An Adult Study from Victor
Books with 13 Sessions
GUIDE
for MAKING SENSE OF
YOUR FAITH
Includes Reproducible
Response Sheets for Group
Involvement
Leader's Guide for group study of
MAKING SENSE
OF YOUR FAITH
William E. Brown
Leader's Guide prepared by
JULIE SCHNEIDER
Six Reproducible Response Sheets are
included in a removable center section.
V I C T O R BOOKS,
A DIVISION OF SCRIPTURE PRESS PUBLICATIONS INC
USA CANADA ENGLAND
ISBN: 0-89693-625-2
© 1989 by SP Publications, Inc.
All rights reserved
Printed in the United States of America
VICTOR BOOKS
A division of SP Publications, Inc.
Wheaton, Illinois 60187
THE
PLACE
TO
BEGIN
Before you start tearing through this Leader's Guide, stop for a
couple of minutes and read pages 3-6. These pages will:
• Tell you what you'll need to know to prepare each lesson.
• Introduce you to different methods of teaching your group.
• Help you evaluate how you're doing as a group leader.
KNOW YOUR GROUP
Picture the individuals who make up your group. What do you know
about them? What do you need to know to lead them effectively?
Here are a few suggestions:
• Develop warm relationships—get to know group members by
name. Find ways to help members get to know each other as
well.
• Find out what your group members already know and what
they would like to know.
• Be a good listener.
• Promote an attitude of acceptance and respect among group
members.
GET READY TO LEAD
If you are a little unsure of yourself because you're leading a group
of adults for the first time, then follow the LESSON PLAN outlines
for each session.
Using the guided discovery learning approach, each chapter will
contain at least three sections:
• Launching the Lesson—activities that begin focusing on group
members' needs.
• Discovering God's Principles—creative ways to communicate
Bible truth.
• Applying the Truth—application activities that relate Bible truth
to everyday life.
Some sessions may contain additional, optional sections such as:
• Building the Body—icebreakers and activities to help group
members build relationships.
• Prayer Time—suggestions for praying together as a group.
3
REMEMBER THE BASICS
Read the entire text and this Leader's Guide. Underline important
passages in the text and make notes as ideas come to you. Note
any activities in the guide that take advance planning or preparation.
Follow these steps in planning each session:
• Make a brief outline of your lesson plan.
• Formulate and write down all the discussion questions you
intend to use.
• Note all activities and teaching methods you plan to
implement.
• Gather all the materials you will need for the session.
Each session should focus on at least one, and often several, Bible
truths that can be applied directly to the lives of your group members. Encourage group members to bring their Bibles to each session and use them. It's also a good idea to have several modernspeech translations on hand for the purpose of comparison.
USE A VARIETY OF TEACHING METHODS
Response Sheets
Several Response Sheets are provided for you in the removable
center section of this guide. Response Sheets are designed to increase your teaching impact.
The Response Sheets in this guide will help you enliven your
sessions and encourage group involvement. They are numbered
consecutively (Response Sheet 1—Response Sheet 10) and show
with what sessions they should be used. The guide gives specific
directions for when and how to use each Response Sheet in the
lesson material.
Brainstorming
Announce the question or topic to be "stormed." Group members
may make as many crazy suggestions as possible, not waiting to be
called on. Don't allow anyone to criticize the suggestions. List suggestions on the chalkboard; when all are in, have the class evaluate
and discuss the ideas. This method loosens up the group, involves
nonparticipants, and produces new ideas.
Group Bible Study
Each person should have her or his Bible open. Ask questions that
will help the group learn' what the passage you are studying says.
Encourage sharing of insights as the group discusses the interpretations of the passage and its application to current needs. Always
4
summarize findings. This method makes group members think; it
shows them how to study the Bible on their own and it increases
participation and involvement.
Discovery Groups
Divide the group into small groups of three to six persons. Appoint
a leader for each group or let groups select their own leaders.
Assign a topic to each group. Several—or all—groups may discuss
the same topic if necessary. Allow 5-8 minutes for discussion in the
groups, then reconvene and get reports from group leaders. Jot
findings on the board for discussion. Many persons are freer to
express themselves in small groups, so this method provides maximum participation and interaction.
Role Play
Two (or more) class members, without advance notice or written
scripts, act out a situation or relationship. Give them directions as
to the kind of people they are to represent and the situation in
which they find themselves. They speak extemporaneously. This
method helps people "feel" situations, gives them opportunity to try
different solutions, and creates interest at the beginning of class.
Skit
Have members read the parts of a brief script that highlights a
point, provokes discussion, or presents information. Provides good
variety.
Diads
Like Discovery Groups, except that there are only two people, sitting next to each other, in each "group." (If a person is left out in
the pairing off, assign him to one of the twosomes.) This method
makes it easy for bashful persons to participate.
Discussion
In discussion members react not only with the group leader but with
one another. Usually discussion is started by the group leader's
asking a question to which there is more than a single acceptable
answer. A student will respond to a question, someone else may
disagree with him, and a third person may have additional comments. The teacher is responsible for starting the discussion, keeping it "on track" by asking leading questions as necessary, and
summanzing it after contributions cease. If a discussion gets out of
hand and rambles, much of its value is lost.
Here are a few guidelines for leading discussion:
• Maintain a relaxed, informal atmosphere.
5
• Don't call on people by name to take part unless you are sure
they are willing to do so.
• Give a person lots of time to answer a question. If necessary,
restate the question casually and informally.
• Acknowledge any contribution, regardless of its merit.
• Don't correct or embarrass a person who gives a wrong answer. Thank him or her; then ask, "What do the rest of you
think?"
• If someone monopolizes the discussion, say, "On the next
question, let's hear from someone who hasn't spoken yet."
• If someone goes off on a tangent, wait for him or her to draw a
breath, then say, "Thanks for those interesting comments.
Now let's get back to. . ." and mention the subject under
consideration, or ask or restate a question that will bring the
discussion back on target.
• If someone asks a question, allow others in the group to give
their answers before you give yours.
EVALUATE YOUR EFFECTIVENESS
After each session, ask yourself the following questions:
How well did each group member understand the lesson
goals?
How many group members actually took part in the lesson?
Could I use other teaching methods to increase group
member interest and participation?
Did I nurture personal relationships with my group
members?
How well did I prepare the lesson?
How did group members react to me as a group leader?
What do I need to do to become a better group leader?
6
Session One
WHAT DOES IT MEAN
TO BELIEVE?
TEXT,
CHAPTER
1
Session Topic
Christians need to understand the faith they practice.
Session Goals
1. Realize how living by faith should be a large part of our lives.
2. Clarify the three aspects of faith.
3. Evaluate our faith and make it the center of our lives.
Materials Needed
/ Bible
/ Making Sense of Your Faith
J Sunday newspaper
/ Felt-tip markers
y Copies of typed Bible verses
J Chalkboard and chalk
J Paper and pencils
/ Two copies of the skit from session 2
Special Preparation
1. Skim through the text.
2. Read chapter 1, underlining points that are meaningful to you.
Make it a personal time of study and reflection. Make sure all
group participants have a copy of Brown's book and tell them to
bring a Bible to each session. Have them read chapter 1 of the
text for the first session.
3. Pray about leading this study. Pray too for its impact on group
members' lives.
4. Prepare simple refreshments for the first session.
7
5. Type out the following Scripture verses on a sheet of paper:
1 John 1:7; John 3:16; Exodus 33:14; Romans 3:23-24; Romans
10:9; and Mark 9:23. Make copies for all members.
6. Make two copies of the skit in session 2 to give to volunteers at
the end of this session.
L E S S O N
Launching the Lesson
PLAN
(7-10 minutes)
Have refreshments ready for group members as they arrive. Encourage mingling. After members have socialized awhile, have them
take seats; then pass out paper and pens. Ask members to write
three unusual statements about themselves—two true and one
false. Explain that each person will have a chance to share his or
her three statements while the rest will guess which are true. Allow
a few minutes for creative thought. Let each person share his or
her statements while the rest of the group enjoys guessing which
statements are true. If the group is large, divide it into smaller
groups so that everyone will get a turn.
Hand out a segment of the Sunday paper you brought with you
and a felt-tip marker to each group member. Give instructions to
skim advertisements, articles, and news stories, underlining any
statements that the general public simply takes by faith. Allow 5-10
minutes.
Have each person read or show, when appropriate, the underlined statements he or she has found, explaining briefly how we
take them by faith.
Distribute the copies of Bible verses you prepared ahead of time.
Instruct group members to do the same with these statements
taken from Scripture—underline anything taken simply by faith that
cannot be scientifically proven. When everyone is done, discuss the
verses one at a time, pointing out the things Christians merely take
by faith without empirically proving.
Summarize the following points:
• When we believe the true statements about one another at the
start of the session, we took the information as factful by faith.
• Reading the daily paper has proven to be largely an act offaith.
• Even our Christian beliefs are accepted by a measure of faith.
• Our whole lives are lived by faith.
8
Discovering God's Principles
(25-30 minutes)
Have your group members read again "The Three Aspects of
Faith" in Making Sense of Your Faith. Ask them to underline important points. Allow as long as needed.
Lead a group discussion (10-15 minutes) based on the following
questions:
• How is intellectual assent a part of Christianity?
• Explain how belief can be viewed as a blind leap into the
darkness.
• Why do we accept traditional Christian beliefs as true?
On what basis do we accept them?
• Give examples of beliefs based on reason/logic. (Hint:
fulfillment of prophecy)
• Briefly discuss John 16:7-8 regarding belief.
• Is it easy to see God as a Person—to relate to Him emotionally? Why or why not?
• Why is it so difficult to trust and rely on God with matters that are beyond our control? Within our control? Do
we really believe He has infinite knowledge and power?
Explain.
• Name ways that Christians can manifest what they believe and trust.
Have group members use the backside of the handout to write a
short personal testimony that integrates assent, faith, and commitment into their story about coming to know and trust Jesus.
Applying the Truth
(10-15 minutes)
Ask if anyone would like to share the testimony he or she just
wrote. Call on as many volunteers as you have time for.
Have group members ponder the statement you wrote on the
chalkboard for a couple minutes. Close with prayer. Afterward,
mention that prayer is an act of faith too.
ASSIGNMENT
1. Instruct the group to read chapter 2 of the text for the next
session.
2. Ask for 2 volunteers for a skit to be performed during the next
session. Give each a copy of the skit you have prepared.
9
Session Two
SCIENCE AND FAITH:
A CONTINUING BATTLE?
TEXT,
CHAPTER
2
Session Topic
Christians must have a proper and healthy perspective of science.
Session Goals
1. Identify the strengths and limitations of science.
2. Recognize the true nature and role of science.
3. Develop healthy attitudes regarding science and faith.
Materials Needed
y Bible
/ Making Sense of Your Faith
y Copies of Response Sheet 1
y Chalkboard and chalk
y Visual Sketch 1
Special Preparation
1. Read chapter 2 of the text carefully.
2. Read through the lesson, thinking over the points presented. Be
ready to share your thoughts when appropriate.
3. Make copies of Response Sheet 1 for your group members.
Display Visual Sketch 1 in your meeting room.
4. Call your two volunteers to encourage their preparation of the
skit. Suggest they meet early to go over it together. Tell them
that any props they use should be simple.
5. Take time to pray specifically for one or two different individuals
in your group every week.
10
L E S S O N
PLAN
Launching the Lesson
(7-10 minutes)
Take a few minutes to recall last week's session on faith. Ask if
anyone would like to share thoughts or feelings he has had about
faith since then. Move into today's lesson.
Say: We have many reasons to thank God for science and all
its benefits. We all have used science or technology in various forms today, from turning on the shower, to fixing breakfast, to driving here. Beyond convenience, some of us directly
owe our lives to advances in medicine. In spite of these benefits, pure science, by nature, can only meet certain needs of
ours, and can only detect and quantify some types of reality.
At this time have your two volunteers perform the following skit.
(Two players sit facing the group, Faith on left, Science on right.)
Faith:
I am Mr. Faith. I believe that many of the important things in life
cannot be measured, especially spiritual things.
Science: I am Mr. Science. I believe in what I can see, in what I can put
my hands on. If it can't be measured, weighed, or calibrated, it
obviously doesn't exist.
Faith:
When I see a rainbow, I remember to trust God's promise never
to destroy the world by flood again.
Science: (speaking scholarly) I know that rainbows occur when water
droplets in the atmosphere act as a prism and break down white
light into red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.
The news,
event, or
discovery
How faith tells
me to view it
Visual Sketch 1
Seeing science through one's faith
keeps science in the right
perspective
11
Faith:
The Lord has brought me through tough times this year, but
through them I believe He's conforming me to the image of His
Son, Jesus.
Science: (flexing) I've just come through an awesome year in which my
body fat dropped 8 percent, I bettered my time for the mile by
50 seconds, and my stress index was cut by 95.
Faith:
I feel the majesty of God when I watch the stars at night. Man
hasn't begun to explore the farthest corners of His universe.
Science: (somewhat proudly) I know what a pulsar, a quasar, and a black
hole are!
Faith:
When I read in God's Word that He sacrificed His Son out of
love for me, I feel that love surrounding andfillingme.
Science: Johann Gutenberg revolutionized communication by printing
Bibles with moveable type.
Faith:
I am Mr. Faith. Believing God has brought me into His very
throne room.
Science: I am Mr. Science. I have been anywhere and everywhere you
can use a pressure gauge, a camcorder, or a yardstick.
Thank your players and have them be seated.
Discovering God's Principles
(25-30 minutes)
Ask: What are science's strengths? As members think, pass out
copies of Response Sheet 1 and pencils. Together, the group will
offer answers and fill out the left half of the sheet. Members may
refer to chapter 2 of the text. Make sure the following points are
discussed:
•
•
•
•
•
Science is good for gathering facts.
Science can be very practical.
Science informs us of the "what" and "how."
Science proves some realities.
Science informs us of how much we don't know and puts us in
our place as mere humans.
• Science helps us know and understand God's nature (for
example, power and order evident in the universe).
12
Now ask: What are the limitations of science? Again all may
offer answers and refer to the text as the right half of the Response
Sheet is filled out. Make sure the following points are discussed:
• Not every object or phenomenon in the universe can be explained
by science.
• Science is not the only way to obtain knowledge.
• Science doesn't often give us the "why."
• Science doesn't accept reality if it is nonmaterial or spiritual.
Read the following case study aloud.
Bruce and Maria have three children. Their three-year-old has just
been diagnosed as having a rare and rapidly spreading form of leukemia. Modern medicine has only begun doing research on this particular type of blood disease. Some testing is now being done on animals
with experimental drugs, but results are yet unpublished. Bruce and
Maria's three-year-old (their youngest) has been given 8-12 weeks
to live. Though they are believers, they are filled with questions,
lack spiritual understanding, and wonder how they will explain their
daughter's illness and death to the other children (ages 11 and 8). An
added concern has just come up. The doctors have asked Bruce and
Maria's permission to try the experimental drugs on their daughter
since it seems like her only hope.
Discuss with your group the following questions:
• How should Bruce and Maria view science and faith in
their present situation?
• How should they separate the two?
• How can they best put science/medicine and faith into a
proper Christian
perspective?
• How will they explain these things to their children?
Use the two lists on the Response Sheet to stimulate more comments from the group.
Applying the Truth
(10-15 minutes)
Encourage group members to begin thinking about their attitudes
toward science and how they are integrated into their faith. Ask
them to take time after reading the newspaper or hearing the news
to reflect on any implications or bearing that science and/or faith
have. They may wish to keep a notebook throughout the next
weeks or months. Copy Visual Sketch 1 on the chalkboard as an
13
example of what they might write in their notebooks for a start. Ask
a group member to close with prayer.
ASSIGNMENT
Have the group read chapter 3 of the text for the next session.
Session Three
ARRIVING AT
CORRECT BELIEF
TEXT,
CHAPTER
3
Session Topic
Man must believe the right things in order to be saved.
Session Goals
1. Define reasons to believe Christianity.
2. Explore Christianity as a theistic religion.
3. Pray as a group for those seeking the truth Christianity offers.
Materials Needed
y Bible
/ Making Sense of Your Faith
J Copies of Response Sheet 2
/ Pencils
/ Four copies of the case study
y Four concordances
Special Preparation
1. Read chapter three of the text. Grasp an understanding of the
importance of right belief.
2. Read through the lesson plan.
3. Make a copy of Response Sheet 2 for each group member.
15
L E S S O N
P L A N
Launching the Lesson
(7-io minutes)
Divide the group into four small groups. Give each a pencil and a
copy of the case study below:
Seiko is a Japanese student at a large university in the States.
Though she is true to and proud of her Japanese heritage, she has
decided that Shintoism has no meaning for her any longer. At this
point she claims no certain faith or belief; however, she is presently
taking a class on World Religions and secretly hopes to find truths
that will fill the void inside her. Seiko has decided to keep an open
mind while learning about and evaluating many religions.
Instruct the groups to come up with the most convincing reasons
for Seiko to consider and accept Christianity as the truth she is
seeking. They should write a letter to Seiko, leading her to conclude that Christianity holds the right beliefs. Tell the groups not to
use any Scripture references. However, they may mention the
Bible, Jesus, and beliefs of the faith. Encourage each group to
discuss Seiko and her situation before composing their letter.
When everyone is done, read the letters, deciding which group's
letter is the most convincing. Discuss why Seiko will be convinced
by it. Then, discuss the points brought up and/or missed in each
letter.
Discovering God's Principles
(25-30 minutes)
Give a concordance to each of the four small groups, plus a copy of
Response Sheet 2 and a pencil to each member. Assign one of the
first four subjects to each group: view of God, view of universe,
view of humanity, view of future. Each group will work together to
locate Scriptures that state or defend the Christian position on its
topic. Allow 10-15 minutes for this exercise.
When all groups have finished, have each one read the Scripture
texts they used to defend their particular view. Group members
listening should fill in the rest of their sheets while references are
being read.
Now, as a large group, come up with Bible verses to defend the
Christian view of Jesus and salvation. Have everyone fill in his or
her worksheet as the exercise continues.
16
Applying the Truth
ao-is minutes)
Summarize by slowly reading the following paragraphs by Brown
aloud:
For the world, Christianity offers purpose and meaning. Those
who embrace Christ personally have hope for this life and the life to
come.
Christians believe that their worldview best explains the world
around them and satisfies the needs within all of us.
Have the group recall the case study about Seiko. Take time now
to pray as a group for similar university students across America
who are seeking the truth. There might be group members who
know some by name.
ASSIGNMENT
Have group members read chapter 4 of the text for session 4.
17
Session Four
WHY BELIEVE IN GOD?
TEXT,
CHAPTER
4
Session Topic
Christians believe in God because there is substantial evidence for
His existence.
Session Goals
1. Grasp an understanding of the arguments against the existence
of God.
2. Explore graphic evidence of God's existence.
3. Recognize our faith in a real and present Creator.
Materials Needed
J Bible
/ Making Sense of Your Faith
J Chalkboard and chalk
y Copy of the three role plays
y Books/sources from the library
y Tables to accommodate all the group members
Special Preparation
1. Pray that as you and your group continue the study, understanding of and appreciation for basic beliefs of Christianity will
deepen.
2. Call a couple group members simply to chat. Ask how they are
enjoying the study.
3. Read chapter 4 of the text.
4. Read through the role plays. Think about how you would present
the roles if asked. Make copies of these role plays.
5. Go to the local library and check out the following: two or more
issues of National Geographic (ones that have features on nature, geography, and/or various regions of the world or uni18
verse); Life World Library (a Time-Life Book); Life Nature Library (a Time-Life Book); Life Science Library on Growth (a
Time-Life Book); A Child is Born by Lennart Nilsson (Delacort
Press/Seymour Lawrence). If you are unable to locate these
specific magazines or books, look for other suitable references
about the universe/nature and new life/humanity. Pictures are
important. You will need at least 1 or 2 sources on each subject.
You may choose to use copies of articles if you prefer.
6. Make arrangements to have refreshments.
7. Make a copy of "Leader's Advocate" in Session 5 to be given to
a volunteer at the end of session 4.
8. Arrange chairs around the tables.
LESSON
Launching the Lesson
PLAN
(7-10 minutes)
Ask two volunteers to do a role play—one male and one female.
Hand them their copies of the following role play and read the
situation aloud to the rest of the group. Then have your volunteers
begin their role play.
Mary and Bill are newly married. They have refused to believe in
God for personal reasons, such as wanting to live life without any
outside interference. Their desire to be self-sufficient drives them
away from God. Mary and Bill want to be their own bosses and run
their own marriage without any help or dependence on His authority.
A friend from work asked Mary if she and Bill would be interested in
going to a couples retreat with her church. The retreat theme is
"God in your marriage." Mary and Bill are discussing the invitation
over coffee.
Ask for a male volunteer. Again, after he reads the situation,
read it to the group, and have your volunteer begin.
Ken is troubled by evil in the world. He often wonders why so
many innocent people are suffenng from oppression, famine, sickness, and warfare. He also asks himself, "Why do so many evil
people prosper when seemingly good people experience distress?"
He is not a practicing atheist but thinks like one. A friend recently
asked him if he believed in God. Since then, he has been pondering
the subject. Right now, he is in deep thought and is talking to himself
about this whole problem of evil and God's questionable existence.
19
After the second role play is over, and you thank your player, ask
for two more male volunteers. Present the last role play in the
same fashion as the first two.
Dr. Stevens is a scientist for the 3M Company in St. Paul, Minnesota. For 8 years he has been researching to discover a synthetic
skin. This would revolutionize modern medicine. An artificial skin
would enable burn and accident victims to experience faster healing
and fewer scars. At this point Stevens feels he is several years from
such a discovery.
Stevens claims that if God did exist, He would be so far beyond
our ability to understand that we should have no hope of ever knowing anything about Him. Stevens thinks of his inability to achieve his
scientific goal despite his years of expertise and research.
At the moment Stevens is out to lunch with a fellow researcher
and the topic of God's existence just came up. Stevens begins voicing what he thinks, based on his own experience.
After your two volunteers have been seated, ask: What basic
argument did each of these individuals (Mary and Bill, Ken,
Dr. Stevens) have against the existence of God? Write the answers on the chalkboard under the heading "Arguments against the
Existence of God."
Discovering God's Principles
(25-30 minutes)
Let members help themselves to the refreshments at this time.
Bring out the books, articles, and magazines you were able to find
at the library. Put them on the tables and allow everyone to pick
something of interest. If resources are limited, group members will
have to share. Tell them to enjoy browsing through the materials.
Ask only that they pass the sources around so that everyone gets
to see at least one on nature/the universe and one on new
life/humanity.
Then ask group members to think for a minute about things they
have seen today or experienced in their own lives that show evidence that God exists. Allow several to share their thoughts.
Ask: What basic evidence have we researched and shared
regarding the existence of God? Write the answers on the chalkboard under a heading, "Evidence for the Existence of God."
Have individuals find and read aloud the following Scripture
verses in order: Psalm 33:6; Isaiah 45:18; Jeremiah 10:12-16; Genesis 1:26-27; and Jeremiah 1:5a.
Discuss the questions at the end of the chapter 4 of Making
Sense of Your Faith, if time permits.
20
Applying the Truth
(10-15 minutes)
Have group members look at the suggested reading found at the
end of chapter 4 of the text. Encourage them to take time to think
through and perhaps study the problem of evil.
Challenge group members to reread chapter 4 during the week,
thinking and praying about a deepened faith in our existing God.
Close with prayer. You may wish to pray for certain individuals or
for the community to come to have faith in God.
ASSIGNMENT
1. Tell the group to read chapter 5 for the next session.
2. Ask for a volunteer to help you at the next session. Give him or
her a copy of "Leader's Advocate" from session 5. Tell the
person you will call during the week.
21
Session Five
WHY BELIEVE THE BIBLE?
TEXT,
CHAPTER
5
Session Topic
Christians need to know why they believe the Bible.
Session Goals
1. Identify why it's necessary to establish the trustworthiness of
the Bible.
2. Discover how God's Word can be trusted.
3. Summarize reasons for believing in the Bible.
Materials Needed
y Bible
J Making Sense of Your Faith
y Chalkboard and chalk
y Copies of Response Sheet 3
y Pencils
Special Preparation
1. Review session 4 briefly.
2. Read chapter 5 of the text, underlining important terms and
Scriptures.
3. Read through the lesson and complete Response Sheet 3.
4. Pray about your faith in God's Word. Choose a Bible verse from
the lesson to meditate on.
5. Make a copy of Response Sheet 3 for each group member.
6. Contact your "Leader's Advocate." Tell your volunteer that at
the beginning of the session you will discuss with the group how
answers to man's questions are found in the Bible. Instruct your
volunteer to remain quiet. At some point, you should suggest
that answers can be found in Scripture. Your volunteer should
jump in at that point. The Leader's Advocate part doesn't have
22
to be memorized if your volunteer hits the main points and
speaks convincingly.
L E S S O N
PLAN
Launching the Lesson
(7-io minutes)
Say: Let's take a while to review last week's lesson before
moving on to today's. What evidence do we have that God
exists? Allow several people to respond. Then comment: So, we
know there is a God, but how is merely "knowing" that going
to answer the questions like: Why was I created? What will
God do with my life? What purpose is there in my existence
anyway? What about death and the afterlife? How do I know
God cares about me as a person, an individual? Where will I
find my answers? Suggest that some answers may be found in
Scripture.
Have your volunteer ("Leader's Advocate") take over at this
point. Your last statement will be his cue. Here is what he is to say:
"Leader's Advocate"
Wait a minute! You say you get your answers from the Bible, but
what about the Bible? How can we trust it anyway? I think we need
to consider some things. First, do we really know it's God's Word?
Isn't it just something put together by ordinary men? Second, what
about the Koran, the Book of Mormon, and other holy books? Aren't
there some truths to be found in them? And third, why were only
some of the books written selected for the Bible? I've always wondered about the rest. Finally, what about all the meanings and interpretations that seem to come from just one verse or passage? This
really confuses me. Why don't we explore the Bible and its making?
Perhaps we'llfindthe answers to these important questions. There's
no point in going on to something else until we establish that the
Bible is actually trustworthy as God's Word to us.
Say: Thanks for your insight. That sounds like a good idea
to me. Let's do it.
Discovering God's Principles
(25-30 minutes)
Pass out a copy of Response Sheet 3 to each member along with a
pencil. Have the group divide into small groups of 2-4 members.
23
Tell them to work together on the worksheet. If you wish, you may
give them extra help by writing the following terms and phrases on
the chalkboard:
dual authorship
very words of God
Apocrypha
context
prophecy
unchangeable
literary form
authoritative
canon
progressive revelation
inspired
historically accurate
culture
apostolic authority
Bring the group back together. Corporately walk through the
worksheet. Allow for discussion on points that seem unclear, difficult, or questionable. Make certain that all questions are covered. If
no one selected a particular question, then answer it together as a
group.
Applying the Truth
(10-15 minutes)
Instruct group members to write a short and direct letter (rough
draft) to someone they know who does not believe in the Bible or
see much use for it. They can use the back side of their
worksheets. In the letter, have them summarize reasons for believing in the Bible. Tell them the letter is only for class use, but that
they might consider using what they have learned in this session in
witnessing situations in the future.
As members write their letters, write the following question on
the board for the group to ponder awhile: When I have wonders
about the purpose of my existence or the meaning of life and death,
why does it make sense to read the Bible?
Close with sentence prayers. Ask group members to participate.
ASSIGNMENT
Instruct members to read chapter 6 of the text for the next session.
24
Session Six
WHY BELIEVE IN JESUS?
T EXT,
CHAPTER
6
Session Topic
The right view of Jesus must confirm His deity.
Session Goals
1. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of some contemporary
views of Jesus.
2. Develop the case for Jesus' deity.
3. Recommit our lives to Christ.
Materials Needed
/ Bible
y Making Sense of Your Faith
y Response Sheet 4
y Gavel (or small hammer to serve as one)
y Hymnals
y Paper and pencils
Special Preparation
1. Make contact during the week with a couple other group members. Depending on what is appropriate, send a note, make a
phone call, or go out for coffee together.
2. Read chapter 6 of the text.
3. Prepare slips of paper, following the instructions on Response
Sheet 4.
4. Read through the lesson and pray especially for the group's
participation.
5. Select three hymns or choruses to sing that proclaim Christ's
deity, such as "Crown Him with Many Crowns" or "His Name Is
Wonderful." If you are unable to lead them in singing, find someone who will.
25
L E S S O N
P L A N
Launching the Lesson
(7-io minutes)
Before group members arrive, arrange the chairs in a circle and
place a pencil and piece of paper on each. As each person enters
hand him or her a slip of paper which you prepared beforehand
using Response Sheet 4. Make only one copy of views # 1 - 5 and
give them out first. Then, copies of view # 6 can be given to the
rest so that all have slips. Tell group members to keep the roles
they will play secret until asked to disclose them.
Rap the gavel to bring the session to order and say: Welcome to
the Tenth Annual World Council on Religion. The topic of
discussion during this session will be "Jesus' Worth in Our
World Today." Take a few minutes at this time to prepare
your case for Jesus. Consult your slip of paper before you do
so. Be sure to address the question, "What good is Jesus in
our world today?" Relate your comments to present needs as
much as possible. Use the pencil and paper on your chairs for
notes.
When you see members are finishing, rap the gavel for order
again. Say: As you give presentations on "Jesus' Worth in Our
World Today," please limit yourselves to 3 minutes. You may
follow one after another without my commentary or narration. May we hear from our first speaker?
After the first five views have been presented, rap the gavel and
call for a 5-minute recess. Those with view # 6 will gather now to
organize. In five minutes, rap the gavel again and call to order. Say:
Do we have any other views to present? Allow the spokesperson for view # 6 to speak on Jesus the "deity."
Stand, rap the gavel, and say: We will now open the floor for
questions and discussion. Please direct your questions or
comments to the proper person/view. Have the six members
restate their views of Jesus in a phrase. Then rap the gavel once
more and adjourn the Tenth Annual World Council on Religion.
Discovering God's Principles
(25-30 minutes)
Draw the group together and discuss the following questions:
• What truths about Jesus did the first five views present?
• Why do so many people want a more
contemporary
"Jesus—for me"?
26
• Describe the various ways the life and ministry of Jesus
have been reinterpreted to fit modern society.
• What one central fact did the first five views lack?
• Is Jesus really worth much without His deity? Explain
and give examples.
Read aloud and discuss the following situation with group members: A missionary from [your church's name] has written a
letter requesting prayer for himself and the tribe he is working with in Papua New Guinea. They refuse to believe that
Jesus is God for no apparent reason.
Ask: How would you pray for this missionary? For the tribe
he is working with? If you were to write a letter to this missionary, what type of suggestions would you include?
Read aloud and discuss the next situation: Pastor Andrews'
wife has been leading a women's neighborhood Bible study.
The topic this week is the deity of Christ. One of the women
cannot comprehend Jesus being raised from the dead.
Ask: How would you help Mrs. Andrews explain and verify
Jesus' resurrection?
Applying the Truth
(10-15 minutes)
Ask members to briefly state highlights from today's session about
the deity of Jesus.
Pass out the hymnals. Sing the hymns you chose about Christ's
deity. Try reading a verse from each song instead of singing that
verse.
Conclude by asking two members to offer prayers of praise and
adoration to Jesus our Lord and only Son of God.
ASSIGNMENT
Instruct the group to read chapter 7 of the text for the next
session.
39
Session Seven
WHY BELIEVE IN
THE HOLY SPIRIT?
T EXT,
CHAPTER
7
Session Topic
To believe that the Holy Spirit is a person of the Godhead is orthodox Christian doctrine.
Session Goals
1. Identify who the Holy Spirit is.
2. Participate in a worship service centering on the work of the
Holy Spirit.
3. Offer prayers of praise based on what we've learned.
Materials Needed
J Bible
J Making Sense of Your Faith
J Copies of the outline (Launching the Lesson)
J Pencils
/ Chapel or sanctuary (optional)
y Songbooks or hymnals
Special Preparation
1. Make copies of the outline (Launching the Lesson) for all group
members and yourself.
2. Read chapter 7 of the text, taking notes on a copy of the outline.
3. If possible, line up someone to lead several hymns or choruses
(perhaps with a guitar).
4. Prepare for this worship service in your own heart and pray for
your group members.
40
5. (Optional) Make arrangements to meet in a chapel, sanctuary, or
someplace with a warm, quiet atmosphere. Inform group members where they will be meeting.
LESSON
PLAN
Launching the Lesson
(7-10 minutes)
Have all group members sit together in the sanctuary or chapel, or
in a circle if meeting elsewhere.
Hand out a copy of the following outline to each group member:
I. Identity of the Holy Spirit (Who He is)
A. His personhood
B. His deity
II. Work of the Holy Spirit (What He does)
A. Inward
B. Upward
C. Outward
Tell group members that part of the session will be a worship
service centered on the work of the Holy Spirit, but first you want
to identify who He is. Ask them to take notes throughout the
session on their outlines as each item is covered.
Discuss the following questions with group members:
• What personal qualities does the Holy Spirit have?
B The Holy Spirit embodies a full personality. Does this
mean He is separate from God? Explain.
• What are the Holy Spirit's godlike qualities?
• Where in Scripture do we find the Holy Spirit on an equal
footing with the Father and Son?
Make sure the following points are brought out:
• The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force. He is a Person who
possesses an intelligent mind, a will, and emotions. He thinks,
feels, and loves.
• The Holy Spirit is separate from God the Father. Jesus called
Him "another comforter" who would carry on Christ's ministry
after He departed from earth.
• The Holy Spirit demonstrates certain traits which are attributed
to God alone; such as, omniscience, eternality, and omnipres-
41
ence. The Holy Spirit was active at Creation, and is seen as a
source of God's power and love.
Discovering God's Principles
(25-30 minutes)
Say: Our group will share a worship service during our session. We will intersperse our learning about the Holy Spirit's
work with times of worship and praise. Open the service by
reading aloud the following verses: John 14:16-17; 2 Corinthians
13:14.
Lead the group in prayer. Distribute songbooks or hymnals.
Have someone lead the group in two or three songs that feature the
Holy Spirit. Your song leader may use a guitar, if appropriate.
Now, briefly explain that the Holy Spirit works in us inwardly by
directing us to God and convincing us that we are sinners. He
regenerates, changes, and encourages us to be more Christlike.
Ask for a number of group members to share how the Holy Spirit
has inwardly worked or is still working in their lives. Don't rush the
sharing time. Ask someone to thank God for the conviction and
regeneration of the Holy Spirit.
Explain how the Holy Spirit brings us into an intimate relationship
with the Father. Talk about His spiritual guidance which leads us to
communion with God through prayer, reading the Word, and the
Spirit's intercession. Ask several group members to share how the
Holy Spirit has upwardly worked in their lives. Feel free to share
yourself. Ask someone to pray, thanking God for the Spirit's spiritual guidance and intercession.
Explain how the Spirit promotes unity with other believers. Also,
how He works in us outwardly by gifting us for ministry to various
needs in the body of Christ. Ask for some group members to share
how they have seen the outward ministry of the Holy Spirit in their
lives and in their church. Ask how group members have been affected by the Holy Spirit's ministry through other believers. Have
someone pray, thanking the Lord for the Spirit's work in edification
of the body of Christ.
One at a time, ask group members to read aloud the following
verses: John 16:7-11; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:16; Ephesians
4:30; 1 Corinthians 2:12; Galatians 4:6; 1 Corinthians 12:13;
1 Corinthians 12:26; 1 Corinthians 12:8-10.
Say: With a helper and counselor so strong and loving as
the Holy Spirit, we should never fear that a task or calling
will be too hard, a need too great or pressing, or an individual
beyond the reach of God.
42
Applying the Truth
(10-15 minutes)
Sing a couple more hymns or choruses and lead the group in prayer.
Ask several volunteers to offer prayers of praise based on what
they learned today. Close the prayertime yourself.
ASSIGNMENT
Tell the group to read chapter 8 of the text for the next session.
43
Session
Eight
WHY BELIEVE
IN THE TRINITY?
TEX T,
CH A P T E R 8
Session Topic
Though the Trinity will never be fully understood, it is a distinctive
and unique doctrine of Christianity.
Session Goals
1. Discover the problem with defining the Trinity.
2. Illustrate and discuss roles of the Trinity.
3. Review the practical importance of the Trinity.
Materials Needed
/ Bible
y Making Sense of Your Faith
y Construction paper, tape, glue, crayons, scissors, marking pens
Special Preparation
1. Encourage someone in the group this week who needs it.
2. Read chapter 8 of the text as well as the lesson plan.
3. Thank God for guiding you this far in the study; ask for His
continuing help.
LESSON
Launching the Lesson
PLAN
(7-10 minutes)
Read the following narration:
Once upon a time there were three executive vice presidents from
a publishing company. Though they worked in the same company and
44
shared the same title, their roles greatly varied. Vice president
Smith's role was to head up production. He oversaw the entire
process of the company's books being published. He was supervisor
to many department heads who came to him for scheduling, and
worked primarily with problems in the writing, editing, and printing
of books. Vice president Jones' role for the company was head of
sales and public relations. He was either on the phone all day talking
with unhappy major accounts or out promoting the company's products at book publishing conventions and bookstores. Often you would
find him eating lunch with prospective clients. He also did a lot of
traveling, local and abroad. Vice president Benson's role was head of
finances. He was the person in charge of the company's accounts and
financial books and papers. He signed hundreds of checks weekly and
was responsible for every penny when the fiscal year ended. Though
he had many people under him, all tax forms fell into his lap because
he was the only one with full financial authority in the company.
As you can see, these vice presidents wore the same title but not
the same suit. Each was used in a very unique way by die company
board of directors. When they did their jobs individually, they were
really working together as a whole to the benefit of the company.
Discuss the following questions with group members:
• In what ways does this narration remind you of the
Trinity?
• What are some ways the Trinity has been explained
through the years? (One egg with shell, yolk, and white;
water in fluid, solid, and vapor forms; one person who functions as husband, father, and neighbor.)
• Why is the Trinity so difficult to understand?
Discuss with your group how limited human thought and language
make it impossible to fully comprehend the Trinity.
Discovering God's Principles
(25-30 minutes)
Distribute construction paper, crayons, scissors, glue, tape, and
marking pens. Instruct the group to take 15 minutes creating something that represents the Trinity to them. Tell them that each
person will have to explain his or her symbol. Take part in this
activity yourself.
When everyone has finished, have each person display his or her
product. Now, have each person explain his or her creative work to
the others. Make sure they all relate their products to the Trinity.
Lead a discussion using the following question: How may the
roles of the Persons within the Trinity be distinguished?
45
(Hint—think about the threefold ministry of the Trinity.)
Look up and discuss the following Scriptures with group members: 1 Corinthians 6:11; Ephesians 4:4-6; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14;
Acts 2:32-33.
Applying the Truth
(10-15 minutes)
Read aloud the last few paragraphs in chapter 8, subtitled "The
Practical Importance of the Trinity." Ask group members to silently
answer the following question: How is God's dynamic fellowship
a part of my life?
Have group members take their creative projects along with
them in hopes that others will benefit.
ASSIGNMENT
Tell group members to read chapter 9 of the text for the next
session.
46
Session Nine
WHY BELIEVE
IN SALVATION?
TEXT,
CHAPT ER 9
Session Topic
Salvation is God's loving and graceful provision for a fallen world.
Session Goals
1. Determine different views of salvation as unsatisfactory and
sadistic.
2. Identify the Christian view of salvation as one that is full of love
and grace.
3. Thank God for His rich and free salvation.
Materials Needed
y Bible
y Making Sense of Your Faith
y Transparency of Response Sheet 5, blank transparency
y Overhead projector, transparency markers
y Chalkboard and chalk
y Paper and pencils
Special Preparation
1. Read chapter 9 of the text.
2. Read through the lesson and do the exercise in Discovering
God's Principles.
3. Make a transparency of Response Sheet 5.
4. Prepare to have an overhead projector for this session.
5. Write out the questions in Discovering God's Principles on the
chalkboard or a transparency.
47
L E S S O N
PLAN
Launching the Lesson
(7-10 minutes)
Display Response Sheet 5 on the overhead projector. Ask: If you
were to try to receive salvation through the Buddhist's eightfold path, how close do you think you'd come? Evaluate yourself; do you think you'd ever meet the criteria? Allow a few
minutes for thinking, then discuss the thoughts and feelings the
group has.
Ask: If you were to receive favor in the eyes of God by
following the five duties of Islam, how would you feel knowing you were still at the mercy of Allah, because he is the one
who ultimately grants salvation? Think about this for a few
minutes. Discuss the thoughts and feelings group members have.
Say: Would God really make it so impossible to win salvation? Would He really be so cruel as to possibly withhold
salvation after one has been faithful to the truth?
Read or teach a chorus of thanks to your group members.
Discovering God's Principles
(25-30 minutes)
Briefly explain that there are two attributes of God missing in all
other views of salvation. These are God's love and God's grace.
These two attributes of God are the basis of Christianity and are
the points that distinguish the Christian faith from all others.
Copy the following on the chalkboard:
God's Love
Isaiah 63:7-9
Romans 5:5
Romans 8:39
God's Grace
Ephesians l:3-8a
Ephesians 2:1-10
Hand out a piece of paper and a pencil to each group member.
Instruct group members to choose one attribute (love or grace) to
study. Have them look up and read the verses slowly and thoughtfully, and then answer the following questions which you will display
on a transparency as they are reading:
• What do these verses/passages tell me about God?
• According to these verses/passages, what does God's lovelgrace
have to do with salvation?
• How does God's lovelgrace abound toward the unbeliever?
• How does God's lovelgrace abound toward the believer?
48
Allow the group 15 minutes or more if desired.
When everyone has finished, discuss the love of God by having
group members share their answers to the questions on the transparency. Then do the same for God's grace. It would be best to
read aloud the verses for each attribute before the discussion. Take
some good time to go over these attributes of God—they are the
heart of the lesson.
Have your group recall other views of salvation by putting Response Sheet 5 on the overhead once again. Ask: Within these
two views of salvation, where do God's love and grace manifest themselves? ,
Summarize that the Bible and Christianity are unique in that these
attributes of God are central in their teachings and doctrines. Ask:
What meaning and benefit would there be to a religion without the love and grace of its god? After some time, ask for a few
well-thought-out responses.
Applying the Truth
(10-15 minutes)
Have group members pair up for a time of sharing and prayer.
Encourage them to share with one another the feelings and personal
insights they are experiencing. They may wish to use the following
statement for stimulation: My salvation means
to me.
Then encourage your paired group members to pray together in
any way they feel they want to—for each other, for the lost world,
or so on. Have them close their prayertime with thanksgiving and
praise for the rich and free salvation that God offers to a sinful
human race.
A S S I G N M E N T
Instruct members to read chapter 10 of the text for the next
session.
49
Session Ten
WHY BELIEVE IN CHRISTS
SECOND COMING?
TEXT,
CHAPTER
10
Session Topic
Christians need to be aware of and prepared for Christ's second
coming.
Session Goals
1. Become aware of the reality of Christ's second coming.
2. Discuss Christ's second coming and what the believer's response should be.
3. Be encouraged to further study the session topic.
Materials Needed
7 Bible
y Making Sense of Your Faith
y Transparency of Response Sheet 6
y Overhead projector
Special Preparation
1. Read chapter 10 of the text.
2. Pray about session 10, asking God to prepare group members
for this study.
3. Read through the lesson, giving thought to the discussion questions asked.
4. Prepare Response Sheet 6 as a transparency.
5. Make preparations to have an overhead projector for session 10.
50
L E S S O N
PLAN
Launching the Lesson
(7-10 minutes)
Read aloud the following story:
A Bible professor once told his Bible survey class this true story.
A few years ago, eight guys at a Christian college pulled a prank on
one of their friends. They arranged the entire floor of their dorm to
appear as though the Rapture had occurred but without the victim
being taken. Seven pranksters hid in the basement while one hid on
their floor and blew a trumpet the moment the victim arrived at the
floor. As he ran from room to room, the victim found evidence that
his friends had departed very suddenly—a record album playing on a
stereo, water running in an empty shower stall, a steaming cup of
coffee on a desk, a mixer beating cake batter unattended in the
kitchen. There was no one, however, to answer the victim's frantic
calling.
Say: Put yourself in the victim's place. What are you feeling? What does it make you think about Christ's second coming? Does it make you want to be sure you are ready for His
sudden coming?
Discovering God's Principles
(25-30 minutes)
Divide your group into four subgroups. First, have each group
spend some time sharing personal thoughts and feelings about the
Second Coming. Then have them talk over together the questions
at the end of chapter 10 in the text. Tell them they may use the
Bible, text, and personal input. Allow up to 20 minutes for this
exercise. Sit and take part in one of the groups yourself.
Display Response Sheet 6 on the overhead and have the groups
discuss the questions.
Applying the Truth
(10-15 minutes)
Pass a sheet of paper around and have anyone interested in further
reading and study on Christ's second coming to sign his name. Tell
them that when you get the list back you will post it and allow
people to get together and choose resources on their own.
Have a group member read aloud Revelation 4. Then sing an
appropriate worship chorus or hymn. For example: "To Him Who
Sits on the Throne"; "Glory, Honor and Praises"; "Amazing
Grace."
51
A S S I G N M E N T
Have the group read chapter 11 of the text for the next session.
52
Session Eleven
WHY BELIEVE IN HEAVEN
AND HELL?
TEXT,
C HLAP
T E R l l
Session Topic
The existence of heaven and hell is a reality.
Session Goals
1. Confirm the existence of heaven and hell through the sheer
number of their mention in Scripture.
2. Describe the natures of heaven and hell.
3. Thank God for His promises about heaven and warnings about
hell.
Materials Needed
/ Bible
/ Making Sense of Your Faith
y Concordance
y Three copies of the skit in Launching the Lesson of session 12
y Chalkboard and chalk
Special Preparation
1. Read chapter 11 of the text.
2. Beforehand, write on the chalkboard: Group 1—1 Corinthians
15:50-55; Group 2—1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Group 3—1 John
3:2; John 5:28-29. Also list: What will happen? To whom?
When? Who will do it? In what order, if applicable?
3. Make three copies of the skit in Launching the Lesson of session
12 to be given to volunteers at the end of this session.
53
L E S S O N
PLAN
Launching the Lesson
(7-10 minutes)
Reread the first few paragraphs of chapter 11 in the text. Stop
when you get to Mr. Vicker's question, "How much longer?" Say:
Put yourself in June's place. Think about what you would say
or how you would respond. Then put yourself in Mr. Vicker's
place. Think about the fears you would have, if any, and what
you had to look forward to after death. How do you think you
would cope with knowing you only had days left to live if you
had never had a relationship with God?
Ask if anyone would like to share his or her thoughts or feelings.
Let everyone who wishes to respond do so.
Say: There can certainly be much fear and confusion about
the existence of an afterlife. And, if there is an afterlife, what
might it be like? However, Christians will find confirmation
of the existence of heaven and hell in the Scriptures.
Ask for a volunteer to do some research using the concordance.
Instruct him or her to count the number of times heaven is mentioned in the Gospels, including all forms of the word, such as
heaven, heavenly, kingdom of heaven, and so on. He should do the
same with hell. Supply the volunteer with a concordance, paper,
and a pencil.
Discovering God's Principles
(25-30 minutes)
In the meantime, briefly survey the group for reasons that many
people don't believe there is a heaven or a hell.
Direct the group to turn to Luke 16:19-31 and have someone
read it aloud. Ask: What can we learn about hell from this
passage? (Possible answers: hell is far from [in this case] paradise;
to cross over in either direction is impossible; the man in hell was
conscious of his torment; the torment was intense, like fire; remorse at this point would change nothing for the man in hell.)
Ask someone to read Mark 9:47-48 and Matthew 13:49-50 aloud.
Ask what additional insight these references give to the nature of
hell. (Possible answers: More fire imagery; the torment does not
end; one should do whatever is necessary to avoid it; the regret of
those in hell will be tremendous and too late.)
Check with your researcher on what he has found. He should
have found heaven mentioned dozens of times throughout the Gospels; though hell is mentioned considerably fewer times, the de-
54
scriptions are always vivid. Say: Suppose your new physics professor talked continually about a type of matter that you had
never heard of. What would you conclude about that type of
matter? (It existed and it was important.) Suppose a worker for
the gas company said, "Whatever you do in the presence of
natural gas, don't light a flame." How seriously would you
take him? Lead the group to make similar conclusions about heaven and hell. Say: Now let's turn our attention to the nature of
heaven.
Ask members with different translations to read 1 Peter 1:3-5.
Say: Our inheritance—eternal life—is kept in heaven, safe
from decay and fading away. Brown makes the connection
that "life, then, is truly eternal both in its length and its
quality." In heaven, the saints will spend eternity with the
Lord in their resurrected, glorified bodies. We will investigate this heavenly transformation in three smaller groups.
Divide the group into three small groups, direct attention to the
information on the chalkboard, and assign groups their Scriptures.
They will have five minutes to prepare answers to the questions for
the whole group.
Call for reports, noticing similarities in the accounts.
Applying the Truth
(10-15 minutes)
Ask for three or four members to pray, thanking God for His promises about heaven and warnings about hell. Pray too that people
who dismiss the existence of heaven and hell as fantasy would
encounter Christ, change their minds, and live accordingly. Pray
finally that those believers who suffer with illness and handicaps find
joy at the prospect of receiving glorified, resurrected bodies.
ASSIGNMENT
1. Have the group read chapter 12 of the text for the next session.
2. Find three volunteers to perform a skit for the next session.
Give them the copies of the skit which you have prepared.
55
Session Twelve
WHAT ABOUT THOSE
WHO DISAGREE?
TEXT,
CHAPTER
12
Session Topic
Christians need to know how to peacefully disagree with each other
and with unbelievers.
Session Goals
1. Discuss how poorly managed disputes can be harmful.
2. Make and practice rules for peaceful disagreement.
3. Summarize and encourage the need for positive communication
during disputes.
Materials Needed
/ Bible
/ Making Sense of Your Faith
/ Chalkboard and chalk
/ Poster board, paper, pencils
y Visual Sketch 2
Special Preparation
1. Read chapter 12 of the text.
2. Prepare Visual Sketch 2. Take time to formulate your own rules
for peaceful disputes.
3. Call your volunteers to see how their skit preparation is going.
Suggest they bring some simple props (coffee cups, plates, etc.)
and come early to practice.
4. Write the topics in Discovenng God's Principles on poster
board. Think of a few current or controversial topics to add to
the list.
56
LESSON
PLAN
Launching the Lesson
(7-10 minutes)
Have your three volunteers come and put on the following skit.
(Two Christians are sitting in a restaurant having coffee. Both have
their Bibles open and copies of the text in hand. A nonbeliever is sitting
nearby eating his lunch and eavesdropping on their conversation.)
Bud
(pointing to some verse) Now wait a minute, Joe. You're
saying this verse means that? I disagree! How can that be
when it means the opposite? Here's the proof! (points at
another verse) Here, see!
Joe
(looks where Bud is pointing) Now you know you're taking
that verse out of context, don't you? What about the insight
Brown has? (turns to a page in the text and shows Bud) Don't
you remember (insert leader's name) even had us discuss
this very point! And another thing—what about this verse?
(points to verse in Bible as he virtually shoves it into Bud's
face)
Eavesdropper (jumps up and steps to Bud and Joe's table) The only thing
you two are proving is how wrong you both are. Who do
you think you are—God Himself? I'm sick of you fanatics
who run around arguing with each other and then proclaim
"unity" in Jesus' name. I haven't met a Christian yet who
practiced what he preached. And all those TV preachers
want is money. They don't care about souls. They don't
care about me. (shouts) Hypocrites! Plain hypocrites! (then
quietly says) There's no meaning in any of it, no meaning at
all. (glares intensely at Bud and Joe while Bud and Joe look
at each other sheepishly, then lower their heads in shame)
Thank your volunteers and have them be seated. Briefly discuss
Rules for peaceful disagreements between:
Believers
Visual Sketch 2
Observing our own rules for
peaceful disagreement will help us
communicate better with
everyone
Unbelievers
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
7
7
8
8
9
9
10
10
57
situations like this and how they can negatively affect relationships
within the body of believers and without.
Discovering God's Principles
(25-30 minutes)
Divide the group in half. Select a spokesperson for each group and
give him a pencil and a piece of paper. One group should come up
with ten rules for peaceful disagreements between believers, while
the other group does the same for disagreements between believers and nonbeUevers. Some of the rules will be the same in both
cases. Tell the groups they can use Scripture, the text, or common
sense if it is well thought-out and applicable. When both groups
have finished, their leaders will share the ten rules with the others.
Provide paper and pencils to group members before groups share
their rules.
Display Visual Sketch 2 and write each rule on the chalkboard
when it is stated. Make sure that the importance of each rule is
clear. Members may then copy the rules for themselves.
Display the poster board where you have written the topics
below.
• Are the Gifts of the Spirit for Today?
• What is the Church's Role in Politics?
• AIDS: How Should the Church Deal with a Dying Age?
• What View of Christ's Earthly Reign is Biblically Accurate?
• Do the Poor Need Our Help—or to Help Themselves?
Keep the two groups together. They will each choose one topic
for a thorough discussion. Encourage the members as they tackle
these controversial subjects. They should feel free to express any
views or opinions they have because they will be required to practice the ten rules for peaceful disagreement between believers as
they do so. Allow about 15 minutes. Groups may choose a second
topic if time permits. Walk between the groups, challenging members so that they will have greater need to observe the ten rules.
When 15 minutes have passed, let the spokespersons report on
the interaction in their groups. Ask the following questions:
• Which of the ten rules was the easiest to practice? The
hardest? Why?
• Did you find yourself making personal judgments about
other people's views? How do you feel about this?
58
• Did anyone get hot and bothered by something
someone
else said? How did you handle it?
• How do the ten rules help improve communication between Christians? Give examples.
Applying the Truth
(10-15 minutes)
Have group members answer these questions silently to themselves. Pause after asking each question for reflection.
• In your group's last discussion time, were you able to see
the difference between tough-, free-, and narrow-minded
Christians? How did they manifest
themselves?
• What sort of communicator do you think you are—tough-,
free-, or narrow-minded? How would people say you disagree?
• What insights does 2 Timothy 2:23-25 have on our communication with believers?
Nonbelievers?
Encourage members to copy the two lists of rules on the chalkboard for peaceful disagreement, if they haven't done so yet. Suggest times when such rules will come in handy, such as: at the next
church-related or board meeting; when conflicts arise in the home
or between spouses; at school when you disagree with a professor.
Close in prayer, specifically asking for help to converse peacefully
with each other and the world. Pray that the words we speak will
be seasoned with salt and will reflect God's glory.
ASSIGNMENT
The next session will be a review of the entire text. Tell members
to come prepared to share personal growth they have experienced
due to the study or to ask questions they haven't had answered yet.
59
Session Thirteen
REVIEW
TEXT,
CHAP T ERS
1-12
Session Topic
The Christian life is built on a foundation of understood beliefs.
Session Goals
Review Making Sense of Your Faith.
Materials Needed
/ Bible
/ Making Sense of Your Faith
/ Refreshments
Special Preparation
1. Read through the lesson and options for review.
2. Spend time thanking God for a good study and for how He has
worked through you.
LESSON
PLAN
Group members will benefit as you draw sessions 1-12 together
and as they share how the study has affected them. This session
might be a good one to end with a potluck dinner or some sort of
special dessert.
Here are a few options for your review:
• Briefly review chosen chapters or topics. Call group members
during the week and ask which chapters and topics they found
most stimulating.
• Last-chance questions. Members may have questions from previous sessions that they never got around to asking. Provide
60
pencils and slips of paper. Mix the questions in a box, and
answer them as a group one by one.
• Take turns sharing insights gained from the study. Talk about
personal growth that has taken place.
• Discuss how understanding the beliefs of the Christian
faith can make Christians more prepared and able to serve
the Lord. In other words, what is the connection between
right believing and right living?
Enjoy one another's fellowship for the remainder of the session.
Close in prayer.
61
NOTES
62
NOTES
63
NOTES
64
What Can This
Leader's Guide
Do for You?
I Make your job easier by suggesting a
variety of creative teaching ideas.
I Increase your teaching impact through
the use of Reproducible Response Sheets
which are provided.
I Capture your group's attention by suggesting ways for you to focus their interest.
I Dynamically involve your group so that you
help them discover God's truth and its
implications for their lives.
I Help you help them apply God's truth
to their lives so they will respond in
obedience.
I Build your confidence and pave the way for
effective teaching—and learning by adults
of all ages.
ISBN D-fiTbT3-bSS-E
VICTOR BOOKS.
I
A Division ofScripture Press Publications Inc
9
ll
II
III I I I I
III III
II llllll llllll II
7 8 0 8 9 6 l l 9 3 6 2 5 6 1 1 •• •••• «1 ••!• •• ••
6-1625
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE
What thoughts or images come to mind when you consider Christ's second coming?
How do you feel when you pray "Thy Kingdom Come" or read 1 Thessalonians 5:2?
1
What Scripture is most significant to you regarding Christ's second coming? Why?
eeeeeeeeoi
Read and discuss the questions asked in the following hymn:
)
"When Jesus comes to reward His servants, Whether it be noon or night, Faithful to Him
will He find us watching, With our lamps all trimmed and bright?
If at the dawn of the early morning, He shall call us one by one,
When to the Lord we restore our talents, Will He answer thee "Well done"?
yavrwe been true to the trust He left us? Do we seek to do our best?
If in our hearts there is naught condemns us, We shall have a glorious rest. **
Blessed are those whom the Lord finds watching, In His glory they shall share;
If He shall come at the dawn or midnight, Will He find us watching there?
Oh, can we say we are ready, brother? Ready for the soul's bright home?
Say, will He find you and me still watching, Waiting, waiting when the Lord shall come?"
(Fanny Crosby—Public Domain)
4
What present historical happenings or events do you associate with the end times?
5
I
If you believe Jesus is coming to earth to usher His people home, what do
you think and feel about individuals who you know are not "His people"?
What can you do to prepare them?
I
When someone predicts the date of Christ's second coming, what basic mistake is
he making?
How do you need to change before Jesus comes again? How will you start?
v
I /
® *3
HOW 10 RECEIVE
SJPTHUI
Jill
W»
3 a»
U
§>0
•O
Q
BUDDHISM'S
EIGHTFOLD PATH
1 Right Understanding
\ Right Vocation
1 Right Motivation
^ Right Effort
j Right Speech
1 Right Thinking
T3 O
IT
4 Right Conduct
c
w*
X Right Concentration
)
/
FIVE DUTIES
OF ISLAM
1 Recite the Islamic Creed
A Give alms
1 Say the five stated daily
L prayers in prostration
I Take pilgrimage to Mecca
J Fast (1 month)
k* 4
1
INSTRUCTIONS- Make one copy of views 1-5. Make several copies of view #6
(The total should be enough for your group)
(cut)
I
VIEW: JESUS, the "GOOD" MAN
(Prepare your case using the text.) Note-you will speak first.
(cut)
1
VIEW: JESUS, the "VERY RELIGIOUS" MAN
(Prepare your case using the text.) Note-you will speak second.
(cut)
VIEW: JhSUS, the "CHOSEN" MAN
(Prepare your case using the text.) Note-you will speak third.
)
(cut)
4
VIEW: JESUS, the "REVOLUTIONARY" MAN
(Prepare your case using the text.) Note-you will speak fourth.
(cut)
5
VIEW: JESUS, the "NEW AGE" MAN
(Prepare your case using the text.) Note-you will speak fifth.
6
VIEW: JESUS, the "DEITY"
(Prepare your case using the text.)
(cut)
During "recess" you will gather with others who have not yet presented a view. Work
together on organizing a five-minute presentation of Jesus, the "Deity " Select a
spokesperson for yourselves.
IS THE BIBLE REALLY
CTfl)
ff*.
Q
5
GODS WORD!
^
W
O (/»
II'
Answer three of the following questions.
Use Making Sense of Your Faith and the verses below as needed
is,
•D
Q
o«
- i (D
?3
"O O
n C
I
2
i
4
How do we really know the Bible is God's Word? Isn't it just a book put together
by mere men?
What about other holy books? Why is the Bible the only true revelation?
Why were only certain books and letters selected to be put in the Bible?
Why are there many different interpretations of the Scriptures?
HELPFUL VERSES
2 Timothy 3:16-17, Mark 12:36; John 12:49-50; Matthew 15:1-6,
Acts 1.T6; Matthew 22:31-32; 2 Peter 120-21
CHRISTIANITY'! 3
VIEW OF
GOD j UNIVERSEj! HUMANITY i!FUTURE i JESUS j SALVATION
SCRIPTURES SAY-
;
SCRIPTURES SAY-
;
;;
SCRIPTURES SAY
,
i
SCRIPTURES SAY-
,
:
?•***
Response Sheet 2 Use with session 3 of Making Sense of Your Faith.
©1989 by SP Publications, Inc. Permission granted to purchaser to reproduce this Response Sheet for class purposes only.
2 SCRIPTURES SAY- 1
SCRIPTURES SAY-
SCIENCE
STRENGTHS
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
LIMITATIONS
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
4