(f) G> "THi ~PIRIT OF FAITH" ~ 1\lE ZiON 7 REPORT. ~ ROvERCOMER, THE FAITH DOG "The Dog Of Great Faith" * II Corinthians 4:13.

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1 ~RrPTUR~ TO ~TUDt Proverbs 12:14; 18:21 Mark 11 :23 Romans 10:8-10 * II Corinthians 4:13 * Hebrews 11:1 'itftral TRUTN If we truly believe God's Word, we must speak it with our mouths. 'We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak." II Corinthians 4:13 The Bible emphasizes the importance of believing and speaking the Word of God. Faith simply cannot work properly in the heart alone. It is strengthened and released by corresponding words. The sinner is saved when he believes in his heart that God has raised Jesus from the dead and when he confesses with his mouth, -Jesus is my LOfer (Romans 10:8-10). Though he may believe. he is not saved until he speaks with his mouth. It is with the mouth that confession is made unto salvation. Hebrews tells us that we have a High Priest who confesses God's Word over us. Jesus makes intercession (stands in the gap) for our shortcomings by making confessions of faith regarding us. tn Mark 11 :23. Jesus ends the verse by saying the believer will have "whatsoever he saith" and not whatsoever he believeth: He emphasizes the importance of saying what we believe three times as much as the believing itself. In the story of David and Goliath. David obviously believed he could overcome Goliath, but the narrative in I Samuel 17 does not state anything explicitly about his - believing or his faith. On the other hand, the Bible does cail attention to the four times David boldly spoke of his ability to slay Goliath. The simple truth is if we do not speak words of faith, we cannot effectively believe God. G> "THi ~PIRIT OF FAITH" ~ ICE-FREAKER SKIT With Deputy Dugan ~ Song Service 6 SUGGESTED MUSIC F-A-I-T-H King Of Kings All The Faith I Need Praise Ye The Lord Lord, We Magnify You (f) POWER-PACKED puppet SKIT "Speak What You Believe" ~ THE FOOK OF FOOKS "The Woman Who Spoke Her Healing" ILLUSTRATED SERMON "The Spirit Of Faith" d- f!) ~ ROvERCOMER, THE FAITH DOG "The Dog Of Great Faith" ~ ADVENTURES IN FAITH "The Sea Monster" ~ 1\lE ZiON 7 REPORT 'z "David Vs. REVIEW GAME "Review Tug Of War" Volume 2 Lesson 6

2 Volume 2 Lesson 6

3 --- Deputy, today's memory verse is about one of the things in life you like to do, and it's something you're good at. You're kidding. Really? It sure is. You mean there's a verse in the Bible about pole vaulting? I love pole vaulting. I come from a long line of pole vaulters. You do? I didn't know that. My great aunt's cousin's mother's sister on my Pappy's side, Bessie Barthmarkel was a worldchampion pole vaulter. She was? Yep, and that was quite an accomplishment for a 475-pound woman. Deputy, our memory verse doesn't have anything to do with pole vaulting. I was referring to the fact that you like to speak and use your mouth. Yep, besides pole vaulting, speaking is my next favorite thing to do. I know. Sometimes it's hard for me to get a word in when you're up here talking. What is our memory verse for today? It's II Corinthians 4:13, "We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak." Deputy, why don't you say the verse with the boys and girls. (Repeats the scripture with the class.) Do you know what that verse means? Well, of course I do. What does it mean? I thought you knew. I do. I'm just testing you to see if you know. Deputy, this verse tells us if we truly believe God's Word, we must declare it with our mouths. Yep, that's just what I thought. (sarcastically) Sure, Deputy. It's important tha.t we speak the Word of God. That's how faith comes. Well, I'm going to do that. I'm going to say with my mouth what God's Word says. Can we say II Corinthians 4: 13 one more time??~... Sure, we can. (Lead class in repeating the memory verse.) See you later, kids. Good-bye, Deputy Dugan. We'll see you again real soon. Volume 2 1 Lesson 6

4 ~ POWiR-PA'''iD PUPPiT ~"XT "SPEAK' WHAT YOU UElIEIJP' CHARACTERS: Oogene, Jeanie Mae, Mama Greene, Papa Greene SCENE I: JEANIE MAE'S UEDROOM (Jeanie Mae is doing homework at her desk. Oogene enters.) Hey, Jeanie, would you help me with my math homework? (continues to study) I'm kind of busy right now with my own homework. Please, Jeanie. I'm really having trouble. (looks at him) Did you say "please?" Let me check my heart rate. I need help really bad, Jeanie. You must. You're never polite. Are you going to drag this out forever? I should. Oh, never mind. "II just flunk math. What are you having trouble with? I don't understand decimal points. They're really not that difficult. You're probably not trying hard enough. I am trying, Jeanie. I just don't get it. Do you know what would help you, Oogene? Yeah, you. No. There's a verse in the Bible that says you have the mind of Christ. I know that. Do you believe it? Of course. It's in the Bible. Then you ought to speak those words ov.er your life where math is concerned. That's what I do every day. Then why don't you share some of what you have with me since it's already there? Because you can do the same thing. Okay, okay, but let the Lord use you this time. I can't help you for about an hour. That's too late. I've got baseball practice then. That's the earliest I can come to your room. (angry) Oh, never mind. I'll get Mom to help me. Volume 2 3 Lesson 6

5 SCENE 2: THE LIVING ROOM (Mama Greene is reading a book. Oogene enters.) Hey, Mom. Jeanie won't help me with my math homework. Did you ask her politely? I think I was too polite. What are you having trouble with? I don't understand decimal points. Did you ask your teacher to explain them to you? Yes, but I still don't get it. Why wouldn't Jeanie help you? Actually, she said she would, but it would be at least an hour from now, and I have to go to baseball practice. You've had difficulty in math for some time now, haven't you, Oogene? Ever since the beginning of the year. Have you used your faith in this area? What do you mean? The Bible says you have the mind of Christ and you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. I know all that. But are you using it where your math is concerned? I don't know, Mom. I believe it, if that's what you mean. Can you help me with my math? Not right now, Dear. I've got to get some laundry done and then start supper. Maybe your father will help you later this evening. We'll work something out. (Mama leaves.) (talking to himself) I wanted to get it done before baseball practice. I guess I'll have to wait until later. SCENE 3: OOGENE'S ~EDROOM (Oogene is working on his math homework later that evening.) (Papa Greene enters.) I wish math went as well as baseball practice. You need to be a nuclear scientist to understand this stuff. I'm never going to understand decimals. Papa Greene: Papa Greene: Papa Greene: You won't if you keep saying things like that. Dad. Boy, am I glad you're here. I'm never going to get this math without some help. Do you believe the Bible, Oogene? Of course, Dad. I already told Mom and Jeanie that earlier today. You're probably going to say what they said-that the Bible says I have the mind of Christ and I can do all things through.christ who strengthens me. Do you believe that? Sure, I do, Dad. Volume 2 4' Lesson 6

6 Papa Greene: 00gene: Papa Greene: 00gene: Papa Greene: 00gene: Papa Greene: 00gene: Papa Greene: 00gene: Papa Greene: Do you say that? Say what? Do you say what you believe? Do you say, "I have the mind of Christ and I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me?" Uh...er...um You see, Oogene, ifs not enough to just believe the Bible. You have to believe it and say it, if you want your faith to work. But, Dad, I need someone to help me. The biggest Someone who can help you is God, Oogene, and He only helps on the basis of faith. Faith not only believes, faith also speaks what it believes. You're not going to help me are you, Dad? Of course I'm going to help you, Son. Many times we need others to help us in different areas of our lives. I'm not saying you don't need extra help. I just want you to see that God wants to help you with your math, too. Speaking your faith is the way to get His help. I had never thought about God wanting to help me with math. I'm going to start saying what I believe. I have the mind of Christ in math. I can do all things, including math, through Christ who strengthens me. That's the spirit, Oogene. Now let me help you here. Volume 2 5 Lesson 6

7 '\\BIBLE ~ ILLU~T~AT'D ~'~MO" ~~ "THE SPIRIT OF FAITH" SCRIPTURES TO STUDY: Proverbs 12:14; 18:21 Mark 11 :23 Romans 10:8-10 II Corinthians 4:13 Hebrews 11 NEEDED: A large sheet of poster board, colored markers, scissors, an assortment of fruit, and a few scraps of garbage (crushed cans, crumpled paper, etc.) O~JKTS HOW TO PREPARE: Draw a boy's face on the cardboard, making it as large as possible. Make an opening for the mouth wide enough so the pieces of fruit and garbage can be passed through. Wash the fruit carefully just before you teach the lesson and bring it to class in a clean container. Put the garbage in a second container. Have everything ready as you begin the lesson. MESSAGE: : A. Faith in God can move mountains (Mark 11:23). B. Faith in God enables the sick to receive healing. C. According to Hebrews 11, faith in God gave the children of Israel all of their remarkable victories. 1. Noah built an ark and was saved from the flood because of his faith. 2. Abraham and Sarah had a baby son named Isaac when Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah was 90 years old. 3. By faith Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt through the Red Sea on dry land and closed the waters on the Egyptians. 4. Joshua and the children of Israel walked in faith until the walls of Jericho fell down flat. 5. David killed Goliath by faith. 6. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were saved from the fiery furnace by their faith. 7. Daniel escaped death in the lions' den by faith. A. There are two sides to faith in God (Romans 10:9'10). 1. We must believe God's Word in our hearts. 2. We must also say it with our mouths. B. Faith in the heart will not work unless we speak it with the mouth (II Corinthians 4:13). 1. When we believe something God has said, we must declare it. 2. Most Christians do not understand the power of words. C. The words of the mouth, mixed with faith, can bring life or death (Proverbs 18:21). (Bring out the picture of the boy's face and the two containers.) Volume 2 7 Lesson 6

8 1. A sinner who hears about Jesus and confesses Him as Lord receives eternal life (Romans 10:9). (Pass a piece of fruit through the boy's mouth.) 2. The sinner doesn't receive life until he says something with his mouth (Romans 10:10). '-...- D. When we pray and believe God's promises, we must learn to say what we believe with our mouths. 1. Good things come from the words we speak from our mouths (Proverbs 12:14). (Pass fruit through the mouth and give it to different children to eat.) 2. We should speak what God has promised us in His Word about ourselves. a. We should say that we are not afraid (II Timothy 1:7). b. We should say that by Jesus' stripes we were healed and that He took all our diseases (I Peter 2:24; Matthew 8:17). c. We should say that God supplies all of our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). d. We should say that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4: 13). E. When David went to fight against Goliath, he said with his mouth that he was going to destroy the giant (I Samuel 17:34-37, 45-47). 1. David believed God's Word which declared that the land of Canaan belonged to the children of Israel. 2. David was satisfied with good because of what came from his lips. I a A. Death, as well as life, is in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). B. We can bring garbage into our lives by saying the wrong words. ~ (Pass a piece of garbage through the boy's mouth.) C. We should not speak things that we do not want to happen, such as: 1. "I'm sick as a horse." (Pass garbage through and ask for the correct words, "By Jesus' stripes, I am healed. '') 2. "I'm scared." (Pass garbage through the boy's mouth and ask for the correct words from /I Timothy 1:7.) 3. "I don't have enough money to pay my bills." (Pass garbage through and ask for the correct words from Philippians 4: 19. continue as long as you wish in this vein.) You may D. So the choice is yours. You can be satisfied with good fruit (hold up a piece of fruit) or live with garbage (hold up a piece of trash). Volume 2 8 Lesson 6

9 - ~ RG""GM'R, th' FAItH DGG l;j "THE DOG OF GREAT FAITH" PROPS THE NEEDED: Military-related items, such as an army helmet, army clothes, boots, etc. LESSON: (Rovercomer enters the classroom excited, carrying the military props.) Well, it's our buddy, Rovercomer. What do you have there? (barks while showing the props) These are your military clothes? Why do you have military clothes? You're joining the army? Why are you joining the army? You're joining the army because you want to have great faith? Wait a minute, Rovercomer. This doesn't make sense to me. Start at the beginning and explain things. You want to be a dog of great faith? That's good. So you've been reading the Bible about great men of faith. That's good, too, Rovercomer. You see, faith comes by hearing God's Word. The Roman soldier's servant was sick, but Jesus healed him? Jesus healed the servant because of the Roman soldier's faith. That's right. That's what the Bible says. So Rovercomer says he's going to join the army like that Roman soldier, so he can have great faith. Rovercomer, you don't have great faith because you're in the army. (barks, as if to say, "/ don't?") No. There are lots of soldiers who don't have faith. (barks, as if thinking) (barks again, as if to say, "I've got it. ") What will you do? You're going to learn to play the harp like David? That's right, David was a great king. Volume 2 9 t.--esson 6

10 That's true. He did play the harp. That's right. David killed the giant, Goliath, and was a great man of faith. But, Rovercomer, he didn't become a great man of faith just because he played the harp. (barks, as if to say, "He didn't?") Let me tell you why these men were great men of faith... (interrupted by Rovercomelj You're going to be a man of faith like John the Baptist? That's right. John the Baptist was a fiery preacher. That's true. Jesus said that there was no greater prophet than John the Baptist. John the Baptist lived in the wilderness and ate locusts and wild honey. (barks, rubbing his belly, making gestures that this wouldn't taste good) You don't like to eat bugs? But if it takes eating bugs to be a great dog of faith-you'll do it? (barks, as if to say, "Yes.") Now, listen to me, Rovercomer. Great faith does not come from just being a soldier. (barks, as if listening) And great faith does not come from playing the harp. (barks, continuing to listen) And it certainly doesn't come from eating bugs-besides, that's not what that scripture means. (barks, still listening) The Roman Centurion soldier, the great King David, and John the Baptist all had something in common that they did. First of all, they all believed God's Word deep)n their hearts. Now, do you believe the Word of God, Rovercomer? (barks, as if/a say, "Yes.") Good, but even if you believe God's Word with all your heart, you still won't have faith if you don'! do one more thing. (barks, as if to ask, What is it?") Do you really want to know? (barks, impatiently) (to the boys and girls) Do you think I should tell him? Volume 2 10 Lesson 6

11 ~ ~ (barks, getting more impatient) All right. I'll tell you. First of all, you believe God's Word in your heart... (barks, getting more impatient) And the next thing you must do is speak it with your mouth. (barks, as if to say, "Is that al/?") Oh, Rovercomer. It's very important to speak your faith. Unless you speak, there is no release of faith. The Bible says in II Corinthians 4:13 that if we have the same spirit of faith, we must speak Let's think about this. When that Roman soldier came to Jesus, what did he do? That's right. He said, "heal my servant." That's faith. (barks, as if thinking) And when David killed Goliath, he said, "I will take this giant's head off." (barks, continuing to think) And John the Baptist preached in the wilderness. He was speaking God's Word. That's right. Anyone can be a great man or woman of faith if they will believe with their heart... (Rovercomer interrupts) That's right. Speak faith out of their mouth. Remember that II Corinthians 4:13 says we believe and therefore speak. Faith is not faith without saying it. You've got to take these clothes back and cancel your enlistment papers? (barks, quickly exiting) I hope he still has time. Good-bye, Rovercomer. Volume 2 11 Lesson 6

12 "Look. Captain!" Mr. Smith shouted, pointing his finger toward the right side ofthe ship. A large school of mackerel was breaking the ocean's surface, chasing and feeding on smaller herring. "Looks like the Lord has answered our prayers, Mr. Smith," said Captain Faith. "A good catch of fish would be just the thing to take care ofour short supply offresh meat. " "The Lord always comes through for us, doesn't He, Captain?" said Mr. Smith. "Even at times when things look like He won't. " "God's always faithful to His Word," said Captain Faith. "Our part is simply to believe it, speak it, and act upon it in faith, regardless ofwhat things look like. " Mr. Smith nodded his head in agreement. "Send some men out in the rowboat with the nets," said Captain Faith. "We'll be able to pull in more than enough for our needs. " "Aye, Sir," said Mr. Smith, departing to carry out the captain s orders. Watching his men hard at work, Captain Faith sensed the need to pray. In his spirit he knew there was danger ahead. Retreating to his cabin, Captain Faith prayed until the urgency he felt was gone. As he continued to wait on God, he felt impressed to read Psalm 91. Studying the verses carefully, the phrase, "There shall no evil befall thee," seemed to jump off the page at him. He knew these words from God were going to carry him and his crew through whatever was about to happen. "God has provided us with supernatural protection," he said out loud to himself. His thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a loud commotion up on the ship's deck. By the time he arrived, the entire crew was lined up on the edge of the ship, pointing and shouting out into the ocean. "What is it, Mr. Smith?" questioned Captain Faith, moving into a position to see. "The rowboat's been capsized, Sir," responded Mr. Smith. "As the men were throwing the nets in, something came from underneath andliipped the boat over. " "Did you see what it was?" asked Captain Faith. Mr. Smith replied, "No, Sir, but the men are a little spooked. " "No evil shall befall us, Mr. Smith," said Captain Faith. "I've got the Word ofgod on it. " "Aye, Sir," said Mr. Smith. At that very moment a massive tail raised up into the air. The eyes of all the crew widened in disbelief as the tail slammed down on the capsized rowboat, smashing it into several pieces. "Its a whale, Captain," explained Mr. Smith, "the likes ofwhich I've never seen. " Knowing how unusual it was for an unprovoked whale to attack a boat of any size, Captain Faith realized this was the danger the Lord had forewarned him of. "Where are the men from the rowboat?" he asked. "Over there, Captain," pointed Mr. Smith. All six crew members appeared unharmed and were swimming toward the Salvation. "We've got to get them out ofthe water," said Captain Faith. "Get some ropes overboard. Hurry!" As the ropes were being dropped into the water, the huge whale surfaced again. "Hes headed for the men, Captain," shouted Mr. Smith. Less than thirty yards separated the frightened men and the opened jaws oftheir pursuer, and the gap was quickly closing. Captain Faith pointed his finger in the whale s direction and spoke the Word, "No evil shall befall us, in Jesus' Name!" As suddenly as he had appeared, the whale disappeared underwater. The six crew members were pulled safely onboard the Salvation as the rest of the Volume 2 13 Lesson 6

13 crew spread out around the ship looking for any more signs of the beast. As suddenly as he had appeared, the whale disappeared underwater. The six crew members were pulled from the dangerous water and returned safely onboard the Salvation as the rest of the crew spread out around the ship looking for any more signs of the beast. "What do you make of it, Captain?" asked Mr. Smith. "It's not normal for a whale to act like that." "It's the devil," responded Captain Faith, "plain and simple. But he's no match for the Word ofgod. " "What's our plan, Captain?" asked Mr. Smith. "I want the cannons readied on both sides ofthe ship, II instructed the captain. IIWhen that monster suifaces again, we'll be ready for him." " l' 'I Every sailor got into position, some manning the cannons, others watching the water, but all of them quoting Psalm 91:10. After an hour had passed with no sign of the whale, some of the men began to relax. "Do you suppose he's gone, Captain?" asked Mr. Smith. Suddenly, the Salvation was being raised from the water underneath. "This can't be, " said M r. Smith, in amazement. The ship rocked from side to side as the huge whale swam underneath it. "/ think he's actually trying to tip US over, Captain." "No evil shall befall us, " declared the captain, once agam. As the ship steadied itself in the water, a spirit of fear began to sweep through the crew of the Salvation. The size of the whale and his attack on the ship was beginning to overwhelm their sense of security. Captain Faith knew he would have to act quickly before panic set in. "Listen to me, men," he shouted. "There's a spirit offear trying to grip our hearts right now and there's only one way to beat it. We've got to keep a spirit offaith. We've got to speak what we believe. " At that moment something appeared off the left side of the ship. The whale's tail came crashing down against the side of the vessel as several crew members scrambled to get out of the way. "We're going to dief" shouted one ofthe sailors. "No!" shouted Captain Faith. "Everybody, look at me!" Captain Faith got the entire crew to focus on his eyes. "We're not going to die. God warned me about this trouble and gave me Psalm 91: 10 to deal with it. That scripture says, 'No evil shall befall us.' Now, we've got to maintain a spirit offaith and speak the Word to these circumstances. " "I don't think so, " said Captain Faith, scanning the waters. "There he is!" shouted a sailor. The whale was suifacing about fifty yards out and swimming full speed toward the right side of the ship. "He intends to ram us'" declared Mr. Smith. "Ready the cannons," ordered Captain Faith. The guns were lowered and aimed toward the invader. "He'll be difficult to hit," said Mr. Smith. "Not with Psalm 91: IO guiding the shots," said Captain Faith. "Fire!" BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! The roar of the cannons ripped through the air, meeting their target. There was a moment's hesitation and then a mighty cheer went up from the crew. Less than ten yards away the giant whale lay bellyup in the water. "M~ Smith," directed Captain Faith, "get some men to hoist that monster aboard. Psalm 91 kept us safe and God supplied an abundance offresh meat at the same time. " The captain's words offaith and confidence encouraged the men. Volume 2 14 Lesson 6

14 ~- - MATERIALS NEEDED: A long piece of rope, a long piece of masking tape HOW TO PLAY THE GAME: 1. Using the masking tape, mark a line in the center of the room on the floor. 2. Divide the class into two teams. Have each team hold onto opposite ends of the rope (the middle of the rope is held over the line on the floor). 3. As a team member answers a review question correctly, the team gets to take one step backwards, pulling the other team across the line. 4. The team that answers the most questions correctly, pulling the other team further across the line, is the winner..-.. REVIEW QUESTIONS: 1. How do believers win the difficult battles of life? 2. How many sides are there to faith in God? 3. What are the two sides of faith? 4. What must we do when we believe something God has said? 5. When does a sinner receive eternal life? 6. How do good things come to believers? 7. What is one promise from God we should speak about ourselves? 8. How was David able to defeat the giant Goliath? 9. What else besides life can the power of the tongue bring? 10. What is one example of things we should not speak about ourselves?.- Volume 2 15 Lesson 6

15 MATERIALS NEEDED: A bag of marshmallows, several cans of whipped cream, paper plates, 2 rolls of paper towels, and a table placed at the front of the classroom HOW TO PLAY THE GAME: 1. Divide the class into two teams. 2. Choose one child from each team to answer each review question. Have the chosen representatives form team lines at opposite ends of the table. 3. For each child's turn to answer a review question, cover a marshmallow completely with a mound of whipped cream on a paper plate. 4. When you say, "go," the kids must find the marshmallow with their mouth. The first child to find the marshmallow gets the first chance to answer the question. Award 10,000 points to the team who responds correctly. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins! REVIEW QUESTIONS: 1. Does God want His children to be blessed with plenty or just barely enough? 2. What does the word "prosper" mean? 3. What are two ways God made Abraham to prosper? 4. Why does the blessing of Abraham belong to us? 5. What happens if we do not know that God wants us to have Abraham's blessing? 6. What did Joshua and the children or Israel have to do to receive the blessings God promised to them? 7. Does God rain down blessings on lazy people? 8. Just because we may not have a certain blessing, does that mean God doesn't want us to have it? 9. Where is the place that we find God's will for our lives? 10. How do we fight to receive God's blessing of prosperity? Volume 2 17 Lesson

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