(10–15 minutes, easy set-up)
Students will study Genesis 1:1–2, 1:26–31, and Hebrews 11:3 to understand God’s role as Creator.
(10–15 minutes, easy set-up)
Download the Student Worksheet for each student. Download the Student Worksheet answers page. Print one copy for your own use. Also provide a dry erase board, marker, and pens.
If you have purchased the Map and Timeline Kit for the Character volume, point out the geographical context of the lesson on the Abraham’s Journeys map. Note the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. Explain that scholars call the area along these rivers the Fertile Crescent because of the abundance of resources found there. Then say: These areas are considered to be where civilization began.
Enlist two students to read Genesis 1:1–2 and Genesis 1:26–31. Explain that we can find three primary participants in these passages: God, humanity, and the earth/nature. Ask: How can you describe the relationship between these three participants? After responses, emphasize that a hierarchy exists in which God rules over all of creation, humanity rules the earth, and the earth serves humanity. Invite a student to illustrate the relationship between God, humanity, and the earth/nature to draw on the dry erase board his or her idea of what this relationship looks like.
Distribute pens and copies of the Student Worksheet at this time. Then explain that the diagram on the worksheet is a simple illustration of the hierarchy of the relationships in today’s passage. Direct students to divide into groups of two or three and discuss the four questions on their worksheets. Allow students five minutes to complete their worksheets. Then use the answers page to discuss the responses.
Afterward, say: God created everything that we have discussed, including these relationships. Ask: According to verse 31, what did God think of His creation? (Answer: He considered it to be “very good.”)
Ask a volunteer to read God Is from an Essential Truths poster or bookmark. (If your church has not purchased bookmarks or posters, you can print a list of the essential truths from www.studentlifebiblestudy.com.) Emphasize the Bible’s first words: “In the beginning God . . .” Then ask: How does today’s passage emphasize this Essential Truth?
Last, invite a student to read Hebrews 11:3. Then say: God created all that we can see. Even though we cannot see Him with our eyes, we believe in His truth and in His character through faith.