When Christians send their kids to Sunday school, Bible studies form the main topic of study, meant to teach the messages conveyed in the Holy Bible. This includes both the Old and New Testaments, a history of the Judeo-Christian beliefs, from the creation of the world to the final message from God, in the person of Jesus Christ, God's last manifestation of Himself on earth.

It's unfortunate that much of the message is lost in the telling. By this, I mean that Sunday school teachers treat this history as isolated and unrelated events, with little emphasis on the unfolding of God's consistent message to all of humanity. Young children become acquainted with the Bible in terms of separate, but unrelated stories, with little meaning beyond sequential events. By the time these kids reach their teens, they are generally indoctrinated to believe that the entire story of the Bible lacks a cohesive message. Here, we hope to provide some inspiration for teachers of Bible studies for teens, which will enlighten and inspire kids to ask the questions that make the lessons and people of the Bible come alive. Here are seven sample Bible studies for teens, designed to inspire them to a greater depth of knowledge.

1. The question of Adam and Eve: according to the Scriptures, this couple was God's first creation of humanity. They were created, born into Paradise, with no obligation except obedience to God. Their only restriction was that they were not to eat of the fruits of the tree of knowledge, lest they lose their innocence. The serpent appeared, tempting Eve to eat of the fruit of the tree, thus knowing both good and evil. She disobeyed God, bringing the fruit to Adam. However, Adam did eat it. Generally, theologians agree that the fall of man was woman's fault. In your class of Bible studies for teens, ask for the opinions of the students, which will probably turn into a lively debate.

2. Some thousands of years later, humanity had morally and ethically declined to the point where God decided to start over, bringing the Flood. Only Noah and his family, along with two each of God's animals, were spared. Noah, at God's direction, built the Ark to keep them safe while the rest of the earth was engulfed in water. This Bible studies for teens lesson can focus on why Noah, out of all of humanity, was saved. What, if anything, was so exemplary about Noah?

3. Abraham is an unusual Biblical figure, both as the archetypal man of faith in God and because he is considered the father figure of Jews, Christians and Muslims. God made a covenant with Abraham which concerned both Isaac, his son by Sarah, and Ishmael, his son by Hagar, blessing both with fruitfulness and the establishment of many nations. To Isaac, God specifically gives the Land of Canaan for an everlasting possession (see Genesis 17:4 through 17:20). This Bible studies for teens lesson is perfect for a discussion topic on how these covenants might be interpreted in light of the situation in the Middle East today.

4. The story of Moses and the Exodus from Egypt is another excellent topic for Bible studies for teens lessons. Unlike Abraham, Moses did not have unerring faith in God. For example, when God directed Moses to speak to Pharaoh, Moses expressed dismay at his inability to be articulate. Even though God assured him that He would provide the proper words at the necessary time, Moses doubted. God wasn't happy about this lack of faith, but agreed to allow Aaron to do the speaking. Ask the class members if they feel this had something to do with Moses not reaching the Promised Land.

5. Following the Exodus, God wanted to write his Ten commandments on the hearts of every individual. The Jews were too afraid, fearing they would die at hearing the voice of God. God accommodated them by writing the commandments on stone tablets. While Moses was up on Mt. Sinai, considerable debauchery, bad behavior and idol worshiping was taking place in the valley below, which resulted in some dire consequences. The discussion for this Bible studies for teens could focus on how humanity might have been different in today's world, had God written his commandments on their hearts, as He wished? Would His commandments then have been more like a genetic imprint, known and remembered by every generation from then to now?

6. Throughout history, man has been desirous of Kings and priests, to tell them what to do. God's wish was that (Exodus 19:6) "... ye shall be unto me a Kingdom of priests, and an holy nation ..." God wanted to commune with each individual, not set up a hierarchical organization, headed by individual men. However, having given man freedom, he allowed them their Kings and priests. Again, maybe God's plan was the better option. For this Bible studies for teens lesson, open up a discussion that debates which choice might have been better for humanity. Had the ten commandments been written on the hearts of each individual, would there have been a need for a priestly class? After all, look what happened.

7. According to Christian doctrine, Jesus was God's last word, the manifestation of God on earth as human. Jesus, (Luke 17:21) declared, "Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." Just as with God's desire for a "nation of priests", Jesus seems to be telling us that every individual has access to God through their heart, if only they will look and listen. As the teacher, you may be surprised at the flurry of thoughts coming out of this discussion.

Bible studies for teens should provoke discussion and passionate thinking on the more esoteric messages contained within the Bible. Try just one of these lessons and see if the response from your students isn't phenomenal! You may see your class size increase as a result, once the word gets out.