1. Introduction to God and His Providence (Lesson 6)

2. For starters… Ever wondered where God came from? (See Psalm 90:2)

3. Here’s another one: What was there before the world? And what did God make the world from? (See Hebrews 11:3)

4. Last time we learned a little bit about who God was. We found that the true God is an awesome God. His creating all things proves that as well as his love for you and me – in spite of our sin. However, that’s not all God does. God also takes care of everything, or preserves and protects his creation. We call this “God’s PROVIDENCE.” For example, ever wondered why your heart keeps beating or your eyes don’t fall out? (See Psalm 139:16; Colossians 1:16-18)

5. It’s not by accident or even just natural laws that our bodies continue to work as they do. This is nothing short of God’s creating and providential power. If God were to take away his providential care for even just a moment, everything would become nothing. Not even nothing. That’s mind boggling!!!

6. Another Question: Ever wondered - if God created all things and still takes care of everything, how come there is evil and death in the world? (Romans 5:12 and 8:20)

7. Answer: The reason that things break down, fall apart, and animals and people die is not because God made things that way. God made people to last forever. But things fall apart in this world and evil happens because the devil brought sin into the world after tempting Adam and Eve in the garden. (Genesis 3:1-19)

8. Another Question: Why do bad things happen to Christians, people who love God and trust in him? Ever wondered about that? (Read Job 1:6-22; Romans 8:28)

9. Answer: Again the reason that evil happens to Christians (God’s people) is not because God wants us to suffer or is punishing us. But bad things happen to us because the devil, Adam, and Eve broke this world. Sometimes bad things happen because our world is sinful, Satan wants to harm us, and/or we did something that got us into trouble. Yet, God still loves us!

10. And nevertheless, God provides for us and protects us!

11. God’s Providence As we consider all that God has done for us – his creating, preserving, and especially Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection which saved us, how should we respond to God? (See Romans 12:1)

12. Answer: God wants us to love him back and be happy to do only what God wants – to know the Bible, love his commands, and love God and all people, even those who are mean to us.

13. Review: How does God see you as he provides for you and preserves you?

14. Game: Take turns saying what God still preserves. You’re out when you hesitate, repeat, or can’t think of anything.

15. Question: What two things will God preserve forever? (See Matthew 24:35; Matthew 25:46)

16. If time permits, begin video and worksheet… We’ll discuss next time…