United Church of God

2015-2016 Family Study Guide

You are here

2015-2016 Family Study Guide

Helping to Make God Real - Looking at Creation

The 2015-2016 study topic is "Helping to Make God Real - Looking at Creation" which will continue to build upon the basic foundations and fundamental beliefs from the 2014-15 “Making God Real” studies. We will look at creation as a way to understand who God is and that His plan is for all mankind. We are clearly told that we can understand God by looking at His creation! For since the creation of the world his invisible attributes - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, because they are understood through what has been made" (Romans 1:20). You will find the studies to be not only educational, but fun and fascinating as you examine how God has made everything so detailed and interconnected but related to His overall plan.

The guides are written so that parents can first study into the topic and have a good understanding, then parents can teach and discuss the topics with their children at whatever age and knowledge levels they are. These guides were not created as “grade level” lessons -- because each family teaches to the level of their own children. The guides can be used with children of any age and for teen studies. Additionally, each study guide has suggested resources that can be used to deepen knowledge and understanding of what God has done, who He is, and His purpose for mankind.

A new Family Study Guide is posted each month. The suggested teaching strategies can be found on the last page of each guide.

Your Future Revealed Through God's Annual Holy Days 
[ Available September 2015 ] 

Helping to Make God Real: Creation Part 1: An Overview 
[ Available November 2015 ]

In this Family Study we will begin to explore these aspects of creation…
- Who? What? When? In the beginning, God through Jesus Christ created the world in which we live.
- What? Why? God created with a plan in mind.
- How? God is not the author of confusion and chaos.

Helping to Make God Real: Creation Part 2:  Days 1 – 3 
Compass Check - Helping to Make God Real: Part 2

[ Available December 2015 ]

In this study we will review what the Bible says about how God created the world we know. We will look at the process of God’s systematic creation in days 1-3 and how creation sustains and benefits human existence. We will use evidence from both scripture and science.

Helping to Make God Real: Creation Part 3:  Days 4 – 6
[ Available January 2016 ]

1. Review Creation Days 1 – 3
2. Creation – Day 4: Sun, Moon and Stars (Genesis 1:14-19)
3. Creation – Day 5: Sea creatures, Fowl of the Air (Genesis 1:20-23)
4. Creation – Day 6: Land Animals and Man (Genesis 1:24-31)

Helping to Make God Real: Creation Part 4:  Day 6  Who and What is Man? 
[ Available February 2016 ]

1. What is man?
2. Who is man?
3. What is man’s purpose?
4. What does God require of man?

Helping to Make God Real: Creation Part 5:  Day 7 – The Sabbath
[ Available March 2016 ]

On the seventh day, God ended His work and rested.
1. God made the 7th day, the Sabbath, holy.
2. God created the Sabbath for man.

God Is Building His Family: Passover/Unleavened Bread
[ Available April 2016 ]

God is building His family. The Holy Days show how.
1. Review that God wants a relationship with each of us.
2. Discuss how God is building relationships with mankind so He can grow His spiritual family - where every member will inherit immortality just like Jesus Christ.
3. Rehearse that God’s annual Holy Days show the specific steps of His building plan. Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread show the first steps of God’s Plan.

The Essential Questions of Life
[ Available May 2016 ]

This Family Study Guide is a brief review of the main topics that we have studied for the past two years, which covered God’s Doctrines and the Fundamental Beliefs of United Church of God.  These concepts are the most basic understanding of God and His plan for mankind.  We suggest you use this Family Study Guide as a review to challenge your family’s understanding of these basic concepts. 

God Is Building His Family: Pentecost
[ Available June 2016 ]

In the last Family Study Guide, we discussed the Essential Questions of Life.  As your family reviews and prepares to keep the Pentecost Holy Day, this guide will continue to build upon the theme of God’s plan for mankind and why God gives His Holy Spirit.  Feel free to use the portions that are most appropriate for your family’s studies.