Current Series Teaching Plan
Tracing Themes: In His Presence
This four-week series explores one of the Bible’s central themes: God’s presence with humanity. Students will learn how the Bible tells a unified story of God drawing near to His people and inviting them into relationship with Him. Along the way, students will also practice “biblical theology,” learning how to trace themes across Scripture to better understand God’s story and our place in it.
Feb 4 – Created for His Presence
Big Point: You were made to walk closely with God.
Key Passages: Genesis 2–3
What We’re Talking About:
We begin the series in the Garden of Eden, where God originally created humanity to live in His presence. Students will explore how Eden wasn’t just a garden, but a sacred space where heaven and earth overlapped, and where humans were designed to walk with God in relationship. We’ll talk about how sin broke that relationship and led to separation from God’s presence, but also how this separation created a deep longing in every human heart. Students will learn that the restlessness we often feel in life is really a kind of “homesickness” for the closeness with God we were created for.
Follow-Up Question:
When do you feel most at peace or “at home” in your own life? How do you think that connects to how God designed us to live with Him?
Feb 11 – God Draws Near
Big Point: Even after sin, God still desires to be near His people.
Key Passage: Leviticus 26:11–12
What We’re Talking About:
After humanity’s rebellion and separation from God in Eden, God doesn’t abandon His people, He moves toward them. This week, students will see how God chooses to dwell among Israel through the Tabernacle. This shows God’s willingness to live in the middle of human brokenness so that we can draw near to Him. We’ll trace the connections between Eden and the Tabernacle and highlight God’s consistent goal: to walk with His people again. Students will learn that God doesn’t wait for people to become perfect before drawing near. He chooses relationship first.
Follow-Up Question:
What does it say about God that He chose to live among imperfect people instead of waiting for them to get it all together?
Feb 18 – At the Feet of Jesus
Big Point: Jesus invites us to slow down and live in God’s presence.
Key Passages: John 1:14; Luke 10:39
What We’re Talking About:
This week focuses on Jesus as the ultimate expression of God drawing near. Students will learn that Jesus didn’t just talk about God, He brought God’s presence into the world. Through the story of Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet, students will see that following Jesus isn’t just about doing more, achieving more, or being busier, it’s about learning how to be with Him. We’ll talk about how Jesus restores what was lost in Eden by inviting people back into closeness with God.
Follow-Up Question:
What makes it hard for people today to slow down and be present with God?
What would it look like for our family to create space for that kind of closeness?
Feb 25 – Walk With Him Forever
Big Point: Our walk with Jesus starts now and lasts forever.
Key Passages: Revelation 21:1–5; Revelation 22:1–5
What We’re Talking About:
The series ends with the future hope of the Bible: God fully dwelling with His people again. Students will see how the Bible ends where it began, with God’s presence filling everything. Eden imagery returns, but this time it’s not just a garden, it’s a restored world where God and humanity live together forever. We’ll talk about how following Jesus isn’t just about going to heaven someday, it’s about learning to walk with God now and forever.
Follow-Up Question:
What do you think it means to start experiencing God’s presence today, not just someday in heaven?
