This workshop leader’s Bible study
is a historical, theological, and contextual introduction to the Call of
Abraham and Sarah rotation of Kirk of Kildaire’s Faith Quest workshop rotation
program. It is intended to provide
workshop leaders with:
·
A historical context for understanding the Bible
story.
·
A Biblical context for reading and teaching the
story.
·
The theological basis for the concepts to be
taught to the children.
In Kirk of Kildaire’s Faith Quest program, workshop
leaders attend a one-hour Bible study two weeks prior to the start of a new
rotation. This Bible study helps
workshop leaders understand how the concepts to be taught to the children are
derived from the Bible story and how the lessons in the rotation fit together
to reinforce the concepts. It also
provides an opportunity for the workshop leaders to grow in their own faith and
understanding of the Bible.
It will be helpful to have a
chalkboard, whiteboard, or flip chart for writing down questions or
observations during the Bible study.
Note: This is not a comprehensive study of the
text, but only a few notes to help provide context and background for workshop
leaders. Consult titles cited in the
reference list at the end of these notes for more information.
Scripture:
Genesis 12: 1-9
“As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24: 15b NRSV
·
Like Abraham, we should listen and obey when God
leads us.
·
Blessing
is a gift from God that brings goodness and well-being in life. (Fretheim, pg.
425)
·
God
promises to bless us.
· We respond to God’s blessing by worshipping God.
· God chooses to work through people to fulfill God’s mission.
· We, like Abraham, are on a journey of faith with God.
·
If workshop leaders do not know each other, give
them an opportunity to introduce each other and say which workshop they will be
leading.
·
Begin the Bible study by praying for God’s
guidance as teachers begin a new rotation.
Ask a workshop leader to read the text aloud. Since this rotation focuses on an entire chapter, you might want to divide the reading among three or four workshop leaders.
Ask the workshop leaders what questions came to mind
as they heard the story or read it before the Bible study. Write down any questions that arise and will
need to be answered during the Bible study.
Genesis can
be divided into two parts: Chapters 1-11
are the community of faith’s Primeval History and Chapters 12-50 are the
Ancestral History (Fretheim, 326). This
lesson occurs at the beginning of Part 2 as the story narrows down to focus on
one family (Freteim, 417). The story of
Abraham begins in 11:27-32 with his genealogy – a typical way to begin (see
both Jacob and Joseph’s stories for examples).
In these verses we also see that Abram’s family had already begun a
journey to Canaan and had stalled out in
Fretheim identifies three perspectives in the story of Abraham found in 11:27-25:18.
Verses 1-3, according to Fretheim, are considered to be the key theologically for Genesis and the Pentateuch (422).
V. 1 Note that God does not identify himself to Abram – they know each other already
V. 2 The language of blessing is used 88 times in Genesis (Fretheim, 425).
V. 3 “I will bless those who bless you” – This promise “brings Abraham into relationship with those outside the chosen community” (Fretheim, 424)
“curse” Two different Hebrew words are used here for
curse. The first curse refers to “any
form of mistreatment” and the second “is the opposite of blessing, reaping the
consequences of such behaviors” (Fretheim, 424). So whoever mistreats
V. 3b “God’s choice of Abraham will lead to blessings for all the families of the earth” (Fretheim, 424). This is the point of all the promises leading up to this one. God’s election of a particular person and a particular group of people leads to chosenness for all – to salvation!
V. 4-6 Abraham takes family and possessions and goes obediently – no questions asked.
V. 7-8 “the Lord appeared” - God is with Abraham; continues to show his presence and offer promises.
Abraham “built there and altar” – Fretheim calls this “ personal and familial act of worship” (424). This altar building was conducive to the life of a nomad (425).
Note: Abraham’s response to God’s promises is worship, obedience, faithfulness.
Ask each workshop leader to summarize
his or her workshop. As they do so,
point out the concepts that each lesson reinforces. Ask workshop leaders if they have any
questions about the logistics or practical application of their lesson.
Holywood: The children will view the video Abraham the Forefather and review all the concepts.
Creation Station: The children will create a topographical map showing Abraham’s route. They will learn about God’s covenant with Abraham and his covenant with us through Jesus.
Apostles’ Playhouse: The children will go on a journey like Abraham and Sarah.
Along the way they will make several stops to explore the concepts and
what this story means to them.
Good News: The children will review the journey
that Abraham took and go on a “texture walk” that will help them think about
what his journey must have been like.
Praising Puppets: Through puppet skits the children will learn about God’s blessings for Abraham and us and will explore how to respond to God’s blessings.
Return to the questions that were
gathered at the start of the hour. Have
they been answered? Are there any
further questions about the Bible story or about the lessons?
Close the Bible study with a
prayer.
Brueggemann, Walter. Genesis.
Fretheim, Terence E. “Genesis.” New Interpreter’s Bible, vol. 1. Leander Keck, et. al. editors. (Nashville, Abingdon Press, 1994), pp. 417-426.