Teacher's Guide

Christianity for Beginners

This series explains basic topics such as belief in God, the history and writing of the Bible, the person of Jesus, the nature of salvation and more. All presented in an easy-to-understand approach suitable for those less familiar with the Bible or the Christian religion.

Belief in God

This first lesson in the series reviews the reasons why Christians believe in a Supreme Being. This idea is looked at from both a philosophical and theological perspective.

Teaching Strategy

This lesson is foundational for the remaining lessons of this series. This lesson flows from the materials with the same title on the BibleTalk.tv website. Teachers should review the relevant materials and have students review the materials before class.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Know: Understand the basis for belief in God.
  • Feel: Strengthen belief in God.
  • Do: Explain the basis for one’s belief in God.

Body of the Lesson

1.0 - Human reasoning
1.1 - The First Cause Argument
1.2 - The Complexity Argument
1.3 - The Moral/Spiritual Argument
2.0 - The Bible
2.1 - Single source of knowledge of God
2.2 - God as a creative being
2.3 - God as a loving God
2.4 - God as a judge
3.0 - Jesus Christ
3.1 - Knowledge of Jesus from scripture
3.2 - What Jesus teaches us of God

Discussion Questions

Below are suggested questions to use during the guided discussion portion of the lesson.  There are also suggested responses to questions to help students grasp the various concepts.  These are provided to assist the discussion and are not considered as “right or wrong” responses.

1. Why has mankind generally believed in a "higher power"?

Man has always recognized a power greater than himself as he considers the magnitude of nature. In some cases, it was born out of fear and superstitions. In other situations, it was from a recognition of mankind's inadequacy or ability to explain life.

2. What are the strengths and weaknesses of relying on human reasoning to understand the existence of God?

Strengths: Man possesses the ability to analyze situations in life and draw conclusions. The more understanding we have, the greater the ability to continue using our minds to answer questions.

Weaknesses: Some rely solely on their ability to reason. This has led to a variety of false perceptions such as the ability of man to answer questions about creation and the existence and character of God without the assistance of divine revelation. Further, humans are subject to changing insights as knowledge grows.

3. What is the primary weakness of the "First Cause Argument" in trying to explain the existence of God?

Those that hold this view cannot explain who or what caused the "big bang" that started creation or where the elements came from to begin with. Something cannot be created from nothing.

4. How is the "Complexity Argument" and the "Human Reasoning Argument" related as explanations for the existence of God?

The complexity argument holds that only a complex being could have created something as complex as our universe and life.

5. Summarize the "Moral/Spiritual Argument" to explain the existence of God.

The moral/spiritual argument is beyond the existence of simple matter. It must come from a higher being such as God.

6. How does the Bible aid our understanding of God?

The Bible provides insights into the concept of God, His character and the creative process.

7. Which characteristic of Jesus best demonstrates the existence of God? Why?

Jesus taught and demonstrated all the characteristics God the Father created in us and requires of us. Our Lord's love, compassion and sacrificial actions point to a just and merciful God.

8. Comment on the following statement:

We do not have to understand the existence of God, but we do need to believe in the existence of God.

This is the essence of faith. There are many concepts in scripture that are beyond our understanding. God wants us to know Him and His will. As we grow spiritually, and at a time the Holy Spirit determines our readiness, God will provide us with more understanding. Additionally, as life changes, our application of scripture changes.

9. How can you as a student use this information to grow spiritually and help others come into a relationship with Jesus?

Look for responses that indicate an acceptance of concepts presented in this lesson and other sources. Other indicators may include responses such as the scope and depth of the information provides a basis for belief in God.