Verse

Luke 12:15 - 21 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

Wednesday, 27 August 2025

Interpreting Scripture in Community

 

 Interpreting Scripture in Community (Church, Tradition, Mission)


🎓 Facilitator’s Guide

1. Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, students will be able to:

  • Understand the communal dimension of biblical interpretation.

  • Recognize the role of the Church, tradition, and mission in shaping faithful interpretation.

  • Practice interpreting Scripture in community contexts for application in discipleship and mission.

  • Appreciate the balance between personal study and corporate discernment.


2. Key Scriptures

  • Acts 15:28“For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things.”

  • 2 Timothy 2:2“And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”

  • Ephesians 4:11–13“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints…”

  • Matthew 28:19–20“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…”

  • Hebrews 10:24–25“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…”


3. Teaching Content

A. The Church as the Interpretive Community

  • The Bible was written to God’s people, not isolated individuals.

  • Interpretation is safeguarded when done in the fellowship of the Spirit and the body of Christ.

  • Early church councils (Acts 15) show collective discernment guided by the Spirit.

B. The Role of Tradition

  • Tradition provides continuity of faith through generations (2 Thess. 2:15).

  • Must always be tested by Scripture (Acts 17:11).

  • Healthy tradition helps preserve the core message and prevent distortions.

C. Interpretation in the Context of Mission

  • The Bible is not just for study, but for obedience and proclamation (Matt. 28:19–20).

  • Community interpretation fuels mission—every culture and generation must hear the Word afresh.

  • Scripture is interpreted in light of God’s redemptive plan for all nations.

D. Guarding Against Individualism

  • Danger of private interpretation detached from the body of Christ (2 Pet. 1:20–21).

  • Balance between Spirit-led personal devotion and corporate discernment.


4. Teaching Methodology

  • Lecturette (15 min): Overview of Scripture’s communal nature.

  • Group Bible Reading (30 min): Acts 15 Council—observe how the Spirit and community worked together.

  • Case Study (20 min): Modern example of interpreting Scripture for a church decision.

  • Discussion (15 min): “How can we guard against distortion while remaining open to the Spirit’s new work?”

  • Application (10 min): Students commit to joining/leading a community Bible study or cell group.


5. Facilitator Notes

  • Stress that Scripture was given for the Church, not merely individuals.

  • Encourage mutual accountability in interpretation.

  • Draw connections between communal discernment and missional obedience.


📝 Student Workbook

Reflection Questions

  1. Why is community important in interpreting Scripture?

  2. What are the benefits and dangers of tradition in interpretation?

  3. How does mission shape the way we understand Scripture?

  4. Reflect on a time when you gained new understanding of the Bible through group study.


Practical Exercises

  • Group Reading of Acts 15: Write down insights that came only through group discussion.

  • Tradition Review: Identify one church tradition you practice. Is it faithful to Scripture?

  • Mission Lens: Choose one verse and interpret it in the context of evangelism and discipleship.


Memory Verse

Acts 15:28“For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us…”


Personal Application

This week, commit to:

  • Attending or leading a community Bible study.

  • Submitting one personal interpretation of a verse for discussion and feedback.

  • Praying with others for mission impact as you interpret God’s Word together.


📊 PowerPoint Outline (Slides)

Slide 1: Module 10 – Interpreting Scripture in Community
Slide 2: Objectives
Slide 3: Key Scriptures (Acts 15:28, Eph. 4:11–13, Matt. 28:19–20)
Slide 4: The Church as the Interpretive Community
Slide 5: The Role of Tradition (tested by Scripture)
Slide 6: Interpretation in the Context of Mission
Slide 7: Guarding Against Individualism
Slide 8: Case Study: Acts 15 Council
Slide 9: Reflection & Discussion Questions
Slide 10: Application: Living & Sharing the Word Together

The Authority & Inerrancy of Scripture

 

The Authority & Inerrancy of Scripture


Facilitator’s Guide

🎯 Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, participants will:

  1. Understand the doctrine of the authority of Scripture as God’s final standard for faith and practice.

  2. Grasp the meaning and implications of inerrancy (the Bible being without error in its original manuscripts).

  3. Defend the authority and inerrancy of the Word of God against modern criticisms.

  4. Apply the principles of submission to Scripture in personal and corporate decision-making.


📖 Key Scriptures

  • 2 Timothy 3:16–17“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

  • 2 Peter 1:20–21“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”

  • John 10:35“… the scripture cannot be broken.”

  • Psalm 19:7–9“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple…”


📝 Teaching Content (Expanded)

  1. Definition of Authority

    • The Bible, as God’s Word, is the ultimate authority for life, doctrine, and conduct.

    • Authority means that when Scripture speaks, God speaks.

  2. Definition of Inerrancy

    • Inerrancy affirms that the Scriptures in their original writings are free from error, contradiction, or falsehood.

    • Inerrancy applies to all matters Scripture touches: doctrine, history, morality, and prophecy.

  3. Biblical Evidence for Inerrancy

    • Jesus affirmed the complete truthfulness of Scripture (Matthew 5:18).

    • The apostles treated the Old Testament as divinely authoritative (Romans 3:2; Hebrews 1:1–2).

    • Fulfilled prophecy demonstrates accuracy (Isaiah 53; Micah 5:2; Psalm 22).

  4. Challenges to Inerrancy

    • Liberal theology: Scripture as fallible human record.

    • Relativism: truth as subjective.

    • Science vs. Scripture debates.

  5. Implications of Authority & Inerrancy

    • Scripture is the final arbiter above traditions, philosophies, or experiences.

    • Believers must submit to its teachings even when culturally inconvenient.

    • The Church stands or falls with its view of Scripture.

  6. Practical Applications

    • Trust the Word for guidance in life’s decisions.

    • Use Scripture as the lens to evaluate modern issues.

    • Build apologetic strength to defend the faith.


📚 Teaching Methods

  • Lecture: Explain doctrinal foundations.

  • Discussion: Debate current attacks on Scripture’s authority.

  • Case Study: Example of moral decision-making based on the authority of the Bible.

  • Activity: Scripture chain-reading (students trace verses proving inspiration and authority).


🧩 Group Discussion Questions

  1. Why is it dangerous to place personal experiences above Scripture?

  2. How do you explain inerrancy to someone skeptical of miracles or prophecy?

  3. What would happen to Christian faith if the authority of Scripture is undermined?


Student Workbook

✍️ Reflection & Exercises

  1. Fill in the Blank:

    • All Scripture is given by __________ of God, and is profitable for __________, for __________, for __________, for instruction in __________. (2 Timothy 3:16)

  2. True or False:

    • The doctrine of inerrancy means the Bible has no errors in its original manuscripts. (T/F)

    • Authority of Scripture means the Church determines what the Bible says. (T/F)

  3. Personal Reflection:

    • Write down one recent decision you made. How would your decision have been different if Scripture was your final authority?

  4. Application Activity:

    • Memorize John 10:35 and recite to a partner.

    • Write a short paragraph explaining how you would answer someone who claims the Bible has errors.


📖 Memory Verse

Psalm 119:160“Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.”


PowerPoint Outline (Slides)

Slide 1: Module Title – The Authority & Inerrancy of Scripture

Slide 2: Learning Objectives

Slide 3: Definition of Authority – God’s Word as Final Standard

Slide 4: Definition of Inerrancy – Free from Error

Slide 5: Key Scriptures (2 Tim 3:16–17, 2 Pet 1:20–21, John 10:35, Ps 19:7–9)

Slide 6: Evidence for Inerrancy – Jesus, Apostles, Prophecy Fulfilled

Slide 7: Challenges to Inerrancy – Liberal Theology, Relativism, Science Debates

Slide 8: Implications – Submission, Trust, Apologetics

Slide 9: Application – Scripture as Lens for Life

Slide 10: Discussion Questions & Group Activity

Slide 11: Memory Verse – Psalm 119:160

Slide 12: Closing Call – “The Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35)

The Holy Spirit in Scripture

 

The Holy Spirit in Scripture (Revelation, Inspiration, Illumination)


Facilitator’s Guide

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

  1. Explain the role of the Holy Spirit in revealing God’s truth to mankind.

  2. Understand how the Holy Spirit inspired the writing of Scripture.

  3. Distinguish between revelation, inspiration, and illumination.

  4. Apply the principle of illumination in their personal Bible study and teaching.


Key Scriptures (KJV)

  • 2 Peter 1:21 – “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”

  • 2 Timothy 3:16 – “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”

  • John 14:26 – “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”

  • 1 Corinthians 2:10 – “But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.”


Teaching Content

1. The Holy Spirit and Revelation

  • Revelation = God’s act of making His truth known.

  • The Spirit disclosed God’s plan progressively through prophets, apostles, and ultimately in Christ (Hebrews 1:1–2).

2. The Holy Spirit and Inspiration

  • Inspiration = the divine superintendence of human authors so that what they wrote was the Word of God.

  • Not dictation only, but the Spirit guiding their thoughts, words, and writings (2 Timothy 3:16).

3. The Holy Spirit and Illumination

  • Illumination = the Spirit enabling believers to understand and apply God’s Word today.

  • Without the Spirit, Scripture remains a closed book to the natural man (1 Corinthians 2:14).

  • Practical: Illumination leads to conviction, guidance, and transformation.

4. Practical Application

  • Encourage students to always pray before reading Scripture, asking the Spirit to guide them.

  • Teach how to discern Spirit-led insights from personal bias.

  • Emphasize humility, since the Spirit glorifies Christ and not self.


Facilitation Steps

  1. Introduction (10 min): Open with a story of personal insight gained through prayerful Bible study.

  2. Interactive Teaching (20 min): Walk through the three roles of the Spirit (Revelation, Inspiration, Illumination).

  3. Group Activity (15 min): Divide participants into 3 groups — each group discusses one role of the Spirit and presents a real-life application.

  4. Case Study (10 min): Give a passage (e.g., John 16:13–15). Ask: How does the Spirit operate here?

  5. Prayer & Reflection (5 min): Lead a prayer inviting the Holy Spirit to illuminate Scripture in each student’s life.


Assessment / Evaluation

  • Q&A session about the distinctions between revelation, inspiration, and illumination.

  • Short quiz in workbook.

  • Group presentation of their assigned role of the Spirit.


Student Workbook Section

Memory Verse

John 14:26 (KJV):
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”


Lesson Notes (Fill-in-the-Blank Style)

  1. Revelation is God’s act of making His __________ known.

  2. Inspiration means that all Scripture is given by __________ of God.

  3. Illumination is when the Holy Spirit enables __________ to understand and apply God’s Word.

  4. The Spirit’s work in illumination always points us back to __________.


Reflection Questions

  1. Can you recall a time when the Holy Spirit gave you clarity about a passage you didn’t understand before?

  2. How can you guard against misusing “illumination” to justify personal opinions?

  3. In what ways do you rely on the Spirit daily when teaching or studying?


Practical Exercise

  • Read 1 Corinthians 2:10–16.

  • Journal: What is one “deep thing of God” that the Spirit has revealed to you this week?


PowerPoint Outline (Slide Flow)

Slide 1: Title – The Holy Spirit in Scripture: Revelation, Inspiration, Illumination
Slide 2: Objectives of Module 8
Slide 3: Key Verse – 2 Peter 1:21
Slide 4: Definition of Revelation – God making His truth known
Slide 5: Examples of Revelation in Scripture
Slide 6: Definition of Inspiration – God-breathed Scripture
Slide 7: Key Verse – 2 Timothy 3:16
Slide 8: How the Spirit guided the writers of Scripture
Slide 9: Definition of Illumination – Spirit helping believers understand the Word
Slide 10: Key Verse – 1 Corinthians 2:10
Slide 11: The Spirit’s role in teaching, convicting, guiding
Slide 12: Group Activity Instructions
Slide 13: Reflection & Application – How do you rely on the Spirit?
Slide 14: Memory Verse – John 14:26
Slide 15: Closing Prayer

The Kingdom of God in Scripture

 The Kingdom of God in Scripture (Past, Present, Future)


👨‍🏫 Facilitator’s Guide

Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, students will be able to:

  1. Define the biblical concept of the Kingdom of God.

  2. Explain the Kingdom of God in the Old Testament (prophecy and expectation).

  3. Describe the Kingdom of God in the New Testament (Christ’s ministry and the Church).

  4. Articulate the future fulfillment of the Kingdom at Christ’s return.

  5. Apply Kingdom principles in personal life and ministry today.


Lesson Content

1. The Kingdom of God Defined

  • Definition: The rule and reign of God over all creation, expressed through His people, His will, and His redemptive plan.

  • Scriptural anchor:

    • Psalm 103:19 – “The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.”

    • Matthew 6:10 – “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”


2. The Kingdom in the Old Testament (Foreshadowing)

  • God’s reign revealed through:

    • Israel as God’s covenant nation (Exodus 19:5–6).

    • The Davidic Kingdom as type of the Messiah’s eternal reign (2 Samuel 7:12–16).

    • Prophetic promises of a future King and everlasting dominion (Daniel 2:44; Isaiah 9:6–7).


3. The Kingdom in the New Testament (Present Reality)

  • Christ as the King:

    • Mark 1:14–15 – “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.”

    • Luke 17:21 – “…the kingdom of God is within you.”

  • The Kingdom inaugurated through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.

  • The Church as Kingdom witness: empowered by the Spirit (Acts 1:8).


4. The Kingdom in the Future (Consummation)

  • Awaiting the fullness of the Kingdom at Christ’s second coming:

    • Revelation 11:15 – “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.”

    • 1 Corinthians 15:24–25 – “Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God…”

  • Final judgment, renewal of creation, and eternal reign with Christ (Revelation 21–22).


5. Living in the Kingdom Today

  • Kingdom life is marked by:

    • Obedience to God’s will (Matthew 6:33).

    • Holiness and righteousness (Romans 14:17).

    • Evangelism and disciple-making as Kingdom expansion (Matthew 28:18–20).


Teaching Method Suggestions

  • Illustration: Use a timeline showing the Kingdom past (Israel), present (Church), and future (New Heaven & New Earth).

  • Discussion: How do we live “Kingdom-first” lives today?

  • Activity: Small groups list practical applications of Matthew 6:33.


Facilitator’s Summary

The Kingdom of God is not just a distant hope but a present reality that transforms our lives and mission. It stretches from Genesis to Revelation and culminates in Christ’s eternal reign.


📒 Student Workbook

Key Scriptures to Memorize

  • Matthew 6:33

  • Luke 17:21

  • Revelation 11:15


Reflection Questions

  1. How is the Kingdom of God different from earthly kingdoms?

  2. In what ways did Israel foreshadow the Kingdom of God?

  3. How does Jesus establish the Kingdom in His ministry and the Church?

  4. What does it mean to “seek first the Kingdom of God” in your daily life?

  5. How does the future hope of Christ’s reign shape how you live today?


Practical Exercises

  • Personal Application: Write down one area of your life where you need to put God’s Kingdom first.

  • Group Sharing: Share a testimony of how you’ve seen the Kingdom of God at work in your community or ministry.


🎨 PowerPoint Outline

Slide 1 – Title: The Kingdom of God in Scripture (Past, Present, Future)
Slide 2 – Learning Objectives
Slide 3 – Defining the Kingdom of God (Psalm 103:19; Matthew 6:10)
Slide 4 – Old Testament Foreshadowing (Exodus 19:5–6; 2 Samuel 7:12–16; Daniel 2:44)
Slide 5 – The Kingdom Inaugurated in Christ (Mark 1:14–15; Luke 17:21)
Slide 6 – The Church as Witness (Acts 1:8)
Slide 7 – The Future Kingdom (Revelation 11:15; 1 Corinthians 15:24–25)
Slide 8 – New Heaven & New Earth (Revelation 21–22)
Slide 9 – Living in the Kingdom Today (Matthew 6:33; Romans 14:17)
Slide 10 – Discussion & Application Questions

Christ in All Scriptures

 

Christ in All Scriptures (Typology & Fulfillment)


👩‍🏫 Facilitator’s Guide

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, students will be able to:

  1. Understand how Christ is revealed throughout the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament.

  2. Recognize key types, shadows, and prophetic symbols pointing to Jesus.

  3. Develop skills to trace Christ-centered connections across the canon of Scripture.

  4. Apply typological insights to personal faith and teaching ministries.


Session Outline (90 minutes total)

1. Opening & Prayer (5 minutes)

  • Ask: “Where have you seen Jesus revealed in the Old Testament?”

  • Prayer: for illumination to see Christ more clearly in the Word.

2. Teaching Input (25 minutes)

  • Christ is the central theme of all Scripture

    • John 5:39 — “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”

    • Luke 24:27 — Jesus expounded “in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.”

  • Types & Shadows

    • Adam → Christ (Romans 5:14).

    • Passover Lamb → Christ’s sacrifice (1 Corinthians 5:7).

    • Tabernacle → Christ’s presence among us (John 1:14).

    • Melchizedek → Eternal priesthood of Christ (Hebrews 7).

  • Prophetic Fulfillment

    • Messianic prophecies fulfilled in Christ (Isaiah 53, Micah 5:2, Psalm 22).

    • Matthew constantly quotes “that it might be fulfilled…”

3. Group Activity (20 minutes)

  • Divide into small groups. Assign each group one Old Testament type (e.g., Joseph, Manna, Bronze Serpent).

  • Task: Show how it points to Christ.

4. Plenary Discussion (15 minutes)

  • Share group findings.

  • Emphasize Christ as the key to unlock Scripture.

5. Personal Application & Reflection (10 minutes)

  • How does seeing Christ in all Scripture change your personal Bible reading?

  • Challenge: Read one Old Testament chapter this week asking: “Where is Christ here?”

6. Closing (5 minutes)

  • Memory Verse: Luke 24:27.

  • Prayer of revelation and commitment.


Key Scriptures for Teaching

  • Genesis 22:8 – “God will provide himself a lamb…”

  • Exodus 12:13 – “When I see the blood, I will pass over you…”

  • John 1:29 – “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”

  • Hebrews 10:1 – “The law having a shadow of good things to come…”


📒 Student Workbook Section

Module 6: Christ in All Scriptures (Typology & Fulfillment)

Learning Focus: Discover Christ as the golden thread uniting all of Scripture.


Fill-in-the-Blank Exercise:

  1. Jesus said, “Search the ________; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of ________.” (John 5:39)

  2. Adam was a type of ________ (Romans 5:14).

  3. The Passover Lamb points to Christ’s ________ (1 Corinthians 5:7).

  4. The tabernacle foreshadowed God’s ________ among us (John 1:14).


Reflection Questions:

  1. Why is it important to read both Old and New Testaments with Christ as the center?

  2. How does typology deepen your understanding of God’s plan of redemption?

  3. Share a personal example where you recognized Christ in an Old Testament story.


Group Activity Worksheet:

  • Assigned OT type: _______________________

  • How does this point to Christ? ______________

  • NT Scripture connection: ___________________

  • Application to faith today: _________________


Memory Verse Writing Practice:
“Beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” — Luke 24:27


📊 PowerPoint Outline (Slide by Slide)

Title Slide:

  • Christ in All Scriptures (Typology & Fulfillment)

Slide 1 – Learning Objectives

  • See Christ as central theme.

  • Recognize types & shadows.

  • Connect OT prophecy to NT fulfillment.

  • Apply Christ-centered reading.

Slide 2 – Christ at the Center

  • John 5:39 – Scriptures testify of Him.

  • Luke 24:27 – Jesus in all Scriptures.

Slide 3 – Key Typologies

  • Adam → Last Adam (Rom 5:14, 1 Cor 15:45).

  • Passover Lamb → Christ (1 Cor 5:7).

  • Tabernacle → God dwelling with us (Jn 1:14).

  • Melchizedek → Priest forever (Heb 7).

Slide 4 – Prophetic Fulfillment

  • Isaiah 53 → Suffering Servant.

  • Micah 5:2 → Bethlehem prophecy.

  • Psalm 22 → Crucifixion foreshadow.

Slide 5 – Activity Prompt

  • Group study: Find Christ in Joseph, Manna, Bronze Serpent.

Slide 6 – Application

  • Read Scripture asking: “Where is Christ here?”

  • See Christ as the golden thread.

Slide 7 – Memory Verse

  • Luke 24:27

Closing Slide:

  • Christ is the Key.

  • From Genesis to Revelation — He is revealed!

Biblical Covenants as Foundation of Redemption

 

Biblical Covenants as Foundation of Redemption


Facilitator’s Guide

🎯 Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will:

  1. Understand the role of covenants as God’s framework for redemption.

  2. Identify the major biblical covenants and their progression.

  3. Connect the Old Covenant promises to their fulfillment in Christ.

  4. Recognize how covenant shapes the believer’s identity and mission today.


📖 Core Scripture Readings

  • Genesis 9:11 – “And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.”

  • Genesis 12:2–3 – “And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”

  • Exodus 19:5–6 – “Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation.”

  • Jeremiah 31:31 – “Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah.”

  • Luke 22:20 – “Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.”


📚 Teaching Content Outline

  1. Introduction: God’s Covenant Plan

    • Covenant = God’s binding agreement revealing His redemptive purposes.

    • Every covenant reveals a dimension of God’s grace, promise, and requirement.

  2. The Major Covenants in Scripture

    • Noahic Covenant (Genesis 9:11) – Preservation of creation.

    • Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12:2–3; 15:18) – Blessing to all nations.

    • Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 19:5–6) – Law, holiness, and priesthood.

    • Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7:12–16) – Promise of a Messianic King.

    • New Covenant in Christ (Jeremiah 31:31; Luke 22:20; Hebrews 8:6) – Fulfillment in Jesus.

  3. Covenantal Progression

    • God’s covenants are not separate but progressive revelations pointing to Christ.

    • Jesus = fulfillment of all covenant promises (2 Corinthians 1:20).

  4. Practical Implications for Believers

    • Covenant defines our identity (chosen, redeemed, royal priesthood).

    • Covenant demands loyalty (obedience, worship, mission).

    • Covenant empowers mission (blessing to all nations through Christ).


Suggested Schedule

  • Introduction & Icebreaker – 10 min

  • Teaching Session – 25 min

  • Group Scripture Exploration – 20 min

  • Application Discussion & Prayer – 20 min

  • Wrap-up & Assignments – 10 min


💡 Facilitator Tips

  • Use visuals (timeline of covenants).

  • Encourage learners to trace the “redemptive thread” in each covenant.

  • Reinforce Christ as the final covenant-keeper.


Student Workbook Section

✍️ Key Concepts

  • Covenant = God’s framework for redemption.

  • Old Testament covenants reveal God’s plan in stages.

  • Jesus is the mediator of the New Covenant.

  • Believers live as covenant people, blessed to be a blessing.


📖 Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding covenants deepen your appreciation of God’s plan?

  2. Which covenant most encourages you, and why?

  3. How can you live as a covenant witness to others today?


📝 Exercise

  • Draw a timeline of the covenants from Noah to Christ.

  • Write 3 ways the New Covenant impacts your daily life.


🙏 Prayer Focus

  • Thank God for His faithfulness in keeping His covenants.

  • Ask the Spirit to help you walk faithfully in the New Covenant through Christ.


PowerPoint Outline (Slides)

Slide 1: Title – Biblical Covenants as Foundation of Redemption
Slide 2: Learning Objectives
Slide 3: Definition of Covenant
Slide 4: Key Scriptures (Genesis 9:11, Genesis 12:2–3, Exodus 19:5–6, Jeremiah 31:31, Luke 22:20)
Slide 5: The Major Covenants (Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, New)
Slide 6: Covenant Progression → All fulfilled in Christ
Slide 7: Practical Implications (Identity, Loyalty, Mission)
Slide 8: Discussion Questions
Slide 9: Exercise (Draw Covenant Timeline)
Slide 10: Closing & Prayer

Tuesday, 26 August 2025

Countering the Critics Questions and Answers

 

Some key articles and pages

Skip to topics by alphabetical order

Topics arranged by subject category

Astronomy

Bible, God, theology

Biology (creation vs evolution)

  • Origin of life (origin of life theories critiqued, including life-from-space)
  • Design features (dozens! ID, biomimetics, ‘bad’ design, astronomy, irreducible complexity)
  • Natural selection (yes, it happens but it is not the same as evolution)
  • Mutations (yes, they happen, but they can’t change microbes into microbiologists)
  • Speciation (yes, it happens, but it is limited to variation within the created kind)
  • Genetics (‘mitochondrial Eve’, ape vs human DNA, gene duplication, genetic engineering, cloning, longevity of patriarchs)
  • Information theory (including DNA) (information defined, claimed new information)
  • Probabilities (could life arise by chance? What about computer simulations of evolution?)
  • Quantum Mechanics and Thermodynamics (how the laws of thermodynamics contradict naturalism)
  • Vestigial organs (including ‘junk’ DNA)
  • Homology and Embryology (Haeckel’s fraudulent concept, plus similarities due to common design)
  • Charles Darwin (his religious views, contribution to human suffering, natural selection vs evolution)

Creation: relevance to Christianity, society and science

Geology, the Flood, the Ice Age and the age of the earth

  • Young Age Evidence (astronomy, botany, geology, fossils, caves, coal, glaciology, human history, oceanography)
  • Radiometric Dating (radiometric dating problems, flaws, rapid decay? radiohalos)
  • Flood (global? fish survival? Black Sea flood? flood legends).
  • Noah’s Ark (size, construction, stability, feasibility, care for animals, diseases, biogeography)
  • Geology (Flood evidences, coal formation, limestone caves, rapid rocks, age of fossils?)
  • Ice Age (post-Flood Ice Age, ice core dating, multiple Ice Ages? mammoths)

History

  • Archaeology (archaeology and the Bible, from the Flood to New Testament times)
  • History (including biblical chronology, genealogies, origin of deep time beliefs)
  • Linguistics (languages point to the Tower of Babel, animals talking?)

Paleontology

  • Fossils (rapid formation, missing links, living fossils, dino-birds?, whale origins, tetrapods)
  • Anthropology (human ancestry, alleged ape-men)
  • Dinosaurs (humans coexist with? evidence against millions of years, birds from dinosaurs?
  • Mammoths (how they fit with the post-Flood Ice Age)

Social and ethical issues


Topics arranged by alphabetical order

The Tech Behind the Panel