Finding Your Way - teacher's manual sample

A journey through the

Bible’s story of salvation



Teacher’s manualWritten by Rachel Reitsma and Stephen Renn

to be used with Finding your way Student handbook

and Finding your way CD-ROM

teacher’s manual

DAVID

SOLOMON

RUTH

MOSES

JOSEPH

JACOB

JUDAH

ISRAEL

ABRAHAM

ISAAC

Exodus

Deuteronomy

Genesis

Psalms

Matthew

Judges

ISAIAH

JOB

Leviticus

JESUS

Matthew

ISAIAH

Deuteronomy





ISRAEL

Leviticus

written by Rachel Reitsma and Stephen Rennwritten by Rachel Reitsma and Stephen Renn

INCL

UDES TEAC

HE

R’S CD ROM

INNCCLL

UUDDEESS TTTEEAA

CDDROO

INNCC

EAAEAEAC

CCCDDDRRROOO

INCL

UDES TEAC

HE

R’S CD-ROM

ACC

HHEE

RRRS

CCDDRROOM

CACACCCCCCHCHCHHHHHHE

HE

HEEEEEERERERRRRRR’’R’RR’RS

RS

R’S’SSSCCCCCCCCDCDCCDCDDDRDRDRRRORORROROOOMOMOOMOMMM

INIIIINNNNNNNNCCCC

FYW Teachers Manual Cover.indd 1 20/5/10 5:04:53 PM

ContentsUsing this manual ..........................................................................................................................5

Introduction The big picture ................................................................................................................11

Chapter 1 Beginnings ........................................................................................................................25 Genesis 1–11

Chapter 2 Big promises .....................................................................................................................43 Genesis 12 – Deuteronomy

Chapter 3 A matter of trust .............................................................................................................59 Joshua – 2 Chronicles

Chapter 4 The wisdom books .........................................................................................................77 Job – Song of Songs

Chapter 5 Remember the promises ............................................................................................87 1 Kings – Malachi

Chapter 6 The promise fulfilled ....................................................................................................99 Matthew – John

Chapter 7 The promise continues .............................................................................................117 Acts – Revelation

3

Welcome to Finding your way Teacher’s manual.

This publication is written for teachers of junior high school students – roughly years 7–8. It is designed to accompany the Finding your way Student handbook, which gives students an overview of the whole Bible and traces the story of salvation in which God has created an eternal future for his people through the death and resurrection of his son, Jesus Christ.

This unit forms part of the range of high school resources developed for Christian studies in independent schools and Special Religious Education in State schools. The material could easily be used in other contexts such as youth groups or camping curriculum.

Using this manual

All Christian Education Publications are grounded in the belief that God is the source of all truth and his word, the Bible, is where God reveals himself and his saving purposes. God has acted in Christ to achieve his saving purposes for humanity.

CEP high school resources aim to help students to grow in their understanding of the Christian faith, to respond to the claims of Christ and to grapple with how to apply their faith to life.

CEP high school resources cover the following six aspects of the Christian Studies program, assisting students to:

Engage with the BibleStudents will learn how to read, understand and apply the Bible to their lives and will be introduced to the concepts of biblical theology.

Know the gospelStudents will learn about the life and teaching of Jesus, come to appreciate the significance of his death and resurrection and consider their own response to him.

Examine different worldviewsIn a safe and supportive environment, students will be encouraged to question, discuss and evaluate critically other world views and practices.

Learn about their Christian heritageStudents will have the opportunity to learn about key events and people who have impacted history as they have put their faith into action.

Examine ethical issuesStudents will be encouraged to see the relationship between faith and behaviour as they examine a range of personal and public ethical issues.

Have opportunity for personal spiritual growthStudents will be encouraged to grow in their personal knowledge of God and in their worship, trust and obedience in the context of Christian community and through opportunities to serve others.

5

IntroductionThis resource is written for teachers of junior high school students. It is designed to accompany the Finding your way Student handbook, which takes students through the whole Bible, revealing to them God’s plan of rescue for his people.

The average class will contain a range of levels of familiarity with the Bible. Some students may have no real knowledge of the Bible, its story or its characters. Discussion will therefore be an important part of your lessons, as it will help students to work through and remember the concepts they are learning. It will also help them as they consider how to apply these concepts to their lives. Promoting a classroom environment in which students can safely and honestly voice their questions, concerns and encouragements will also make this course more effective.

Along the way, some concepts – such as God’s punishment and judgement – may be difficult for students to reconcile. One key concept which teachers will need to reinforce in each lesson is that the judgement of God sits alongside the mercy of God. Another important concept which may be difficult for students to grasp is substitutionary atonement, which first appears in Chapter 2 with the Passover. Leaving the full explanation of this until Chapter 6 will mean you can teach and explain substitutionary atonement in the light of Jesus’ work on the cross.

Throughout the Bible, God’s faithfulness in keeping his promises is a key theme which will particularly be helpful to reinforce in Chapter 7, where students consider the promises Christians today are holding on to, namely the new creation and Jesus’ return. Reflecting on the history of God’s promises throughout the Old Testament and the Gospels will reinforce to students that God can be trusted to fulfil the promises Christians hold to today, as he has done throughout history.

CD–RomThe CD-ROM that comes with this Teacher’s manual contains:

Supporting PowerPoint presentations for each chapter •which follow the flow of the Student handbook.PDF• version of the Teacher’s manual for you to download and print as required.PDF• versions of the Black line masters for each chapter.

A journey

through the

Bible’s story of

salvation

A journey

through the

Bible’s story of

salvation This CD-ROM is designed

to accompany the

Finding Your Way

Teacher’s manual

and Student

handbook.

Inside:

• PDF version of

Teacher’s manual

• PDF version of Black

line masters

• PowerPoint slides

All rights reserved • Unauthorised copying of this CD prohibited • All f les are © 2010 Christian Education Publications • P

O Box A287

Sydn

ey S

outh

NSW

123

5

FYW Cd layout (disc).indd 1

5/5/10 4:21:53 PM

6

Unit aimTo introduce students to the Bible as a whole, tracing the history of God’s people and promises from Genesis through to Revelation. The aim is also to bring students to an understanding of how God has rescued his people through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

OutcomesBy the end of this unit, the students will:

Know about:The structure of the Bible itself, in its different sections, such as the wisdom books and the Gospels.•

The different characters in the Bible, the part they played in God’s plan of salvation for his people, •and what we can learn from their example.

The ‘storyline’ of salvation, from God’s good creation through the fall and the turbulent history of Israel, •to Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, and the new era this has ushered in for God’s people.

Be able to:Identify the flow of the Bible story, and acknowledge that the Bible portrays God as both righteous judge •and merciful rescuer.

Give a brief explanation of the history of the Bible, including who wrote the various parts, and when • they were written.

Explain in a nutshell how Jesus’ coming was the fulfilment of many promises made to men such as •Abraham and Moses thousands of years before his birth.

Trace the history of God’s people through the order of the books of the Bible (using the timeline provided). •

Have had the opportunity to:Understand God’s character as a righteous judge and as a merciful God who has shown compassion •and provided salvation through Jesus.

Consider and respect the Bible as a trustworthy account of history.•

See the pattern of promise and fulfilment throughout the Bible, and consider why Christians continue •to trust in God today.

7

Bookmarks through the BibleIn each chapter of the Student handbook, bookmarks point out the key events in each section. Here they are in their entirety:

OLD TESTAMENTGenesis 1–2 Creation.Genesis 3 Sin enters the world.Genesis 4 Life away from God’s presence.Genesis 6:1–6 The spread of evil.Genesis 6–9 Noah and the flood.Genesis 11 The Tower of Babel.Genesis 12 God’s promise to Abram.Genesis 15, 17 God’s covenant.Genesis 21–28 The birth and life of Isaac.Genesis 25, 27–35 Jacob’s life and family.Genesis 37, 39–50 The life of Joseph.Exodus 1–2 Slaves in Egypt.Exodus 3–4 God calls Moses.Exodus 12–15 God saves his people.Exodus 19–24 God’s covenant with Israel.Deuteronomy Moses’ speech to the Israelites.Joshua 1–12 Joshua leads the Israelites into the Promised Land.Joshua 14–24 The Israelites settle in the land.Judges 1–2 Cycle of disobedience, disaster, distress and deliverance.Judges 4–16 God sends leaders – including Deborah, Gideon and Samson –

to rescue his people even when they turn away.1 Samuel 9–31 King Saul (1050 – 1010 BC).2 Samuel 5–6 Jerusalem.2 Samuel 7 God’s promise to David.2 Samuel 11–12 David’s sin.1 Kings 2–11; 2 Chronicles 1–9 King Solomon (970 – 930 BC).1 Kings 12–14 Solomon’s kingdom is divided; his son, Rehoboam, rules Judah (930 BC).2 Kings 17 Assyria invades and destroys Israel (722 BC).2 Kings 24–25 Babylon invades Judah and destroys Jerusalem and the Temple (587 BC).2 Chronicles 36:22–23; Ezra 1–8 The people of Judah return to the land.

NEW TESTAMENTMatthew 1–2 The birth of Jesus (4 BC).Matthew 5–25 The life of Jesus (4 BC – AD 33).Matthew 26–28 The trial, death and resurrection of Jesus (AD 33).Luke 24:50–53 Jesus’ ascension (return to heaven) (AD 33).Acts 2 Pentecost festival: the arrival of the Spirit.Acts 2:1–4; 3:1–10 Miraculous signs at the Spirit’s coming.Acts 2:42–47; Galatians 5:22–26 The Spirit shapes the godly lifestyle of believers (AD 33).Revelation Vivid description of heaven – the ‘new creation’.Revelation 21–22 Uninterrupted fellowship with God and Jesus forever.

8

Structure and themes of Finding your wayInTRODUCTIOn – ThE BIg PICTUREReading the Bible: structure, content and history.

ChAPTER 1 – BEgInnIngsBible section: Genesis 1–11Events: Creation, the fall, the flood.Key themes: God’s judgement and mercy, humans made in the image of God.

ChAPTER 2 – BIg PROMIsEsBible section: Genesis 12 – DeuteronomyEvents: God’s promises to Abraham, the life of Joseph, God’s promises to Moses, the plagues of Egypt, the Passover and the gift of God’s law.Key themes: God’s judgement (on Egypt) and the rescue of his people, God’s desire for covenantal relationship with his people, God can be trusted to fulfil his promises.

ChAPTER 3 – A MATTER Of TRUsTBible section: Joshua – 2 ChroniclesEvents: The journey to Canaan, the fall of Jericho, the period of the judges, the reigns of Saul, David and Solomon.Themes: God's trustworthiness in fulfilling his promises, God’s faithfulness to and use of sinful people, the problem of idolatry, the choice we all face to trust God or turn away from him.

ChAPTER 4 – ThE WRITIngs: ‘LIfE Is...?’Bible section: Job – Song of SongsEvents: The suffering of Job, David writes many of the Psalms, Solomon writes Song of Songs, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. Themes: Life can be difficult but God is faithful, God’s word gives wisdom for everyday life, the Bible contains stories of real people from whom we can learn much.

ChAPTER 5 – REMEMBER ThE PROMIsEsBible section: 1 Kings – MalachiEvents: The prophets' prediction of the coming of a Messiah, the kings of the north and south, Jonah’s story, invasion and exile for Israel and Judah, Daniel’s story.Themes: God has a plan to save his people, God fulfils his specific promises, we all face the choice to trust God or turn away from him.

ChAPTER 6 – ThE PROMIsE fULfILLEDBible section: Matthew – JohnEvents: Jesus’ birth, miracles, teaching , death and resurrection; revision of promises made in the Old Testament.Themes: God fulfils his promises, Jesus is unique and embodies all prophecies from the Old Testament, Jesus’ death has consequences for us today.

ChAPTER 7 – ThE PROMIsE COnTInUEsBible section: Acts – RevelationEvents: Pentecost and the gift of the Holy Spirit, the promise of a new creation.Themes: God works in his people today through the Holy Spirit. Christians look forward to living in a new creation forever with God when Jesus returns.

9

Components of each chapter in this Teacher's manualBig ideaThe key idea for the lesson, expressed in terms of concept and application to the students.

AimsObjectives to help the teacher in conveying the Big idea to students.

OutcomesMeasurable outcomes for each lesson in terms of:

Knowledge•Skills•Understanding•Response. •

PowerPoint (PPT)Indicates where PowerPoint slides are available to help teachers to display information.

Background notesBasic Bible background notes to assist in understanding the original context of the passage and its place in a biblical theology framework.

Lesson notesThe basic structure and flow of the Student handbook for each lesson, with teaching notes.

Extension ideasA variety of ideas for extending each lesson, or tailoring the lesson for particular groups.

Black line mastersBlack line masters with additional extension ideas are also provided. Note that PDF versions of these are also on the CD-ROM to make downloading and copying easier.

10

BeginningsIntroduction

The Big Picture

Big Idea: The entire Bible is one over-arching story, composed of many episodes, with the central theme of God’s plan of salvation for the human race.

Aim: To help students understand the ‘big idea’ of the story of salvation as contained in the Bible.

Outcomes: By the end of the section, students will be able to:

identify the books of the Bible•

outline the connection between the Old and the New Testament•

understand the value of a timeline as a tool for understanding the message of the Bible•

appreciate the significance of God’s promise as a theme that runs through •all the stories found in the Bible.

The overall intention in this chapter is to motivate students to begin to read the Bible with a sound understanding of its overall message.

11

Background NotesWhy read the Bible?One of the most important questions that can be asked at the outset of a unit such as this is: 'Why read the Bible?'

Quite apart from all kinds of legitimate theological reasons that can be brought forward in answer to this •question, the ‘story’ phenomenon is a powerful element of communication in contemporary culture.A comprehensive list of elements contained in the Bible story is too large to detail here. However, there are a •number of major themes, all of which will be expanded in the sections that follow:

God’s character, and his actions in human history »God’s response to human sinfulness – divine judgement »God’s promise to rescue and forgive sinful humanity »the balanced expression of divine judgement and blessing »the story of God’s salvation for mankind, which culminates in the coming of Jesus Christ to earth. »

Other ‘big issue’ life questions are also addressed in the Bible, but might not always be answered in a way that we find satisfying. God has not told us everything and sometimes we may not understand his answers. For example, it might look to us as though God allows some evil to go unpunished or allows good people to suffer. But we need to realise that God is in control and that he is fair and knows what is best. We do not have to fully understand everything in order to trust him. Having said that, the Bible does contain all the answers to the questions in life that matter. And this is one very important reason for reading this book.

Bible content – The nature of the Old and New TestamentsHere, the term ‘testament’ denotes a solemn agreement between god and man which is consistently referred to in Scripture as a covenant. There are two testaments that make up the Bible – an old and a new one. One fundamentally important component of this divine-human covenant is ‘promise’ – a concept that runs right throughout the story of the Bible.

PPT slides 10,11,12,13

This covenant is not revealed all at once in the Bible, but is progressively introduced in a number of stages, culminating in the coming of Jesus Christ, who ushers in the New Covenant stage. All other stages prior to this form part of the Old Covenant, which begins with Adam and Eve, and is then followed by noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and the prophets.

The motif of promise is what gives the covenant theme its continuity throughout the Bible ‘story’. Key Bible characters are not only given the promise from God, but also his demands that go with it. The consequences of failing to obey God are serious; and the Bible story gives details of the judgement that was often handed down to the people of God when they disobeyed him. However, alongside the judgement of god there is always the mercy of god.

As a consequence, the promise of God to bring salvation to his people is never abandoned, and is brought to an ultimate fulfilment in the person of Jesus Christ. There are times in the history of God’s people when that promise comes under threat, and God’s patience is severely tested. However, it is through the coming of Jesus to earth that god’s fulfilment of his promise of salvation is demonstrated beyond any shadow of doubt.

12

Introducing the Timeline feature

NOAH MOSES JUDGES KING DAVID & KING SOLOMON

DIVIDED KINGDOM

Isai

ahJe

rem

iah

Lam

enta

tion

s

ISRAEL

JUDAH

EXILED TO BABYLON

EXILED TO ASSYRIA

Dan

iel

Ezek

iel

CREATION Ezra

Hag

gai

Zech

aria

hEs

ther

Neh

emia

hM

icah

Nah

um

Hab

akku

kZe

ph

ania

h

Mal

ach

i

40

0 y

ears

ADBC

0

1900 BC 1000 BC

Ho

sea

Joel

Am

os

Ob

adia

h

400 BC

3000 BC

608 BC750 BC

BIBLE TIMELINE

460 BCRETURN538 BC

PROPHETS

Act

sRo

man

s1

Co

rinth

ian

s2

Co

rinth

ian

sG

alat

ian

sEp

hes

ian

sPh

ilip

pia

ns

Co

loss

ian

s1

Thes

salo

nia

ns

2 Th

essa

lon

ian

s1

Tim

oth

y2

Tim

oth

yTi

tus

Phile

mo

nH

ebre

ws

Jam

es1

Pete

r2

Pete

r1

Joh

n2

Joh

n3

Joh

nJu

de

Reve

latio

n

0

AD 30

AD 30s PAUL’S MISSIONARY JOURNEYS AD 100

GOSPELS

Mat

thew

Mar

kLu

keJo

hn

THE EARLY CHURCH

The timeline that is incorporated in Finding your way plays an important role in helping students to make sense of the sometimes complex details of the story of salvation. This timeline is a core feature of this unit. It is presented in the Student handbook as spread across the bottom of the double opening page of each chapter.in its entirety, with the relevant section for that chapter highlighted. Then there is a 'bookmark' segment from the timeline placed vertically down the right side of the last page of each chapter, highlighting more relevant details.

This teaching tool will help the teacher to communicate key material for each lesson more effectively because: it indicates that the Bible is about real people, in real places, in real time•it emphasises the continuity and unity of the Bible story: • one ongoing narrative with many episodes – all of them interrelatedit demonstrates that the motif of promise runs right throughout the Bible narrative•it reinforces the concept that the person of Jesus Christ is both integral to the story, and its ultimate fulfilment•it will reinforce key elements of the Bible story in the minds of students if it is consistently used and applied, •and will increase their grasp of the significance of those people and events.

Using the Timeline – How to read itIn the Student handbook (page 4) there are three short paragraphs explaining how to read the timeline. In addition, consider quizzing students on matching dates, people and events after presenting the timeline material. This will help them to process the content more effectively.

ExTENSION: Study the timeline for a minute or two. Then, in a game known as the Rich List, try and name as many people and events on the timeline as you can, leading up to the time of Jesus in sequence, from memory. Divide into groups for a competition.

Using the Bible Library chartsThe Bible Library charts in the Student handbook are designed to give students a simple, yet comprehensive visual snapshot of the entire content of God’s word. The charts divide the books of the Bible into their respective genres such as history, poetry, prophets and wisdom books for the Old Testament; and Gospels, (church) history, letters and the Book of Revelation for the New Testament.

Teachers may wish to quiz students on the books of the Bible by devising a variety of memory challenges. Dividing the class into teams and introducing a competitive element into this learning exercise will help motivate students to process the material.

ExTENSION: Draw and design a poster (A3) displaying an advertisement for the newly completed Bible which has just been finished. Imagine a date around AD 100. Use visual illustrations as well as promotional phrases/slogans in order to attract customers.

13

�

Why read the Bible?

Old Testament • The origin of the world and God’s relationship with humanity.

• God’s faithfulness to his people (individuals and the nation of Israel).

• Promises about God’s plan to restore the broken relationship between God and humanity.

• Time frame: from creation to 400 BC.

• Original language – Hebrew (some Aramaic).

• During the 2nd century BC the Old Testament was translated into Greek.

New Testament

• God’s plan revealed through

Jesus’ life, teaching, death and

resurrection.

• How and why people

followed Jesus.

• The spread of Christianity

during the 1st century AD.

• Time frame: birth of Jesus to

90 AD.

• Original language – Koine

Greek.

• Translated into various

languages during the first few

centuries AD, including Latin.G

enes

isEx

odus

Levi

ticus

Num

bers

Deu

tero

nom

y

Josh

uaJu

dges

Ruth

1 Sa

mue

l2

Sam

uel

1 Ki

ngs

2 Ki

ngs

1 Ch

roni

cles

2 Ch

roni

cles

Job

Psal

ms

Prov

erbs

Eccl

esia

stes

Song

of S

ongs

Jona

h

NOAH MOSES JUDGES KING DAVID & KING SOLOMON

DIVIDED KINGDOM

Isai

ahJe

rem

iah

Lam

enta

tion

s

ISRAEL

JUDAH

EXILED TO BABYLON

EXILED TO ASSYRIA

Ezek

iel

CREATION1900 BC 1000 BC

Ho

sea

Joel

Am

os

Ob

adia

h

3000 BC

608 BC750 BC

BIBLE TIMELINE

PROPHETS

Introduction The Big Picture

q Information about God and his relationship with humanity.q A collection of books written over a period of approximately 1600 years.

What,s in the Bible?

q 66 books – in two sections.q The first

section is the Old Testament (39 books).

q The second section is the

New Testament (27 books).

Testamentis another word

for“solemn agreement”.

In the Bible this agreement is referred to as a “covenant”

between God and his people.

What is a Testament?

Lesson notes

Old Testament/New Testament

PPT slides 3,4,5,6,7,8,9

Response and discussion: This is not a term in common usage today, except as a synonym for a person’s will, which comes into effect at the time of one’s death. Ask if any students can give the meaning of ‘will’, or ‘testament’ in this context. A will sets out how that person’s property and money is to be distributed amongst family and/or friends. There is a slight connection between the current meaning of ‘testament’ and its theological sense of ‘covenant’ in the Bible, where it means ‘solemn promise’.

Why read the Bible?

PPT slide 14

Response and discussion: Before students write down their answers to this question, have a free-flowing discussion to capture their initial reactions. This discussion, hopefully, will provide a catalyst for them to get into the Bible in a meaningful way.

If discussion is slow to start, or overly negative, the following thought-provoking questions may be useful:

Why read a book that’s 2000 years old?•Why wouldn’t you read the Bible?•Why do you think other people read the •Bible?Why is the Bible the world’s biggest-•selling book?Why have several Christians risked their •lives to take the Bible into countries where it is illegal?

1414

What's in the Bible?

PPT slide 2

Response and discussion: Be aware that information of this depth and detail about the Bible may be new to many students. For this reason, teachers may need to be generous with the time given to this activity, allowing for any questions or comments before moving on.

To get discussion going, list the following events and ask students whether or not these events are in the Bible. Students should answer ‘Yes’ or ‘No’.

The flood (Yes – Genesis 6–8)•The fall of Jericho (Yes – Joshua 5 and 6)•The First World War (No)•The exodus (Yes – Exodus 12) •The abduction of Helen of Troy (No)•The birth of Buddha (No)•David made king over Israel (Yes – 2 Samuel 5)•The birth of Jesus (Yes – Matthew 1, Luke 2)•The fall of the Roman empire (No)•The reign of the Egyptian pharaohs (Yes – Exodus)•

�

Where did the Bible come from?• God inspired various human authors to record his message.

• Some sections were written as historical accounts of God’s people, others as instructions and laws.

• Songs and poetry written for use in worship and letters on how to live God’s way were also collected together.

• All sections were handwritten on separate scrolls or parchments, which were copied by scribes who took great care to ensure all copies were accurate.

• No originals remain but comparing the great volume of copies reveals the accuracy with which the Bible documents have been passed down.

The Bible today• The Bible has been translated into over 2000 languages.1

• Translators work from the original languages to ensure accuracy.

• There are 13 English translations of the Bible.

• Resources such as www.biblegateway.com allow you to search online for passages in a variety of versions and languages.

Dan

iel

Ezra

Hag

gai

Zech

aria

hEs

ther

Neh

emia

hM

icah

Nah

um

Hab

akku

kZe

ph

ania

h

Mal

ach

i

40

0 y

ears

ADBC

0400 BC460 BCRETURN538 BC

What,s in the Bible?

WEIRD BUT TRUESun and moon stood stillfor a whole day.Joshua 10:13

WEIRD BUT TRUE

Man lived to be

969 years old.

Genesis 5:27

Act

sRo

man

s1

Co

rinth

ian

s2

Co

rinth

ian

sG

alat

ian

sEp

hes

ian

sPh

ilip

pia

ns

Co

loss

ian

s1

Thes

salo

nia

ns

2 Th

essa

lon

ian

s1

Tim

oth

y2

Tim

oth

yTi

tus

Phile

mo

nH

ebre

ws

Jam

es1

Pete

r2

Pete

r1

Joh

n2

Joh

n3

Joh

nJu

de

Reve

latio

n

0

AD 30

AD 30s PAUL’S MISSIONARY JOURNEYS AD 100

GOSPELS

Mat

thew

Mar

kLu

keJo

hn

THE EARLY CHURCH

Where did the Bible come from?

PPT slides 4,5

Response and discussion: The notion of divine inspiration will be an alien concept for most students. Allow time for questions and comments.

1515

�

A time and a place The events recorded in the Bible reveal God’s relationship with humanity through time. Identifying the places and the time periods of history in which events occurred helps us to better understand the people we meet in each part of the Bible. The Bible timeline indicates:

• when the events took place

• the order in which they happened

• the connection between the parts of the Bible

Reading the timelineFollow the dates from left to right to see the events of the Bible story in chronological order. The dates listed are mostly approximate; however dates for the creation of the world, and the rebellion against God are unknown.

BC (Before Christ) refers to the period of history before the birth of Jesus Christ. On this side of the timeline, the years are counted down from higher numbers to lower numbers as you move forward in history. This period is also referred to as BCE (Before the Common Era).

AD is a Latin phrase, ‘Anno Domini’ meaning “the year of our Lord” and refers to the period of history from the coming of Jesus up to the present time. On this side of the timeline the numbers increase as you move forward in history. This timeline only goes as far as 100 AD, as by this time the writing of the New Testament was complete. This period is also referred to as CE (Common Era).

The world scene

The events in the Bible took place in the area of the world known today as the Middle East and the Mediterranean countries.

Highlight the regions on the map where the events of the Old Testament took place.Choose a different colour or shading pattern to highlight the regions where the events of the New Testament took place.

As you read the Bible there are references to other cultures and nations, some of which were powerful empires in the ancient world. Events in the Bible interact with the following major empires:

•Egyptian •Assyrian •Babylonian •Persian •Greek •Roman

�

�

Many booksThe Bible is a collection of many documents written between approximately 1500 BC and 90 AD. These books vary in nature and are arranged with the different categories grouped together.

Although written by many different human authors over such a long period of time, the Bible has a unified theme because it is really God’s message. This theme is a promise that God will rescue humanity from the consequences of rebelling against him. This promise is ultimately revealed through Jesus Christ.

Match the categories listed below to the correct sections of the Bible Library:

Gospels

History

Law

Letters

Poetry

Prophecy

The Prophets

WEIRD BUT TRUEAn army with seven hundredleft-handed men.Judges 20:16

�

NEW TESTAMENT

OLD TESTAMENT

The world sceneIf the teacher prefers, he/she may direct students to the map on the inside back cover of their workbooks or show this map as an overhead projection slide.

Many booksPPT slides 4,5,12

Response and discussion: This introduction to the Bible’s message and content is very important. Ensure that students have a viable grasp of the theme of the promise, and understand that it runs right throughout the entire Bible. This is the theme that will be of central importance as this unit of study unfolds.

1616

1) R U ready to FInd your way around the Bible? The completed chart of Bible references and what they tell us about God and the Bible is set out below:

Bible reference John 3:16 2 Timothy 3:16

What it tells us… God so loved the world that he sent his only Son to die in our place, so that we could have our sins forgiven.

Everything in the Bible is God’s word, and useful for teaching us what will please him.

OT or nT NT NT

Page number in your Bible

Unknown – according to version.

Unknown – according to version

�

Psalm 119:105

B4 u start1) R U Ready to fInd your way around the Bible? The books of the Bible are divided into chapters and sentences or verses to help readers find specific sections.

Name of the book of the Bible

Chapter number of the book

Verse or sentence

number of the chapterFind the following references in the Bible to discover what they

tell us about God and the Bible.

Complete the chart below.

Bible reference John 3:16 2 Timothy 3:16

What it tells us…

OT or NT?

Page number in your Bible

WEIRD BUT TRUE

Man whose hair weighed

about 3 kilos at his

annual haircut.

2 Samuel 14:26

WEIRD BUT TRUEMan who walked around

naked for three years.

Isaiah 20:2-3

WEIRD BUT TRUEQueen who gave a test to a king.1 Kings 10:1-3

1717

�

Psalm 119:105

2) Quick quizAfter looking over the information in this introduction, see if you can answer the following questions:

a. What do BC and BCE mean?

b. What do AD and CE mean?

c. Place these events in correct chronological order:

• ____ Kings rule God’s people

• ____ Jesus teaches people about

God’s kingdom

• ____ Moses leads God’s people

• ____ God makes promises to Abraham.

d. In what year did Jesus die and come back to life?

e. Some books of the Old Testament are named after the people who wrote them. Suggest 6 Old Testament books that have the author’s name.

f. Some books of the New Testament are named after the places to which Christianity spread. Suggest 4 destinations to which letters were sent.

g. Write the name of a book of the Bible that belongs to the following types of writing. Indicate whether it is found in the Old Testament (OT) or New Testament (NT).

Types of writing

Name of a book found in this category

OT or NT?

Poetry

Law

Gospel

Prophets

History

h. In what part of the world did the events in the Bible take place?

2) Quick quizSuggested answers for the questions in the quick quiz are set out below:

a. What do BC and BCE mean? Before Christ and Before the Common Era.

b. What do AD and CE mean? Anno Domini (which is Latin for 'In the Year of our Lord') and Common Era.

c. Place these events in correct chronological order: 1. God makes promises to Abraham. 2. Moses leads God’s people. 3. Kings rule God’s people. 4. Jesus teaches people about God’s kingdom.

d. In what year did Jesus die and come back to life? Approximately AD 33.

e. some books of the Old Testament are named after the people who wrote them. suggest 6 Old Testament books that have the author’s name. Ezra; Nehemiah; Isaiah; Jeremiah; Ezekiel; any of the 12 so-called Minor Prophets.

f. some books of the new Testament are named after the places to which Christianity spread. suggest 4 destinations to which letters were sent. Rome; Corinth; Philippi; Colosse.

g. Write the name of a book of the Bible that belongs to following types of writing. Indicate whether it is found in the Old Testament (OT) or new Testament (nT). This is not a definitive set of answers, rather a sampling:

Types of writing

name of a book found in this category

OT or nT

Poetry Psalms OTLaw Deuteronomy OT

gospel Mark NTProphets Ezekiel OThistory 1 Kings OT

h. In what part of the world did the events in the Bible take place? In the region known as the Ancient Near East, mainly around the Eastern Mediterranean Sea and lands to the North, East and South. This includes countries such as Israel, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, and countries now known as Iraq, Iran, Turkey and Arabia.

1818

using the 'Black line masters'

BLM #1 – What the Bible means to meThe purpose of the exercise is to get students to appraise their preconceptions about the Bible. It is helpful in this opening chapter for students to realise their ideas about the Bible have been formed somehow, and that this is a book about which they must have an opinion.

BLM #2 – Examining the Old and New TestamentsThis is a fairly straightforward exercise designed to get students thinking about the two testaments, and to consider why certain things fall in both testaments. The correct answers are:

Stories about Jesus – both•Jerusalem features – both•God speaks to prophets – both •The flood – Old Testament•God speaks to Abraham – Old Testament•Rome is mentioned – New Testament•People worship at the Temple – both•The 10 plagues of Egypt – Old Testament•God saves his people – both•John’s vision of heaven – New Testament•The Temple is destroyed – both•The first Christians – New Testament. •

BLM #3 – What's in a name?The purpose of this exercise is to strengthen the students’ understanding of the range of biblical books. In particular, it will hlep students to appreciate that the Bible includes different forms of literature written for a range of audiences.

BLM #4 – Old and new testament FInd-a-wordThis fun exercise will help to familarise students with some of the names of the books of the Bible. The answers can be found on page 24.

19

¶ Put a tick next to the quote that most accurately describes

your feelings about the Bible.¶ Put a cross next to

those quotes with which you most disagree.

¶ Think about how you have come to this viewpoint. Who influenced you?

What have you read about the Bible?

What the Bible means to me

The Bible is myth, pure and simple. It is just a heap of stories invented by people who needed something to believe in. Anon

The book to read is not the one which thinks for you, but the one which makes you think. No book in the world equals the Bible for that.

James mcCosh

If you picture the Bible to be a mighty tree and every word a little branch, I have shaken every one of these branches because I wanted to know what it was and what it meant.

MARTIN LUTHER

When you read God's Word (the Bible), you must constantly be saying to yourself, ‘It is talking to me, and about me.’

SØren KIerKeGaard

The existence of the Bible, as a book for the people, is the greatest benefit which the human race has ever experienced. Every attempt to belittle it is a crime against humanity.

IMMANUEL KANT

The Bible is full of nice stories about how to live a better life. Take from it what you wish, but thereís no need to take it too seriously. anon

The Bible is worth all the other books which have ever been printed.

PaTrick Henry

The Bible is a collection of fantastic legends without scientific support.

The CommunisT DiCTionary issueD By The

sovieT sTaTe PuBlishing house.

2020

Finding your way INTRODUCTION • BLM 1

Examining the Old and New TestamentsPut each of the following into the correct Testament.

Write here anything else you know about the Bible:

Stories about Jesus •Jerusalem is featured •God speaks to prophets •The flood •God speaks to Abraham •Rome is mentioned •

People worship at the Temple •The 10 plagues of Egypt •God saves his people •John’s vision of heaven •The Temple is destroyed •The first Christians •

OLD TEsTamENT

NEw TEsTamENT

2121


Genesis

Deuteronomy

1 & 2 Kings

Proverbs

ecclesiastes

song of songs

Lamentations

matthew

acts

1 & 2 Corinthians

James

Revelation

What's name?in a

Written by one of Jesus’ brothers.

The first book in the Bible, the name of which means ‘beginnings’.

The last book in the Bible, with amazing visions of heaven.

record part of the turbulent history of Israel.

records the life, teachings, death and resurrection of Jesus.

a collection of wise sayings.

The thoughts of a man searching for meaning in life.

Poems celebrating the love between a man and his wife.

The story of the spread of Christianity in the first century.

The anguished writings of a prophet after the destruction of Jerusalem.

Letters written to the early Christian church in a Greek city.

One of the ‘Books of the Law’ telling the Israelites how to live.

Match each book of the bible with its Meaning, its purpose, or the audience it was written forThe books The definitions

2222


B E S X R G I C Q H L Q E Q W Y V O

O H N T B T W E S I S E N E G Q K F

H A A P F I R S T K I N G S B T I E

E C I I R Y J R K E E S J N P D A L

B T H L A E Z E K I E L T U A Z A D

R S T Q B S X T N S E Y X N D M A R

E W N S F V I X I O X D I O E G O M

W N I E M S S S Q N I E U N G M E V

S Z R C L N Q E F N L T T J A J Y S

B I O O C A R M C J M A A N P Z O I

K B C N O I F Y C O T G S L F V M M

E P T D C S A A A I N S K B E A D J

V M S S S E E Z O Q R D O B R V Z V

I R R A M H J N C E E X P K Y I E K

U G I M L P S M B Q Y D K E J K H R

A I F U A E P M N O A G Y S T O D B

Q K C E S U U C X J I B X A N E H Q

E M O L P N D N S L O Q D N N J R N

OLD anD neW TeSTaMenT

FinD-a-WOrD Search the Find-a-word square to find 10 books of the Old Testament, and 10 books of the New Testament.

OLD TEsTAMEnT: Genesis Numbers Judges Second Samuel First Kings

Psalms Isaiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel

nEW TEsTAMEnT: Mark John Acts Romans First Corinthians

Ephesians Hebrews Second Peter Jude Revelation 2323


B E S X R G I C Q H L Q E Q W Y V O

O H N T B T W E S I S E N E G Q K F

H A A P F I R S T K I N G S B T I E

E C I I R Y J R K E E S J N P D A L

B T H L A E Z E K I E L T U A Z A D

R S T Q B S X T N S E Y X N D M A R

E W N S F V I X I O X D I O E G O M

W N I E M S S S Q N I E U N G M E V

S Z R C L N Q E F N L T T J A J Y S

B I O O C A R M C J M A A N P Z O I

K B C N O I F Y C O T G S L F V M M

E P T D C S A A A I N S K B E A D J

V M S S S E E Z O Q R D O B R V Z V

I R R A M H J N C E E X P K Y I E K

U G I M L P S M B Q Y D K E J K H R

A I F U A E P M N O A G Y S T O D B

Q K C E S U U C X J I B X A N E H Q

E M O L P N D N S L O Q D N N J R N

OLD anD neW TeSTaMenT

FinD-a-WOrD Search the Find-a-word square to find 10 books of the Old Testament, and 10 books of the New Testament.

OLD TEsTAMEnT: Genesis Numbers Judges Second Samuel First Kings

Psalms Isaiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel

nEW TEsTAMEnT: Mark John Acts Romans First Corinthians

Ephesians Hebrews Second Peter Jude Revelation

answers

24

Documents

Finding Your Way - teacher's manual sample