It is no accident!
key words
biblical reference
Genesis 1:1, 27; Job 38:1-11; Psalm 95:3-5; 102:25-27; Isaiah 48:12-13; Jeremiah 10:11-13.
lesson objective
To understand that the origin of life and the universe come from God, the Creator.
memory verse
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful. I know that full well” (Psalm 139:13-14, NIV*).
prepare yourself to teach
Preadolescents need to remain steadfast in the truth that God is the Creator, and understand that science is effective for learning about the physical world. That is, science existed after creation, but explaining the origin of creation belongs to the field of faith.
Science and faith are not two words that are commonly related. However, society is responsible for separating them. Some secular teachers use evolution theory in attempts to refute their students’ religious beliefs.
At this stage of their school life, students begin to study the origin of things. That is why it is important that students learn what the Word of God says on this subject, and that they know that God is the only Creator, Owner and Lord of all that exists.
Ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit so that, through this lesson, preadolescents will know how to defend their beliefs and stand firm in the truth of the Word of God.
biblical commentary
Read Genesis 1:1. In the Bible, we find evidence of God as the Creator. The first verse of the Bible says, “In the beginning God created.” That means that God existed before everything.
Read Job 38:1-11. In this conversation, God talks with Job about the mysteries and secrets of creation. God’s description of the world is so complex and wonderful that people cannot fully understand it. God is the architect of the world and only he deserves our worship and service.
Read Psalms 95:3-5 and 102:25-27. These verses describe God as the Creator. Human beings were created to worship and praise God for his rule over the world.
Read Isaiah 48:12-13. Isaiah recognizes God as the Creator, the only true God. He is trustworthy, and people must believe in him as being sovereign.
Read Jeremiah 10:11-13. Jeremiah gives a message to the Hebrews in exile. His warning includes judgment against worshipping idols, but also affirms that God is the only Creator of the world.
introduce the lesson
Same or different?
Hand out the student resources worksheets, and ask the young people to go to the one for this activity. There they should read the biblical and scientific statements.
Divide them into small groups so that they can discuss about why they should or should not believe such claims. Each group will appoint a secretary who will write down the conclusions and then report their answers to the class.
teach the lesson
The Bible and creation
Tell your students: “The Bible tells us about creation in the book of Genesis. However, other biblical passages also bear witness that God is the Creator. Today we will explore what the Bible tells us about God and his creation.”
Divide them into three groups. If possible provide each group a Bible. Assign the following questions to the groups and assist them to look up the passages and find the answers.
GROUP 1 Read Job 38:1-11
1. What elements of creation do these verses mention?
2. What does it mean when God says that he laid the earth’s foundation, marked off its dimensions and laid its cornerstone?
3. How do you think Job felt after God asked him these questions?
4. What do these verses tell you about God?
GROUP 2 Read Psalms 95:3-5 and 102:25-27
1. What elements of creation do these verses mention?
2. What feelings or emotions are expressed in these two passages?
3. What do these verses tell you about God?
GROUP 3 Read Isaiah 48:12-13 and Jeremiah 10:11-13
1. What elements of creation do these verses mention?
2. How is God different from false idols or gods?
3. What do these verses tell you about God?
When everyone has finished, ask them to comment on the conclusions they reached.
connect the lesson
Scientific?
Look at the illustration on Student Activity Sheet #337-A for this activity, and identify which phrases correspond to the scientific point of view.
Explain to your students that many people try to disprove biblical truth with scientific theories. But God is clear in affirming that he created heaven, earth and everything that exists.
Tell them that when confronted with contradicting ideologies, they should remain firm in the knowledge of God as the sole Lord and Creator of the universe.
Can you explain it further?
Ask the preadolescents: “Do you know how radios and televisions receive signals?” (pause) “Can you explain how radios transform signals into sounds?” (pause) “Can you explain how televisions transform signals into images and sounds?” Listen to their answers and ask, “So, why do you keep listening to the radio and watching television programs that are broadcast?”
Follow the suggested examples on Student Activity Sheet #337-B and give them time to write the answers.
Conclude by explaining that there are some aspects of creation that we may never fully understand. Only God knows everything, because he is the Creator of the universe. But that does not prevent us from trusting in his power and sovereignty.
practice the memory verse
Tell the group the words of the first phrase. Then, allow the preadolescents to repeat what you said. Keep adding another phrase until they say the whole memory verse.
Say: “For you created my inmost being;” (allow the group to repeat it with you) Then, say: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” (allow the group to repeat it with you) Then, say: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” Then, say: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;” Then, say: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful.” Finally, say: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful. I know that full well. (Psalm 139:13-14)”
wrap-up
Pray
Pray and give thanks to God for his creation and the blessing of being a part of it.
Encourage
Sing some worship songs that encourage the group praise our Creator God.
Invite
Invite the group to attend the next session. Tell them they will study about some special people in the next session. Remind them to welcome visitors.
* Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™