The Books of the Bible (4th- 5th Grade Class, November)

Please forgive the belated nature of these lesson summaries! It was an oversight on my part. ~Julia 

Week 1

Season of the Church Year: Common Time/ Great Green Growing Season (green) 

Story in Scripture: Colossians 1:17

This week, we began a new body of learning centered on the Books of the Bible. Although it’s clearly impossible to learn everything there is to know about the Old Testament in a single week, we spent considerable time unpacking the basics. We divided up the Old Testament books into Law, History, Poetry, and Prophecy. We also thought through some of the events in the Old Testament and did our best to find common themes, similarities in the way God’s people responded to events, and to discern the heart of God in how he guided and helped his people throughout. Although we had good discussion and were able to address some questions, we reminded them that scholars will spend a life-time delving into the Old Testament… so they have plenty of time to learn and grow in their knowledge. These lessons are really just meant to be an overview- a jumping off point.

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

*I wonder why God’s people made so many terribly mistakes in the beginning?

*I wonder how God showed his people how much he loved them, as told in the Old Testament?

*I wonder how the Old Testament helps us to better understand Jesus?

Prayer:

“Dear God, thank you for your story. Thank you for the ways that you have walked with us… taught us… guided us throughout history. Thank you for the prophets and for their promise of the good to come. Thank you for the poems of the Old Testament and for the way they illustrate our sadness, frustration, and joy. Also, thank you for the Law. Help us to understand how we should live and work with one another to bring Glory to you. Amen.”

Week 2 

Season of the Church Year: Common Time/ Great Green Growing Season (green) 

Story in Scripture: Colossians 1:17

This week, we continued learning about the Books of the Bible. Like the Old Testament, it is impossible to cover all the material and answer every single question in a single lesson…. but today we addressed the overall themes and characteristics of the New Testament, with particular attention paid to the Gospel and the letters to churches and individuals. We compared a modern day letter of encouragement and edification to Paul’s letter to Philemon. We also talked through the basics of the Gospel story, using a technique called the “wordless book.” (You can find more information at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wordless_Book.) Be encouraged to continue this incredibly valuable conversation at home. Try to connect their learning this Sunday to their learning last week about the Old Testament, especially with regard to prophecy.

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

*I wonder Jesus story was told and written down by so many different people?

*I wonder how God continued the story of the Old Testament into the New Testament… what connections do you notice?

*I wonder why the letters included in the Bible are so important?

*I wonder what you think is the most significant part of the New Testament?

Remind the students that scholars study the Old Testament for their entire lives…. Every question can’t be answered today, but more research & discussion can be done together and on their own.

Prayer:

“Lord, thank you for your Son. Thank you for being the perfecter of our faith, the sustainer of our souls, and the encourager of our days. Thank you for your forgiveness and your love. Amen.” 

Week 3

Season of the Church Year: Common Time/ Great Green Growing Season (green) 

Story in Scripture: Colossians 1:17

This week, we continued learning about the Books of the Bible. Like the Old Testament, it is impossible to cover all the material and answer every single question in a single lesson…. but today we addressed the overall themes and characteristics of the New Testament, with particular attention paid to the Gospel and the letters to churches and individuals. We compared a modern day letter of encouragement and edification to Paul’s letter to Philemon. We also talked through the basics of the Gospel story, using a technique called the “wordless book.” (You can find more information at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wordless_Book.) Be encouraged to continue this incredibly valuable conversation at home. Try to connect their learning this Sunday to their learning last week about the Old Testament, especially with regard to prophecy.

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

*I wonder Jesus story was told and written down by so many different people?

*I wonder how God continued the story of the Old Testament into the New Testament… what connections do you notice?

*I wonder why the letters included in the Bible are so important?

*I wonder what you think is the most significant part of the New Testament?

Remind the students that scholars study the Old Testament for their entire lives…. Every question can’t be answered today, but more research & discussion can be done together and on their own.

Prayer:

“Lord, thank you for your Son. Thank you for being the perfecter of our faith, the sustainer of our souls, and the encourager of our days. Thank you for your forgiveness and your love. Amen.”