Is there a Bible study lesson on creation for youth?
Introduction
Many articles and sermons have been written and preached about the creation of the universe. However, the concept of creation might be difficult for young believers to grasp through long-form articles and Sunday services alone.
That is why youth teachers need to devise more creative and relatable means for young minds to appreciate God’s creative power.
Many creative ways have been adopted in classes and Sunday school to teach creation.
But one of the less explored ways of teaching this beautiful story is by exploring outdoor spaces.
One of these places you can teach your students or youths is taking a trip to the nature park.
Here’s how you can build a lesson about the creation story by visiting the nature park.
Bible Lesson on Creation for Youth:
Begin by gathering the youth and explaining that today’s lesson will involve going on a nature walk to observe and appreciate God’s creation.
Emphasize that through this activity, they will have the opportunity to connect with the beauty and diversity of the natural world and reflect on the biblical account of creation.
They will also have an accurate and pictorial view of all God created.
Preparation
Choose a suitable location for the nature walk, such as a local park, botanical garden, or nature reserve.
Make sure any location you choose has all the elements God created, like water, land, vegetation, animals, etc.
Also, ensure that the youth dress appropriately for the weather and the terrain.
Provide each youth with a notebook or paper and writing utensils for note-taking and reflection.
Instructions
Setting the Context
Before heading out on the nature walk, briefly review the creation story from Genesis 1.
Highlight the key aspects of each day of creation, emphasizing the beauty and order found in God’s work.
Guided Nature Walk
Lead the youth on a guided nature walk, pointing out specific aspects of creation that correlate with each day of creation.
Provide prompts and questions for them to consider as they observe their surroundings.
For example:
Day 1
“Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light” (Genesis 1:3)
Reflect on how God created light out of the darkness.
Tell the youths to shut their eyes and imagine a world or park without light.
By doing this, they will understand the state of the world as described in Genesis 1:2, “The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep.”
Ask them to open their eyes to see the brightness of the day. They will better understand and appreciate the light.
Day 2
“Then God said, “Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.” (Genesis 1:6)
Look at the sky and clouds. Let them appreciate the sky and the beautiful things it reflects.
Discuss the vastness of the sky and how it enables them to fly in an airplane or fly their kites.
Day 3
“Then God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear”; and it was so” (Genesis 1:9)
Observe the land, sea, plants, trees, and flowers.
Let them know how the dry land is inexhaustible and enables plants to grow for their sustenance and that of other creatures like cattle, horses, etc.
Discuss the incredible variety and intricacy of plant life.
Let them feel the grasses and smell flowers in the field. Also, tell how food would not be available for them without land to cultivate and plants to grow, mature and become food.
Day 4
“Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth”; and it was so.” (Genesis 1:14-15)
Tell them about the great lights God created: the sun, moon, and stars.
Observe the sun and discuss its importance.
Highlight how it provides light, keeps them warm, etc.
Discuss the moon and how it lightens up the night.
Also, talk about how billions of stars twinkle, making the sky beautiful.
Day 5
“Then God said, “Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens.” (Genesis 1:20)
Listen for the sounds of birds or move to a pond or river and observe any animal in it, the fishes, turtles, hippopotamuses, crocodiles, etc.
Appreciate any water or flying animal you come across.
Reflect on the diversity of creatures God created.
Day 6 (Genesis 1:24-27)
Notice any animals you encounter.
Reflect on how God created humans in His own image and the responsibility we have to care for His creation.
Tell them to think about their pets and how life would have been without them so they can appreciate God more.
Day 7
“And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. ” (Genesis 2:2)
Take a short rest under a tree or any cool spot, and ask them how they feel as they rest.
Tell them God doesn’t get tired but rested to set an example for us to follow.
Encourage the youth to take notes, sketch what they observe, or jot down their thoughts and reflections during the walk.
Group Reflection and Discussion
Gather the youth together for a time of reflection and discussion.
Allow them to share their observations, thoughts, and insights based on what they have seen and experienced.
Discuss how the elements of creation they encountered relate to the specific days of creation.
Prompt questions for discussion
What aspects of creation stood out to you the most? Why?
How does observing nature make you feel about God’s creative power?
What can we learn from God’s creation about His character and our role as stewards?
How can we show appreciation and care for God’s creation in our daily lives?
Closing Prayer and Application
Conclude the lesson with a prayer, thanking God for His magnificent creation and asking for His guidance in being good stewards.
Encourage the youth to consider practical ways to appreciate and care for God’s creation, such as reducing waste, conserving resources, and participating in local environmental initiatives.
Encourage them to share what they have learned and experienced with others.
Optional Extension
As a follow-up activity, you can encourage the youth to create nature-inspired artwork or write poetry or a reflective journal entry about their experience during the nature walk.
Provide an opportunity for them to share their creations with the group in a subsequent meeting or through a digital platform.
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Bulgarea Anca is a devout Christian and the founder of Bible Wings, a comprehensive resource for Christians seeking to deepen their faith and understanding of the Bible. Raised within the Christian faith, Bulgarea Anca’s spirituality was nourished by her grandparents, who were cantors in their local church. Her Christian upbringing was further solidified by her education at a Christian school. Today, she uses her in-depth knowledge of the scripture to provide insightful and meaningful content through Bible Wings.