Christianity for Beginners
The Bible
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this lesson is on three primary things about the Bible: its content, history and claims. Teachers should review the relevant materials and have students review the materials before class.
Due to the complexity and scope of this material it is recommended that this lesson be presented in two sections. The first section focuses on the content and history of the Old and New Testaments. The second section focuses on the claims of the Bible.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know: Understand how the Bible was developed.
- Feel: Appreciate the value of the Bible as God’s revealed will for man.
- Do: Study the Bible to discover and apply God’s will for salvation and daily living in His Kingdom.
Body of the Lesson
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. What is meant by, "God's revealed will"?
It is an expression to describe the written word of God contained in scripture.
2. Why would man need a document such as the Bible?
Anticipated response. It is how God chooses to communicate His revealed will. By documenting it in written form, it is available to everyone over time and not subject to changing ideas from man.
3. What is the main story of the Old Testament and why is it important?
The Old Testament reveals God's relationship with mankind in general and the nation of Israel specifically. It also describes the fall of man and how God brought about eventual reconciliation. Much of the Old Testament is symbolic in pointing towards the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus and new covenant with man.
4. What is the main story of the New Testament and why is it important?
The New Testament tells of the life, teachings, and sacrifice of Jesus. It tells how the promised Kingdom of God (the church) was brought about, how one is added to the church, and how we should live as citizens of God's Kingdom.
5. Read Matthew 16:13-20 and answer the following questions:
• How was apostolic authority given? By Jesus himself.
• What did Jesus mean by loosing and binding on earth and in heaven? Whatever the apostles taught was considered truth by God and to be followed as if it were from God Himself.
• What were the three principle elements underscoring why content was contained in the New Testament and how does this relate to apostolic authority? The three principle elements underscoring why content was contained in the New Testament are the authorship, value, and circulation of the various letters written by the apostles and/or those closely associated with them. Since these concepts originated with Jesus and were taught and sanctioned by the apostles, they became the standards of behavior for God's Kingdom on earth.
6. Why is it necessary to have various translations of scripture?
Scripture is written in the language of man. Our language changes over time as does meaning of various words. Additionally, some words in one language may have different or various meanings than in another language.
7. Read Matthew 24:35 and answer the following questions:
Its ability to survive, its uniqueness and fulfilled prophecy.
Answers will vary but look for answers such as science related, human reasoning related, or simple disbelief.
Answers will vary but look for such concepts as agreement among scholars, its unity of message over the 66 books written over 1500 years by 40 different authors, and its applicability to every culture and every age.
Many prophecies in scripture have been fulfilled as written to date. Other prophesies have yet to be fulfilled but expectations are that since prophecies have been fulfilled, those not fulfilled to date will be. These prophecies have been documented in secular and spiritual writings.
8. How can you as a student use this to grow spiritually and help others come into a relationship with Jesus?
Look for responses that indicate an acceptance the concepts presented in this lesson and other sources. Other indicators may include responses such as the scope and depth of the information provides clarity of the inspiration and validity of the Bible.