09: The Bible and History – Teaching Plan
Key Thought: Human history appears as dependent on the abilities of man, but above it all, God is working out His purposes ending with the second coming of Jesus.
[Teaching Plan for “The Bible and History” February 29, 2012]
1. Have a volunteer read Revelation 1:1-3.
A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. How do you think God chooses a person to be a prophet?
Does He use prophets today, or is there no reason to expect one again?
C. Personal Application: How could you tell if the messages a person says are from God were true or not?
D. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “Why did God use people to give His messages to other people? Wouldn’t He know that most people wouldn’t believe what they said or that God would actually talk to them?” How would you respond to your relative?
2. Have a volunteer read Daniel 2:28.
A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. Why is Daniel 2 such an important subject to begin a series of Bible studies with?
C. Personal Application: How confident are you in the prophecies in the Bible concerning last day events? Are they etched in stone, or could they change?
D. Case Study: One of your friends states, ”Why did God give the king of Babylon a dream of future kingdoms? Why wouldn’t He give His own people this prophecy rather than the enemy of His people?” How would you respond to your friend?
3. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 6:11,12.
A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. Do you tend to look at disagreements and difficult events as people troubles or spiritual warfare? Share.
C. Personal Application: How has the great controversy played out in your life lately that shows that the battle is still waging in your sphere of influence?
D. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “Is this saying that devils are in control of people in positions of power in countries, business, and economics? What’s that got to do with religion?” How do you respond to your neighbor?
4. Have a volunteer read Revelation 12:17.
A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. Why is the devil so angry with those who have the testimony of Jesus? Share your thoughts.
C. Personal Application: Why doesn’t the SDA Church see much animosity
And persecution today? .
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)