each person in my family
one another. own work. make a contribution in a has a contribution to make
positive way. to the family.

My family tells me God wants families to Worshiping together can help God wants me to help lead my
about God. worship together. families grow stronger. family in worship.

My family is kind to me. God wants family members God wants me to treat Gods love helps me God wants me to show love,
to be kind to one another. family members fairly and consider my family respect, cooperation, and
with kindness. members before myself. consideration for all persons
in my family.

God loves my family. God loves and cares God loves and cares for families
for my family. in all kinds of situations.

My family helps. My family can help My family can love and care for My family can show Gods love My family can show love and My family can show Gods
other people. other people. and care for other people. care to other people regardless love and care to other
of their circumstances. people regardless of their
circumstances by ministering
to their needs.
 Self
Babies2s 3sPre-K Kindergarten Grades 12 Grades 34 Preteen
God made me. I am growing. I am growing as God planned My birth and growth are part I am created in the image Life is a gift from God.
for me to grow. of Gods plan. of God.

I am special. I am special because God People are special because People are Gods most Each person is unique and I can appreciate my value as a
made me. God made them. important creation. of value to God. person God loves.

I can make choices. I can make right and My choices can make me I can be trusted to make some I am responsible for I can take responsibility
wrong choices. happy or sad. good choices. my choices. for my choices and their
consequences.

I am learning. God made me so I can God has made me able to do I can use my talents and abili- I can develop and use my abili- God will help Christians know
think, work, and play. many things well. ties in ways that please and ties and talents in ways that and use their spiritual gifts.
honor God. please and honor God.

I can talk to God. I can pray. God wants me to pray. God wants me to pray and God wants me to communicate God wants me to
read the Bible. with Him through praying and communicate with Him
reading the Bible. and study the Bible daily.

I can grow like I can do some things I can try to be like Jesus. I follow Jesus example when I can follow the examples, I can take deliberate actions
Jesus grew. like Jesus. I obey God. teachings, and commandments to grow in Christlikeness.
of Jesus.

I am learning to I can take turns and learn Jesus is my example for how I I can be a good example I can learn to love others as I I am accountable to God for
take turns. to share. treat other people. for others. love myself. the way I treat other people.

God loves me. God will always love me. No matter what happens, God Good and bad happen to me, I am learning to respond in posi- I can live with joy regardless
loves me. but God still loves me. tive ways to what happens to me. of my circumstances.

God has a plan for people. God has a plan for me. God has a plan for my life. Gods plan for my life is that I can understand and follow
I accept Jesus as Savior and Gods specific plan for my life.
Lord and obey Him.

I can do what God wants I can show love for God by God wants me to live every I can learn about and recog- I can acknowledge and follow
me to do. obeying Him. day in ways that please Him. nize Gods authority. Gods authority in my life.

God wants me to take care of I need to take care of my body I need to take care of my body My body is Gods temple.
my body. because God created me. and mind to honor God.

I can say No to what I know I can recognize and reject My self-control and obedience
is wrong. wrong actions and wrong influ- to God can help me stand up to
ences of others. peer pressure. My self-control
honors God and benefits me.

I can begin to recognize when I
hurt others.
When I hurt others, I can ask
them to forgive me.
God wants my actions, attitudes,
and words to be good.
I am able to admit that I have
hurt others and ask them to
forgive me.
God wants me to have pure
thoughts and actions.
I can take deliberate actions
to ask for forgiveness and
restore relationships.
God expects me to remain
pure in all aspects of my life.

Babies2s
People at church love God
and Jesus.
People at church love and
teach me.
People at church help me.
People enjoy going to
church. They sing, talk to
God, listen to Bible stories,
and talk about God and
Jesus at church.
God wants people to go
to church.
Church
3sPre-K Kindergarten
People learn about God Churches are a part of Gods
and Jesus at church. plan for people.
People go to church in
different kinds of places.
People at church love each Church helpers teach about
other and teach about God God and Jesus.
and Jesus.
People at church help My church provides ways for
other people. me to help other people.
People thank God at People at church worship,
church. People give money pray, give, sing, read the Bible,
at church. and listen to teaching and
preaching.
People at church help in At church people have different
different ways. kinds of jobs.
The Lords Supper is a special
meal to remember Jesus.
A person is baptized after she
becomes a Christian.
Grades 12
The church is more than a
building; it is Christians
who do Gods work. Believer is
another word for a Christian.
Church leaders teach about
God and Jesus.
My church meets the needs of
other people in mycommunity
and around the world.
People worship at church and
bring tithes and offerings.
Church members have
different responsibilities.
The Lords Supper is a special
event at church. People can
remember Jesus when they
see the Lords Supper being
observed.
Baptism is a special event at
church. Baptism shows that
people have accepted Jesus as
Savior and Lord. Becoming a
Christian and being baptized
is the way a person becomes a
church member.
Grades 34
A church is a group of baptized
Christians who meet together
to pray, to tell other people
about Jesus, to worship God,
to learn from the Bible, to
meet needs of others, and to
encourage one another.
Church leaders are called by
God to do His work.
God uses the church to
accomplish His purposes
in the world today.
People have responsibilities to
participate in worship
services, to pray for their
church, and to give money
for the work of their church.
Being a church member
involves responsibilities
and privileges. Church
members are called by God
to do His work.
The Lords Supper is an ordi-
nance of the church. The Lords
Supper is a way to remind people
about what Jesus did. Christians
participate in the Lords Supper.
Baptism is an ordinance of the
church that shows that people
have accepted Jesus as their
Savior and Lord.
Preteen
The church is a fellowship of
baptized believers where all
people are welcomed and
wanted. The functions of
the church are evangelism,
discipleship, fellowship,
ministry, and worship.
Churches ordain people to do
certain tasks.
Believers are to take Gods
message into the world.
Corporate worship is
the responsibility of all
church members.
Each believer is given one or
more spiritual gifts.
Believers use spiritual gifts to
do Gods work.
The body and blood of
Jesus are represented in
the Lords Supper.
Baptism by immersion is a
symbol of Jesus death, burial,
and resurrection.
Churches today are part of the
movement begun by Jesus and
His followers.
 Community & World
Babies2s 3sPre-K Kindergarten Grades 12 Grades 34 Preteen
God made people. God made people alike God made people in my Gods world is made up God values people of all Because God values people
and different. community and the world of people from different nationalities and cultures. of all nationalities and
alike and different. nationalities and cultures. cultures, I will respect
and value each person.

I can help. I can help others I can be a part of Gods work. God wants people to God wants people to be God wants people to join
around me. be involved in His work involved in His work in Him in what He is doing in
in the world. their community and the the world.
world by participating in
mission activities.

People tell about Missionaries are people Missionaries tell people about Missionaries are Christians All Christians are called to All Christians are called to be
God and Jesus. who tell other people God and Jesus in my country who share the good news with tell the people of the world on mission with God.
about God and Jesus. and in other countries. people in this country and about Jesus.
around the world.

I can talk to God. I can ask God to I can pray for people in God wants people to pray by God wants people to pray for God wants people to pray
help others. my community and world name for missionaries and specific needs of missionaries consistently for missionaries
and for missionaries. people groups. and people groups. and people groups and for
their personal involvement
in missions.

People work together. God wants people to God wants people in my God wants me to cooperate
work together. People community to work together. and work with others willingly.
have different kinds of People in my community have
work to do. different jobs.

God cares about other All people are important The Bible tells me to love God wants people to God wants people to respect the God wants peple to look for
people and me. to God. others in my community and treat one another fairly rights and property of others. opportunities to help people of
in the world. and with kindness. God wants people to treat others all ethnicities, and cultures.
as they would want to be treated.

I can give money to My offerings help missionaries God wants people to give God wants people to give their Stewardship of money, time,
help other people learn in my community and around tithes and offerings so that time, talents, and possessions in talents, and possessions
about God and Jesus. the world. people of all nations can learn addition to money so that others helps others learn about God
about God and Jesus. can learn about God and Jesus. and Jesus.

I can tell others I can tell people in my God wants people to tell God wants people to tell others God helps people to share
about Jesus. community that Jesus others in their communities with different beliefs about their faith in Jesus with those
loves them. and schools about Jesus and Jesus and what He has done who have different beliefs.
invite them to church. for them.

God wants people to give and

accept forgiveness from others.
Level s o f Biblic al Lear ning
Holy Spirit
Grades 12 Grades 34 Preteen

The Holy Spirit is a special helper. The Holy Spirit can support people in times of trouble. The Holy Spirit is the comforter.

God showed His approval of Jesus by sending The Holy Spirit was present at Jesus baptism. The Holy Spirit was present in Jesus life and ministry.
the dove at Jesus baptism.

Gods Spirit worked in Old Testament times. Gods Spirit has always existed. God's Spirit was active in creation.

Jesus promised the early believers that God The Holy Spirit came at Pentecost to give power The Holy Spirit helps people know, understand, and
would send the Holy Spirit. to believers. remember all things about God.

The Holy Spirit helps people know what to do. The Holy Spirit helps people understand God's plan of The Holy Spirit urges people to accept Gods salvation.
salvation.

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit is part of the Trinity.

The Holy Spirit enters the Christians life when he accepts

Jesus as his Savior and Lord.

The Holy Spirit helped Bible writers know what to write. The Holy Spirit inspired Bible writers and breathed
Gods Word.

The Holy Spirit helps believers grow as Christians. The Holy Spirit helps believers grow in their
relationships with God and with others.

The Holy Spirit helps believers tell others about Jesus. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to tell others about
Jesus and His plan of salvation.
Level s of Biblic al Lear ning
Salvation
Grades 12 Grades 34 Preteen
God provided a way for people to become Christians God provided a plan of salvation because He loves me. God had a plan for salvation before the beginning of time
because He loves them. because He loves me unconditionally.

The Bible tells that Jesus came to earth because God The Bible tells of Gods plan of salvation. The Bible tells me God sent Jesus, so I can have a
loves everyone. personal relationship with God.

God sent His only Son, Jesus, to be the one and only Jesus willingly died to provide salvation. Jesus death Salvation is a gift from God.
Savior of the world. and resurrection make my forgiveness possible.

God is displeased when people choose to do what they Sin is choosing my way instead of Gods way. Sin Without a Savior, the punishment for sin is eternal death
want rather than what God wants. separates people from God. People can choose to and hell.
accept or to reject Jesus as Savior and Lord.

When people choose to displease God, there are Jesus died to pay the penalty for my sins. Jesus took the punishment for everyones sin.
consequences.
God helps me know when its time to become a When the Holy Spirit convicts me of my sin, I can trust
Christian. Jesus as my personal Savior.

God will forgive me if I ask Him. Salvation is admitting sin, repenting of sin, believing Christians can know that Jesus will be their personal
that Jesus died and God raised Him from the dead, and Savior forever.
confessing Jesus as personal Savior.

People become Christians by accepting Jesus as their I need and can accept Gods salvation. I can understand I need a personal and growing relationship
Savior and Lord. with Jesus. I can experience joy when I recognize God is at
work in my life and in the lives of other people.
 Foundational Bible Stories
Certain stories are so important that they must be taught frequently during
childhood so that the child will understand not only the facts of the story but the biblical
principles that it communicates. Listed below are examples of foundational Bible stories that
preschoolers and children will study. Boys and girls will learn biblical concepts through
these and additional Bible stories.

BabiesKindergarten Grades 16
God Made the World and Everything in It All stories listed for babieskindergarten
Adam and Eves Choice* and the following:
God Made Families
Cain and Abel
Noah and the Ark
Abrams Call
Joseph
Gods Covenant with Abraham **
Miriam and Baby Moses
The Sacrifice of Isaac ***
Ruths Family
Isaac and the Wells
Hannahs Prayer and Boy Samuel
Jacob Tricked Esau
David Helped His Family
Josephs Story
David and Jonathan
Moses and the Burning Bush
Solomon and the Temple
The Plagues and the Exodus
God Helped Elijah
The Ten Commandments
Elishas Friends Helped
Joshua and Caleb
Daniel Obeyed God and Chose Good Food
The Fall of Jericho
Jesus Birth and Related Events
Deborah, Gideon, or Samson
Jesus Went to Church
David and Goliath
Jesus Chose Special Helpers
Elijah and the Prophets of Baal
Four Friends Who Helped
Naamans Healing
Jesus Fed the People
A Woman Gave Her Money Daniels Friends in the Furnace
Daniel in the Lions Den
The Good Samaritan
Esther
Jesus Visited Mary and Martha
Jesus Birth and Related Events
The Man Who Said Thank-You
Jesus Baptism and Temptations
Zacchaeus Met Jesus
The Sermon on the Mount
Jesus and the Children
Jesus Performed Miracles
Jesus Talked to the Woman at the Well
Jesus and the Storm
Children Sang for Jesus
The Transfiguration ***
Jesus Is Alive! *
The Prodigal Son
Breakfast with Jesus
The Raising of Lazarus
Philip and the Ethiopian
Jesus Crucifixion and Resurrection
Timothy Learned About God
Jesus Post Resurrection Appearances
Paul Taught Lydia About Jesus
Jesus Ascension **
Church Helpers
The Jerusalem Church
* Introduced in Kindergarten.
Stephen **
Peters Escape
Pauls Missionary Journeys
** Introduced in Grades 3-4
***Introduced in Grades 5-6

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