Bible Education
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Reg. No.: 2011/011959/07
LESSON ELEMENTS
LEARNING AIMS
What the learner should know at the end of the lesson. Taken from CAPS.
IMPORTANT TERMINOLOGY
New terminology to extend understanding of the subject as part of this lesson.
DEFINE
Definitions of concepts to understand the content.
IMPORTANT
Explain misunderstandings; possible confusion regarding existing knowledge.
TIPS
SAMPLE
Any information other than the content, to guide the learner through the learning process.
FOR THE CURIOUS
Encouragement to do in-depth research about the content. Expand the activity and exercise to such an extent that the learner is encouraged to explore. For the gifted learner: expanded exercises. For Learners with Special Educational Needs (LSEN): explain the need to complete the basic questions to achieve a passing mark.
ACTIVITY
Questions throughout the lesson that must be done in order to test the knowledge of the lesson completed.
EXERCISE
In conclusion of the specific Unit. Formative assessment.
CORE CONTENT
Emphasise the core of content; in-depth explanation of a specific section of the lesson; needs to be understood.
STUDY/REVISION
Time spent to study the content in conclusion of the Unit and in preparation for the test or examination.
SAMPLE
SCHEDULE AND TIME MANAGEMENT
The guide was written in such a way that the lessons are not very long. There is a lot of reading that the learners have to do themselves. The learner cannot study the Bible if someone else does the reading and research!
It will really help the learner if he/she keeps a notebook at hand while reading. The learner can then make notes of facts that he/she picks up and wants to look up or research again later. He/she can also write down any questions that may arise at that moment to look into it again later.
These notes may also be used during Bible studies. The learner should try to acquire a few reference books that provide deeper insight into the Bible Use these books in conjunction with the Bible
The lessons have been planned so that the learner has to spend approximately two hours per week on it to complete the entire lesson. They may, however, do their own time planning and choose to spend even more time on each lesson.
Bible Education is aimed at an intense study of the Bible. The learner should do it in a quiet, peaceful place without being rushed
The facilitator plays an important role in the Bible Education lessons. The learner needs guidance at all times. It is important that the learner also expose him/herself to a thorough study of the Bible.
Go through each lesson unhurriedly before discussing it with the learner. This will give you the insight to guide the learner through the lesson and the activities
SAMPLE
ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS
There are no formal assessments for Bible Education.
FOREWORD
RECOMMENDED BOOK
THE BIBLE
BIBLE CONCORDANCE
More than one view and explanation give a wider perspective on a subject. The abovementioned books help to provide a broader insight into the lesson material that is covered.
Use these works only in addition to the lesson material.
The Internet may also be a useful resource for learners who would like to do research on a specific topic.
INTRODUCTION
The Study Guide was written in such a way that the learner can work through each lesson at his or her own pace. However, the facilitator should enrich himself/herself with additional knowledge regarding the topics.
SAMPLE
The facilitator should personally do in-depth study of each topic so that he or she can guide the learner through the lessons. The facilitator should at all times afford the learner the freedom to give his/her own opinion. The learner is entitled to develop his/her own opinion regarding issues in die Bible
The facilitator only presents guidelines regarding the lessons. Provide the learner with the necessary information and allow the learner to then study it by himself/herself.
UNIT 1: The names of God
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this unit, the learner should be able to do the following:
Understand the names of God.
Apply each name in God's Providence to his/her own life.
Have a deeper knowledge of who God is.
1.1. Lesson 1: ELOHIM: Creating God
FOR THE CURIOUS:
The section is about the Creation of the world. Elohim points to God as the Creating God. Yahweh is used to signify the Lord. Yahweh also means ″Independent One".
Go through his/her notes with the learner. Discuss with the learner that God created the earth independently as the Lord. No-one else had any part in it, except God.
Only God can create something out of nothing. That is why we can say that God is the Creating Lord. Therefore, the words Elohim and Yahweh are mentioned in this story
SAMPLE
Allow the learner to give his/her own opinion and have an open discussion with the learner.
ACTIVITY 1:
Gen. 2:4 – 3:24
This is the history of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens, before any plant of the field was in the earth and before any herb of the field had grown. For the Lord God had not caused it to rain on the earth, and there was no man to till the ground ……… verse 7 And the Lord God verse 8 The Lord God planted ……. verse 9 the Lord God made ………. verse 15 The Lord God ….. verse 16 The Lord God …. verse 18 And the Lord God said verse 19 the Lord God formed ….. verse 21 And the Lord God caused a deep sleep …… Gen. 3: 1 which the Lord God had made verse 3 God has said ….. verse 5 For God knows ….. verse 8 And they heard the sound of the Lord God hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God verse 9 Then the Lord God called ….. verse 11 And the Lord God said …… verse 13 , verse 14, verse 16 , verse 17, verse 21, verse 22, verse 23, verse 24. The name of God is mentioned 25 times, in this passage alone.
Gen. 14: 18: God Most High
Gen. 14: 19-20, 22: God Most High, God the Possessor, Lord
Gen. 27: 20: The Lord your God
Gen. 1:26: Then God said….
Read the learner's essay and award marks for the leaner's opinion. The learner must be able to see that God is also our Creator Father. Award marks for 10 of the learner's relevant opinions. Multiply it by two to get to the total of 20 marks.
SAMPLE
[10 x 2 = 20]
1.2. Lesson 2: EL HA KADOSH: The Holy God
FOR THE CURIOUS:
The following is only a guideline pertaining to the learner's notes:
Psalm 71: 22 – Here, God is called O Holy One of Israel. It signifies that this is the God that was worshipped and revered by the people of Israel. God delivered them from the slavery of Egypt
Isaiah 1: 4 – Here, God is also referred to as Holy One of Israel. It becomes clear that in the Old Testament God is seen especially as the Holy One or the God of Israel. Israel regarded themselves as the chosen people of God.
Isaiah 10: 20 – Once again God is described as the Holy One of Israel
Jeremiah 50: 29 –″The Holy One of Israel″ The people are in a war situation. They were arrogant towards God, and here they are once again reminded of who God is.
1 Kings 19:10 –″the Lord God of hosts.″ Elijah calls God the Almighty God. During this time the people of Israel turned against God, but Elijah still honours God as the Almighty God
Study the notes with the learner. In the Bible passages God are identified in particular as the Holy God of Israel. God is associated with one people (nation) – the people whom God chose and freed from slavery
Elijah calls God the "Almighty God". Elijah positions God as being more personal to him. During this time the people have turned away from God and Elijah pleads their case with God. Here Elijah puts God's association with the people aside, and positions God as being a unit separate from the people.
ACTIVITY 2:
1) The Lord sits on a very high throne. This means that the Lord is much more important than us people. God is superior to humans (3)
2) The bottom of the robe filled the entire temple. God is so Great and Almighty that his robe fills the entire temple. This is a symbol that God's presence fills the whole earth. (3)
3) The seraphs each had six wings. With two of their wings they covered their faces. This is a symbol that even the highest heavenly creatures may not look at God's Omnipotence. They also praised God and cried: Holy, holy.″ (any 3) (3)
SAMPLE
4) Isaiah felt that every word that came over his lips was impure. A seraph brought a live coal and touched Isaiah's lips. Coal is a symbol of forgiveness That the words that Isaiah will speak now, will be pure (any 3) (3)
5) God sees that the people stray from Him. God says in this passage to Isaiah that the people will hear and see all these things, but will not understand it Their hearts and attitudes towards God are not right. The people should first understand what God is saying to them and then convert themselves. (any 3) (3) [15]
1.3. Lesson 3: EL GIBBOR: The Strong, Mighty One
FOR THE CURIOUS:
The following are guidelines in addition to the learner's notes. Go through it with the learner
The story of Moses:
- The story begins where Moses' mother has to hide him from the Pharaoh. All the Hebrew boys are killed.
- He is hidden in the Nile and found by the Pharaoh's daughter.
- God protected Moses and did not let him die.
- He grows up in the palace. This prepares him for his subsequent calling.
- Moses kills an Egyptian out of anger and has to flee from Egypt.
- Moses flees into the desert.
- God appears to Moses in the burning bush and orders Moses to lead the people from Egypt.
- Moses has many excuses, but God trumps him every time.
- Moses stutters, but God let him take his brother Aaron along to do the talking
- In the story of Moses, God leads Moses to Egypt and gives him the courage to go
- God gives Moses the plagues to convince the Pharaoh
- God lets his people travel through the Dead Sea.
- God cares for the people in the desert.
- In this way God grants the victory. Nothing and no-one can stand against God
The story of Joshua
- Joshua sends spies to Jericho and God gives them Rahab, who hides and saves them.
- God helps the people to cross the Jordan River by letting it dam up on the one side
- God lets the walls of Jericho collapse and leads the battle of Jericho.
- In this way Joshua occupied many cities; God gives the victory
The story of David and Goliath
- David is only a humble shepherd He is also small-boned.
- Goliath is a Philistine of more than 3 m tall. He is a fearless fighter.
- David trusts God unconditionally and is not afraid to fight against Goliath.
- God gives the victory and David kills Goliath with a slingshot and a stone.
ACTIVITY 3:
1. Saul thought that David was only a child and a shepherd and Goliath an experienced warrior (2)
2. Saul had an erratic relationship with God. Saul trusted in his own judgement and power more than he trusted in God. However, he listened to David's side of the story and pronounced God's presence upon David (2)
3. David had no fear at all. He believed that God would give the victory. David had an unusual relationship with God. He trusted God completely, even while he was only herding sheep. (3)
4. The learner's own opinion is important. Award 2 marks for the "Goliath"/problem that the learner mentions, and 1 mark for the reason that the learner mentions (3)
5. Award 2 marks for the situation that the learner mentions, 2 marks for the description of it and 1 mark for the role that God played in the situation, according to the learner (5) [15]
1.4.
Lesson 4: ADONAI ECHAD: The Lord is an Only Lord
FOR THE CURIOUS:
Deut. 17: 3 – Sun, moon and other heavenly bodies
People sometimes worshipped forces of nature, as they believed that these controlled people's lives
Rom. 1:23 – Images that look like people, animals, birds, snakes.
SAMPLE
The forces of nature were depicted in various forms and idols were made to be worshipped
Deut. 7: 5 – Idols and sacred pillars.
These were usually associated with Baal and Asherah.
Gen. 31: 34 – household idols
Were also associated with Baal and Asherah. Were made from material that was also used for other purposes and were regarded as dead and worthless
2 Kings 21: 4, 6 – Baal.
This was a Palestinian fertility god. It was believed that he controls rain. It was also believed that he did not only control the fertility of the soil, but also that of people and animals
Isaiah 1:29 – Idol trees
The trees were associates with the fertility gods Baal and Asherah.
Isaiah 65: 3 – Pagan offerings. This included pigs, dogs and even children. They even ate this meat.
ACTIVITY 4:
The learner's opinion is important. Give 1 mark for each situation that the learner mentions and 1 mark for its description. This gives a total of 10 marks.
Possible answers: (guideline only)
1. If you will do anything to, e.g. get the latest cellphone
2. You measure your self-worth in terms of what you own or the clothes you wear
3. Your family attach more value to the money one earns than to each other as people.
4. It is more important to you to associate with a certain group of teenagers because they have more money than another group.
5. You do wrong things to obtain certain rewards, including material rewards
The learner must show insight into how one could get caught up in the desire to acquire material possessions. Serving your possessions also falls under worshipping mammon. Mammon is not only about money, but about worshipping your possessions.
Anything in your life that is more important than God is an idol. Even if you put another person above your relationship with God, you are turning that person into an idol.
1.5. Lesson 5: ABBA: Father
FOR THE CURIOUS:
SAMPLE
In the Indian community, women are subordinate to men. There is no equality. As soon as little girls are born, they are immediately regarded as being subordinate to boys.
Long ago, Zulu women did all the work in the fields. It would have been humiliating for the men to work in the fields. This also contributed to the women in many cultures making the important decisions in the family context.
In the Afrikaner household, the father traditionally was the head of the household. The father made the important decisions. He expected his family to trust him with the decisions for the family and to respect him.
As we well know, the roles of men and women have changed considerably in modern society. Today, men and women make joint decisions concerning their families.
Regardless of culture, the overall purpose of all fathers is to care for and protect their families.
This is also what God our Father is like. He provides in our daily needs. God says
that we should not worry about tomorrow – God will provide. God protects us against bad and evil.
We should trust God with our daily life and our life's journey
Some passages in the Bible where God as Carer are emphasised are listed below. You may read and study it with the learner:
• John 10: 28 – 29
• Romans 8: 28
• Jeremiah 29: 11 – 12
• 1 John 5: 14 – 15
• Psalms 91: 9 – 10
• Matthew 7: 25 – 34
Also read the following passages which assure us of God's protection:
• 1 Samuel 2: 9
• 2 Samuel 22: 2, 3
• Psalm 5: 12
• Proverbs 2: 8
• Isaiah 43: 2
• 2 Thessalonians 3: 3
EXERCISE 1.6: OPEN BOOK TEST
1.6.1. The facilitator should take into account the learner's insight and opinion
Look for five logical points and mark accordingly. The following are only possible answers:
• It teaches us about the Person of God
• It shows us how God is in control of all aspects of our lives.
• It shows the many dimensions of God as the Trinity.
• It provides us with a wider insight into creation and God's purpose with us
• The names of God give us the confidence to approach God with our specific needs (5)
1.6.2. EL and ELOHIM (2)
1.6.3. EL means "The Divine" and ELOHIM means ″The One in whom all the Divine characteristics are present". ELOHIM also means "The Creating One". (4)
1.6.4. Lord or Independent One (any one) (1)
1.6.5. Adonai (1)
1.6.6. Learner's own opinion is important. Mark any three relevant opinions. It could be anything that is important to the learner, e.g. to detach yourself from the world, not be materialistic, not smoke or drink, not be promiscuous, not harm your body, etc (3)
1.6.7. It means "Creating God". Learner's opinion is important; how does he/she see God as his/her Creator. Award marks for any five statements. Guidelines for answers are as follows:
• God created us and therefore our bodies belong to God; we may not harm our bodies in any way
• God created nature; therefore we should conserve nature and may not destroy it.
• God also created all the animals; therefore we should respect all animals and may not harm them
• God created all people. We should love our neighbour (fellow people) just like God loves them. We may not cause harm to any person
• We should respect God as the Only One who created the earth and everything on it from nothing. (5)
1.6.8. The marker should take into account the learner's insight into the story. Does the learner understand the effect of God's power in this story? Award 1 mark for a yes/no answer. Award 1 mark for each of the three reasons that the learner provides for his or her yes/no answer. The following answers could serve a s a guideline:
• No – the story is too old, we don't fight giants anymore and we use other types of weaponry today
• Yes – even today we face problems that may feel to us like a Goliath. However, God grants us the strength to conquer these problems, just like David conquered Goliath. We may also feel small and weak, just like David, and the problems may seem insurmountable to us. However, with God's help we can overcome any problem, no matter how big or small it is. (4)
1.6.9. Mammon (money) and possessions. (2)
1.6.10. Learner may mention any three situations. Award 1 mark for each situation (3) [30]