What s New About the New Curriculum from CDG?

Brian Eaton 1. A Brief History of Children Desiring God 1995 Bethlehem Baptist Church saw need for a children s ministry to match the deep teaching in the pulpit from John Piper. 1996 David and Sally Michael commissioned to lead and establish a vision for the new Children s Ministry Department at Bethlehem Baptist Church. David was unable to find a God-centered curriculum. Sally and her friend Jill Nelson began writing curriculum. September: Faithful to All His Promises and How Majestic is Your Name are taught for the first time. 1997 Other churches began asking for copies of the curriculum. Resources were unavailable to fulfill these requests 1998 Desiring God was approached for support in spreading the material. From that, Children Desiring God was born. 2. What Hasn t Changed Mission and Vision We exist to spread a passion for the supremacy of God in all things so that the next generation may know and cherish Jesus Christ as the only One who saves and satisfies the desires of the heart. Philosophy and Distinctions Christ-Exalting God-Centered Bible-Saturated NEW 2007 Ten curricula complete the Sunday School scope and sequence for Nursery through 6th grade. CDG also publishes four midweek titles, four Backyard Bible Club programs, two intergenerational curriculum and other resources. 2008-2011 Four youth curricula are published. 2008-2009 CDG sees need for curriculum revision. Feedback from customers is reviewed. Consistent standards are developed for all revised curriculum to adhere to. 2011 Revised curriculum development begins. 2013 Summer: Revised versions of My Purpose Will Stand and Jesus, What a Savior! are scheduled for publication. Scope & Sequence The titles of our Sunday School Elementary curriculum will not change. The Rational for the CDG Scope and Sequence document is available at: www.childrendesiringgod.org/documents/ scope_and_sequence_rationale.pdf 3. Our Motivation for this Project But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9 2013 National Conference Seminar Notes A-04 / D-05 1

4. Newly Revised Curriculum Features 1. 2. 3. Equipping Teachers What s New About the New Curriculum from CDG? Teacher Preparation Pages Teacher Introduction Lesson Overview My Purpose Will Stand The Providence of God Main Ideas God is actively involved in the universe; He is not a distant, non-caring God; He is at work in the world. God is watching over the universe, and He is working in the universe. Memory Verse O Lord GOD, you have only begun to show your servant your greatness and your mighty hand. For what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do such works and mighty acts as yours? Deuteronomy 3:24 Scripture 1) Genesis 8:1 2) Genesis 21:14-19 3) Deuteronomy 3:24 4) Nehemiah 1:3 5) Nehemiah 2:1-8 6) Psalm 11:4 7) Proverbs 15:3 8) Isaiah 64:4 9) John 5:1-9, 17 10) Hebrews 1:10 Lesson 2 Teacher Introduction Jesus said, My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working (John 5:17). This points us to the beginning of our definition of the Providence of God: God is PRESENT and ACTIVE in all His creation. His EYE is watching, His HAND is working From this beginning concept that God is not a distant, non-caring God, but is actively involved in the world, constantly watching over and working in the universe, we will build a full definition of the providence of God as the curriculum lessons progress. Embedded in God s providence is His gracious providing for the world. Pray that this week you will have eyes to see His hand at work in the world, providing for His creation. Come prepared to share your heart of gratitude for God s gracious providence as you teach the lesson. Teacher Preparation Æ Study the Scripture passages carefully and prayerfully. Ask God to make them real in your own heart. Be open to what God may be teaching you in this lesson. Study the lesson well. Pray for the students in your class. From the Resources DVD Present (2A) Active (2B) Letter Cards (2C-2G, one or two sets per class, cut apart as indicated) Providence (2H) Watching Eye (2I) Working Hand (2J) Other Visuals Bible Collection of miscellaneous items (too many to carry yourself) Tape or tacks Stirred Pudding (2K) Lighting Stove (2L) Burned Pudding (2M) Eye/Hand Cards (2N, one set per student, cut apart as indicated) Growing in Faith Together for Lesson 2 (one per student) Unless you plan to use the provided visuals for the pudding illustration, you could use the following items: Camp stove, electric burner or frying pan, and matches if needed Cook-and-serve pudding mixed with milk, saucepan, and spoon Teacher Preparation From the Resources DVD Other Visuals My Purpose Will Stand 2013 by Sally Michael, Published by Children Desiring God 11 2 2013 National Conference Seminar Notes

Illustration Preparation Æ Hide the hair bow in the room. In teaching the lesson, give the impression that you are asking the students to look for a violin bow or an archery bow. If neither item is available, you may substitute the Violin visual from the Resources CD. Æ Cut out the Event Pieces to create puzzle pieces. Then use double stick tape or glue to attach the front piece (with the image) to the back piece (with the text), creating a double sided puzzle piece (e.g. Event Piece 1 (18B) will be attached to Event Piece 1B (18B). Illustration or Visual Preparation Visual Assembly Æ The Event Pieces should first be randomly taped on the board with the image facing out. Æ When prompted during the lesson, turn the Event Pieces over to the text side. The pieces should be placed in a cross shape, starting with the first card at the top and the next three following vertically. The last two pieces should be placed on either side of the second piece to form the horizontal bar of the cross as shown below. Cross Puzzle Side 1: Image Cross Puzzle Side 2: Text Visual Assembly Notes for Future Lessons Æ Note: This is a long lesson but the concepts are very simple. However, it will need to be taught efficiency. Note for Lesson 16 Æ Read the instructions for the optional activity in Lesson 16 to see if it is something you would like to present to your class. If so, contact the agency of your choice so that you are prepared with information when you teach Lesson 16. Helpful Resource Æ If you haven't already listened to this, another helpful resource for this lesson is a sermon given by C. J. Mahaney titled Sovereign Grace and the Salvation of Children. The sermon is available online at www. childrendesiringgod.org under the Media tab for Audio and Video. Then, if you click the tab for Speaker, look for C.J. Mahaney, who is the President of Sovereign Grace Ministries in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Helpful Resources 2013 National Conference Seminar Notes 3

Presenting the Lesson Indications through Font Styles Underline (Parentheses) God's Providence Over the Cross God in His providence His seeing and working in the universe had already decided, determined and ordered Jesus death on the cross before the foundation of the world (1 Peter 1:18-19). God, in His providence, saw the sin problem in the garden (point to the first card) and He foresaw the cross. (Sweep your hand down the cards from top to bottom.) All these events happened according to the plan and the purpose of God as God s way of providing for our sin problem. Nothing happened by chance, and all things served the purpose of God. God in His providence was working for man. God in His providence was taking care of man s sin. (You may either end the lesson here, or if there is time, include the following section.) Missing the Savior Italics OPTIONAL: VIOLIN OR USE PRINTED VISUAL Illustration (Display Violin, and ask two students to look around the room for a bow. After a short time of looking, make appropriate comments about looking for the wrong kind of bow according to the situation. If the students were unable to find the hidden bow, show it to them.) The reason [you couldn t find the bow/it took you awhile to find the bow] is that you were looking for the wrong kind of bow. You had something in mind and the situation did not fit your idea. Text Bold Italics There were many people in Jesus time who did not recognize Him as the Savior, because they were looking for the wrong kind of savior. They were looking for a king to free them from Roman rule, not a servant-king who would free them from the rule of sin. (Read the following verses.) Acts 13:27 For those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not recognize him nor understand the utterances of the prophets, which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him. You, too, can hear the Word of God every Sabbath and miss the Savior. You can know all about Him without receiving Him as your Savior. You can go through life with an imperfect, unacceptable righteousness of your own and miss eternal life, or you can depend on Jesus perfect righteousness and receive the gift of forgiveness and life. Formatting Changes Margins: Visual Prompts: Illustrations: 178 My Purpose Will Stand 2013 by Sally Michael, Published by Children Desiring God 4 2013 National Conference Seminar Notes

Notebook Answer Key Notebook Answer Key Word Search with 19 Attributes of God Resources DVD All-Knowing Eternal Faithful Good Holy Just Loving Omnipotent Omnipresent Powerful Righteous Self-Sufficient Sovereign Trustworthy Truthful Unchanging Understanding Wise Zealous Engaging Students Assess and Update Content: Time Target: Target Audience Skill Sets: Age-Appropriate Content: Appeal to Various Learning Styles: Biblical truth hasn t changed, but children are different now than they were 15 years ago. In some cases, things need to be said or illustrated differently. Sally Michael, Author, Children Desiring God Completely Revised, Original Visuals 2013 National Conference Seminar Notes 5

Student Workbooks and Notebooks God s Providence in Evangelism Main Ideas Salvation is a work of God. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. God works through the evangelistic efforts of His people as they proclaim the Gospel. Memory Verse And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. Romans 8:30 Scripture 1) Acts 16:14 2) Romans 8:30 3) Romans 10:13-14, 17 4) Ephesians 1:3-5 On Your Own Think of an incident in your life or in the life of someone you know. Then think about: What God Saw Lesson 2 Lesson Time 1. Match the word on the left with the correct definition. 1. Election A. God opens the heart to love the Gospel 2. Gospel Call B. Being declared holy and righteous 3. Regeneration C. A doorway into being with the Lord 4. Conversion D. Becoming more like Christ 5. Justification E. The proclamation of the Gospel message 6. Adoption F. Receiving a new imperishable body 7. Sanctification G. The work of remaining a Christian 8. Perseverance H. Becoming a child of God 9. Death I. God s choosing who will be saved 10. Glorification J. A response of repentance and faith 2. Salvation is a of God. 3. The Gospel comes to the sinner in and in. 4. Evangelism is a work of. He works through us as we the Gospel. God is and in all His creation. His is watching, His is working to and all to all His for His. Action Step from our Small Group Discussion What God Did or How God Worked With Your Small Group Where do you see God at work in the universe? Where do you see Him at work in your life? What is your response to His work? Tell your story to your small group. Thank God together that He is a God who SEES and ACTS. Now that you have heard how God has watched and worked, think about things happening in your life right now. Do you know of someone who may need some help or encouragement now? Write some ways that you can help or encourage this person in a way that brings glory to God. Application Questions Optional Activities Watching Working Prayer Is the truth that God is watching over the universe comforting or frightening to you? Why? What could be comforting about this? What could be frightening about this? Where do you see God at work in the universe? Where do you see Him at work in your life? What is your response to His work? What are your typical responses to problems? What is helpful or unhelpful about your responses? When Nehemiah was distressed, he prayed to God. Is this ever your response? Are you or anyone in your family facing a problem right now? What has been your response to this problem? How can we pray for you? Discuss Isaiah 64:4. Isaiah 64:4 From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him. A Reflection Being made in the image of God, man is to reflect God s character. Christians are to reflect Christ in an even greater way, striving to be like Him in the grace He supplies. In your family or church, how can you watch with care and work for the good of others? Be specific. Student Notebook Complete your application time by having the students work (as a group and individually) to complete the Student Notebook pages for this lesson. Challenge them to think about what they learned today and decide on an action step they can take during the week ahead. Have them record this action step where indicated in the notebook, and explain that you are going to ask about how they did with this during the next class time. Optional Activities If time allows, choose one of the following optional activities: Read Deuteronomy 3:24 again. Think of some of God s works and mighty acts. How would a news reporter report one of these acts? Students can practice news casting one or more of these acts of God. Create a God is Working book. This could be something students share with their younger siblings, or your class could give it to a younger class in the church. After reading Deuteronomy 3:24, have the students together pick one story from the Bible that shows God at work. Working together, have the students write and illustrate a book recounting this work of God. (Note: You could also bring in some Bible clip art that students could glue into the book, rather than drawing their own pictures.) Create a God is Working bulletin board. Attach Deuteronomy 3:24 in the middle of a bulletin board. Have each student write on a piece of colored construction paper one way they have seen God act either in the Bible or in their own life. Attach each sign around the verse. Send Home Growing in Faith Together for Lesson 2 (one per student) 6 2013 National Conference Seminar Notes

What s New About the New Curriculum from CDG? Impacting Families Growing in Faith Together: Parent and Child Resource Page Encouraging families to apply Biblical truth to every aspect of life Lesson Summary As You Walk by the Way Action Step Student Activity 2013 National Conference Seminar Notes 7

5. Available Resources Product Contents Available Formats Teacher s Guide Resource DVD Student Workbook (K-4 grade) or Notebook (5-6 grade) Teacher Devotionals Lessons Application Questions Optional Activities Workbook Answer Key Teacher Resources Lesson Visuals (for print or electronic display) Resources for Optional Activities Resources for Workbook Activities Student Handouts Growing in Faith Together Pages (for print or email) Curriculum Logo Sermons or Articles for Teachers Lesson Overview Memory Verse Activities 3-Ring Binder Spiral Bound Electronic Download (PDF File) DVD Spiral Bound Electronic Download (PDF File) Visuals Packet Full-Color Lesson Visuals Print (also included on the Resource DVD) Growing in Faith Together: A Parent and Child Resource Page Verse Cards Where to Start Lesson Summary for Parents Discussion Questions Activities for Children Memory Verses Key Themes (if applicable) Spiral Bound (set of 10) App (also included on the Resource DVD) Print (also included on the Resource DVD) Classroom Kit Order 1 for each classroom. Kit contains: 1 Teachers Guide (3-Ring Binder, Spiral Bound or PDF Download) 1 Resources DVD 1 Student Workbook or Notebook 1 Set of Verse Cards Other Resources Teachers Guides (3-Ring Binder, Spiral Bound or PDF Download) Order 1 for each additional teacher or small group leader Visual Resource Packet Order 1 per classroom if you want to display pre-printed visuals Student Workbooks or Notebooks (Spiral Bound or PDF Download) Order 1 for each student Verse Cards Order 1 for each student or family 2013 National Conference Seminar Notes 8