Lesson Plan: God, the Controller of the Universe
Senior Secondary 2 (Grade 11)
Christian Religious Studies
**Topic:** God, the Controller of the Universe
**Duration:** 60 minutes
**Lesson Objectives:**
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
1. Understand and explain the concept of God as the Supreme Controller of the universe.
2. Identify biblical references that describe God’s sovereignty and control over the universe.
3. Reflect on the implications of God’s control in their personal lives and in the world around them.
4. Develop a sense of awe and reverence for God's power and authority.
**Materials Needed:**
- Bibles
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector (if using multimedia)
- Handouts with scripture references and reflective questions
- Notebooks and pens
**Lesson Outline:**
**1. Introduction (5 minutes)**
- Begin with a short prayer asking for wisdom and understanding.
- Briefly introduce the topic, “God, the Controller of the Universe,” by considering what it means to control something. Discuss the significance of control and authority.
- Pose an opening question to the class: "What do you think it means to say that God controls the universe?"
**2. Biblical References and Discussion (20 minutes)**
- Distribute handouts with the following scripture references:
- Genesis 1:1 - "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."
- Colossians 1:16-17 - "For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
- Psalm 24:1-2 - "The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters."
- Isaiah 45:12 - "It is I who made the earth and created mankind on it. My own hands stretched out the heavens; I marshaled their starry hosts."
- Daniel 4:35 - "All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing... he does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: 'What have you done?'"
- Have students take turns reading these passages aloud.
- Facilitate a discussion on what these passages say about God's nature and His control over the universe.
**3. Small Group Activity (15 minutes)**
- Divide the class into small groups and assign each group one of the scripture passages.
- Each group should discuss the following questions:
1. What does this passage tell us about God’s power and control?
2. How might understanding this aspect of God impact our daily lives and our worldview?
- After 10 minutes, bring the groups back together and have each group share their insights with the class.
**4. Reflection and Personal Application (15 minutes)**
- Lead a reflection on the implications of God’s sovereignty in practical, everyday terms.
- Ask students to reflect quietly in their notebooks on the following questions:
1. How does knowing that God controls the universe give you comfort or confidence?
2. In what areas of your life do you need to trust God's control more?
3. How can you demonstrate your trust in God’s control to others?
- Allow a few students who feel comfortable to share their reflections.
**5. Conclusion and Prayer (5 minutes)**
- Summarize the key points discussed during the lesson.
- Emphasize the importance of recognizing and trusting God’s sovereignty and control in all aspects of life.
- Close with a prayer, thanking God for His control over the universe and asking for faith to trust Him more deeply.
**Assessment:**
- Participation in class discussion and group activities.
- Reflection notes that demonstrate understanding and personal application of the lesson.
**Follow-Up:**
- Encourage students to read additional Bible passages that discuss God’s sovereignty (e.g., Job 38-41, Psalm 33, Revelation 4).
- For homework, have students write a short essay on the topic: "How does the belief in God’s control over the universe influence my relationship with Him?"
**Notes for Teacher:**
- Ensure sensitivity to students’ personal beliefs and experiences.
- Foster an environment of open discussion and respect for diverse viewpoints.
- Be prepared to address questions or doubts students may have about the topic.