(The Bereans), were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so" Acts 17:11
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Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" 2 Timothy 2:15
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When I became a Christian, I certainly didn't know what God had in store for me. Looking back over the way God has used me and the things He has taught me, I amazed where I am today. I am amazed that God has done things with me that I never dreamed possible before my salvation.Bible study is an essential for any growth in a Christian's life. You cannot get out from your babyhood without at least reading the Bible. Taking me from my intense fear of people, in His sovereign knowledge, God has given me the privilege of disciplining others, a ministry I would never have picked for myself. Where God has put me, I now know how diligent teaching is a major ministry for the church.
"The older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior,
... teachers of good things, that they admonish the young women
to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word
of God may not be blasphemed" Titus 2: 3,4.
Here are five study books I recommend for teachers and students of the Bible. As a Home Bible study teacher, I have received approval for these guide books from my pastor and elders of my home church.
This list is in no particular order or preference.
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1. Design for Discipleship (Navpress).
Through a Discipleship class at our church, my Husband and I were introduced to this study first for our own benefit. When we opened our house for God's use, we used this series with a neighbor couple who would come once a week. Then the opportunity for me to lead a Ladies Home Bible study, I chose to begin the group with this series. There are seven books in this series, and includes a teacher's guide.If you are new to leading a Bible study group, this is a great starter for teachers as well as new Christians. The layout is well presented and the Guide has many helps for the structure of the group and offers Leadership organization and tips.
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| Can be found at Navpress.com or Amazon
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2. Ruth, Esther: (Shepherd's Notes published by Holman Reference)
This book was chosen by the girl's Sunday School class. They wanted to know more about Ruth and agreed on this study for the class. I enjoyed it, and the discussion among the girls was interesting as to Ruth's manners, way of life, and the extreme changes she went through to her maturity in worshiping God. Being teenagers, the changes were something the girls had a hard time accepting but the questions brought up during this study made the book of Ruth come alive for them.
Found at Amazon &
Bible Books stores
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3. Becoming a Woman of Influence: (Navpress)
My former pastor's wife taught the Ladies Bible study group through this book. In this study, I discovered the joy of Scripture memorization. I learned the important fact that to disciple, or witness to anyone, Scripture memorization is major. Using the Bible as center in our conversations will help others in all aspects of life. I had to know Scripture to have the correct tools to teach/help/mentor others.
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| Found at Navpress & Amazon * * * * * |
4. The Mind of Christ: (Discovery Series Bible Study)
This little book brought out much conversation among our Home Study group. There were some in attendance who had never known so much about Jesus' character, and the depth of His sacrifice. I recommend this study for a group or individual who wants to learn about Jesus' example to His church. It is a good basis for explaining proper Christ-like conduct and discovering how to better serve one another in the church. Further, this is a good study if you desire to search out your own ministry.
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| Found at DiscoverySeries.org * * * * * |
5. Giving Christ First Place: First Place Bible Study (Guiding Light)
This Study series was brought to my attention in our church as helpful in learning self control and moderation. It is a good guide for prioritizing holiness and prayer over the desires of self. It emphasizes accountability, kindness, and bearing one another's burdens.
I found it helpful in teaching me about the food I was eating and the manner I consumed it. I believe there are seven books in this series but I have only gone through the first two.
I still use two of the aspects of these books. Because I collect cookbooks, I like the recipe sections. Another thing I like is at the back of each book is a Commitment Record where the participant takes stock of certain aspects of food, exercise, prayer, Bible reading and memorization.
If possible, I recommend getting original copies that contain a CD of the memorization Scripture set to music.
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| Found at Amazon |
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Bonus title:6. A Life Changing Encounter with God's Word from the Book of PROVERBS (Navpress)
There are multiple studies in the Life Changing Series that take lessons from specific books of the Bible, all of which are great for group study and discussion. I was introduced to this series as a participant in a Ladies Home group, and our teacher had us go through this particular study book of Proverbs.
The questions presented ask for the participant to really dig deep for the knowledge of God in the word. As suggested in the title, it is designed for teaching a person to identify their needs to change and gives Biblical reasoning for the good of the change.
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| Found at Navpress.com |
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There is no excuse for a Christian not to study the word if they have the freedom to do so. God desires all of His children to 'grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ'. (2 Peter 3:18)
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