Download Date: March 3, 2012. Topic: The Bible and History. Aim: To explore

Date: March 3, 2012.
Topic: The Bible and History.
Aim:
To explore how God works through human history.
Know: God directs history and reveals Himself through it.
Feel:
Appreciate the significance of the cross in our personal history.
Do:
Place your trust in God who guides human history toward a definite end.
INTRODUCTION
Is human history a meaningless series of events, or is there a central direction toward a specified goal, all
according to a plan? The Bible makes it clear that the latter is true. Bible writers in both testaments insist
that God directs history and reveals Himself in it (Adult Teachers Sabbath School Study Guide p.100).
“…In the word of God the curtain is drawn aside, and we behold, behind, above, and through all the play
and counter play of human interests and power and passions, the agencies of the All-merciful One, silently,
patiently working out the counsels of His own will. “The Bible reveals the true philosophy of history.”—Ellen
G. White, Education, p. 173.
Statement:
HISTORY BEGINS, CONTINUES AND ENDS WITH GOD.
Read:
Revelation 1:1-3; 2 Peter 1:21.
Meditate:
Vertical relationship.
Question:
What is the relationship between God and human history?
Share in twos: Horizontal relationship.
Application:
Do you believe human history is liner or cyclical?
Statement:
GOD IS ACTIVE IN HUMAN HISTORY TO FULFILL HIS DIVINE PURPOSE.
Read:
Jeremiah 1: 14-19; Isaiah 14: 27.
Meditate:
Vertical relationship.
Question:
What is the central idea contained in the above verses?
Share in twos: Horizontal relationship.
Application:
How is your understanding of history different from that of the evolutionist?
Statement:
God’s purpose cannot be restricted by the choices we make.
Read:
Daniel 2: 20-23.
Meditate:
Vertical relationship.
Question:
What do these verses tell you about the character of God?
Share openly with your teacher.
Application:
How do these verses strengthen your trust in God?
Statement:
The cross of Jesus can make a difference in our personal history.
Read:
2 Corinthians 5: 17-19.
Meditate:
Vertical relationship.
Question
How has the death of Jesus changed human history?
Share in twos: Horizontal relationship.
Application:
How has Jesus made a difference to your future?
SUMMARY POINTS:
1. History begins, continues and ends with God.
2. God is active in human history to fulfill His divine purpose.
3. God’s purpose cannot be restricted by the choices we make.
4. The cross of Jesus can make a difference in our personal history.
GENERAL APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
1. How would you explain human history to a person who believes history is cyclical?
2. How can your personal history become a powerful witness?
3. What does God’s involvement in history mean to you?