Guide de l'enseignant

Understanding Your Religion

7 Major Doctrines that Define Christianity

This series presents 7 basic doctrinal ideas that help the viewer have a "big picture" view of the Christian religion. Done in an informal style with helpful graphics and summaries, Understanding Your Religion is a useful guide for those seeking to know what Christians believe and how these beliefs affect what they do.

The Writing of the Bible

The Doctrine of Inspiration - Part 1

This lesson examines the basis for all other doctrines contained in the Bible - the inspiration of this book by God.
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Stratégie d'enseignement

The focus of this lesson is to establish the Bible as the basis for Christian doctrine.

Of special note in this lesson is how the Bible was developed over the centuries.

Résultats de l'apprentissage des étudiants

  • Know: Understand how the Bible came into being.
  • Feel: Value the importance of the Bible in creating faithfulness to God.
  • Do: Apply the will of God in our lives as revealed in scripture.

Corps de la leçon

1.0 - The history of writing and materials used for ancient books
2.0 - The origin of the Bible

Questions à discuter

Vous trouverez ci-dessous des suggestions de questions à utiliser pendant la partie de la leçon consacrée à la discussion guidée. Vous trouverez également des suggestions de réponses aux questions pour aider les élèves à saisir les différents concepts. Ces réponses sont fournies pour faciliter la discussion et ne sont pas considérées comme des réponses "justes ou fausses".

1. Discuss the introductory statements from the associated text regarding no mention of the doctrine of God's existence in scripture.

The intent of this question is to establish that God is the originator of all things. Scripture simply describes the nature (Exodus 3:14; I John 4:16) and actions God.

Note: Jesus would also use the expression, "I am" several times in John (John 6:35; John 8:12; John 10:9; John 10:11; John 11:25-26; John 14:6; John 15:5). This is also a reason the Pharisees sought to stone him in John 8:59.

2. How does the existence of writing dispel the mistaken belief that Abraham or Moses could not have written early biblical documents?

It was mistakenly believed that the ability to write did not exist in the time of Abraham or Moses, but research has found that the ability to write was present in early civilizations. These discoveries lend support to our understanding that from earliest times man possessed the ability to write and thus pass on God's word from one generation to the next.

3. Summarize the history of writing materials used in making ancient books and how this supports the recording of scripture.

Several methods of semi-permanent recording existed in ancient times that allowed scripture, or what would become scripture to be preserved. These included stone, clay, wood, leather, papyrus, paper and now electronic means. All of these were recognized and used to preserve and communicate God's will.

4. Summarize the origin of the Bible.

The intent of this question is to show the Bible can be trusted as the inspired and infallible word of God. Through it we find God's will and how to apply it as we seek to live faithful lives.

The Old Testament origin – The Old Testament was written in the Hebrew language. Moses is the first example of recording events and communication from God (Exodus 24:1-4, Exodus 34:27-28). Moses is also credited with writing the first five books of the Bible.

Other writers also contributed to the Old Testament but after Malachi, there were no other prophets or inspired writers until the apostles began writing about the life and teachings of Jesus.

5. List the three main areas of the Jewish or Hebrew Scriptures.

The Law; The Prophets; The Holy Writings

6. List the main divisions of the Old Testament used by Christians.

Pentateuch; History; Poetry; Major Prophets; Minor Prophets.

7. What other books are used by Jews and Christians but are not inspired by God?

The Talmud – Writings that interpreted the Old Testament; Apocryphal (hidden writings) – non inspired religious books discussing end-times; Josephus – A history book and commentary of life during the time of Christ.

8. How can you use this lesson to grow spiritually and help others come into a relationship with Jesus?

Christians can depend on the Bible as the source of God's will. It has been preserved from the very early years of man's existence. It shows that God wishes us to know Him and enter a relationship with Him. To seek to gain that relationship in any way other than given in scripture will only lead to failure.