04: Creation : A Biblical Theme – Teaching Plan
Key Thought : The Bible roots faith in the actual historical acts of God in earth’s history. To be in harmony with Scripture, we must accept the statements of Genesis 1-4..
[Teaching Plan for Creation, A Biblical Theme January 28, 2013]
1. Have a volunteer read Matthew 19:4-6.
A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. How does Jesus’ answer and reference to Genesis show that God’s design for mankind was eternal, spiritual, and not to be taken lightly?
C. Personal Application: Was Jesus implying that God joined together all those who are married? Is divorce for the wrong reasons a form of adultery then? Why do you think there are so many divorces and so few marriages today? Share.
D. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “What does it mean to be one flesh? There are two people with differing goals, ideas, and personalities. How do they become one flesh?” How would you respond to your relative?
2. Have a volunteer read Psalm 8:3-6.
A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. How is man made a little lower than the angels? Is this in physical stature, abilities, spiritual life, or mental abilities?
C. Personal Application: Does God really care about each and every person who lives on earth? Does He really care about you? How should we respond to Him?
D. Case Study: One of your friends states, “Are these verses referring to human beings in general, or Jesus Christ in particular? If mankind in general, how did God crown man with glory and majesty?” How would you respond to your friend?
3. Have a volunteer read Isaiah 45:17-19.
A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. If God created the earth to be inhabited, why did He destroy all but eight people in a flood? It looks like He almost gave up and started completely over.
C. Personal Application: What reasons would anyone give to reject the idea of a design and order in nature? Share.
D. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “How can you believe some of the writings in the Bible? The Creation story, the flood, even the idea that people can live forever seems far reaching. It’s just not sensible or possible.” How would you respond to your neighbor?
4. Have a volunteer read Acts 17:24-28.
A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. Is Paul saying here that God has determined, or set up, the boundaries of different nations beforehand? How does that idea impact the understanding of national wars and disputes over resources and territories?
C. Personal Application: How did Paul reach out in his speech to the Athenians and strangers that were amassed at Mars Hill? Why was it unusual to build that religious bridge for any nation or people?
D. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this
week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with
them.
(Note: “Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.” MH p. 149)
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