Digging into the Word: Before the World Digs into You

Introduction:

Believers who are eager to understand God’s Word often take two divergent paths toward their goal. Some are full of zeal and dive in, sure that their sincerity and eagerness to learn is all they need to understand the Bible. Others take a more analytical approach and read the Bible like a textbook trusting in their scholarship to give them a better grip on truth. So which is right?

The Missionary-Apostle Paul commended the people in the town of Berea for understanding that zeal combined with in-depth study is what makes for a faithful student of God’s Word. He commended them because they received God’s Word with readiness and searched the Scriptures daily to find out the truth (Acts 17:11). It is that combination of zealous digging into God’s Word for one’s self that makes for mature believers.
The title of this study is “Digging into the Word: Before the World Digs into You.” We are constantly bombarded with the philosophies, principles and ideas of this world everywhere we turn. The greatest protection we have against being wrongly influenced by these forces is to entrench ourselves in the Word of God. Hopefully, this study will help lay the ground work for a lifetime of being a “noble Berean.”

• Lesson One: The Bible Student’s Pledge
  Every man and woman who enters the military must pledge an oath of enlistment in which they covenant to follow certain uniform codes of justice. While believers are not required to sign any such oath we have a much higher calling to covenant in our hearts to be faithful to God’s Word and apply it to our lives in a walk of faith. This lesson focuses on some basic commitments every faithful student of God’s Word needs to make.

• Lesson Two: Analyzing a Passage
  Just about any trip far from home requires a fair amount of planning. But what about a trip that will last a lifetime and has eternal consequences? A life in the Word is a journey that requires diligence, planning, prayer and a determination to know for one’s self what God says. This lesson covers a basic strategy for digging into God’s Word that any believer can use.

• Lesson Three: Key Ideas and Diagnostic Tools
  While all we need to obey God is an open Bible and a willing heart, there are some simple tools that can help you along in your journey of discovery. Bible College and Seminaries are wonderful for those who can attend but everyone can do their own in-depth study with nothing more than a good concordance, Bible dictionary and cross reference Bible.

• Lesson Four: Continuing Education
  Many occupations require the worker to have regular continued education or professional development. This reminds them of things they may have forgotten, teaches them new things, and reminds them how important it is to keep on learning. As believers we must always maintain a teachable spirit and be committed to a lifetime of learning. This lesson ties together some unifying principles about a Bible learner.

4 sessions

ISBN: 9780892653812 — $9.99

Introduction
King David accomplished many things in the forty years of his rule over Israel. He consolidated the kingdom, established its capital, expanded its territory, unified its people, and is mentioned more in the New Testament than Moses or Abraham. But David’s greatest triumphs had less to do with military campaigns and external success and more to do with a virtually unseen campaign—the battle for his own mind and heart.

This study focuses on David’s years as king: his victories and defeats and the lessons he learned through them all. He was a conquering king and more important a conquered man. A companion study, David: A Godward Heart in a Drifting World, covers David’s early years.

It is important to get the word out every way possible. The following lesson titles and objectives are structured for use in newsletters, church bulletins, e-mail, and other sources such as Facebook and blogs.

• Lesson One: The Giant Within
  Early in David’s life, he fought and defeated the most infamous giant in history, Goliath. Now, as he was about to ascend to the throne, the king-to-be had to face his greatest giant of all—the one that hid within his own heart. In this session, we learn that the toughest battle is not with external enemies but rather with self.

• Lesson Two: Turning Point
  Immediately following Saul’s death, King David had two great decisions to make: how would he respond to the death of the man that had sought to kill him and what he would do about the dishonor brought on God’s name when Israel lost the Ark of the Covenant. Both events served as tests of David’s character and how he would deal with his own personal failure and success.

• Lesson Three: The Problem with Success
  The first half of David’s reign as king brought amazing success to the people he led. But during his highest point of rule, David succumbed to the most base of temptations. In this session, we learn the most dangerous times of life for a believer may not be when things are going bad but rather when everything seems perfect.

• Lesson Four: Final Exam
  God worked to plant many life principles in David’s life through both success and failure. Nearing the end of his reign, David was given a final exam in a most unusual way. How he reacted to this circumstance would dictate whether he truly was a man with a Godward heart. The test is simple and yet often failed; will we give to others the same grace that has been given to us?

4 sessions

ISBN: 9780892653973 — $9.99

Introduction
One of the most visited, war-torn, and recognizable cities in the modern world is named after him. Famous statues have been built to memorialize him. His hymns are sung and read by believers of every persuasion around the world. His words are read more often in hospitals and prisons than from any other book known to man. He is David the boy who became king.

This study of David focuses on his early years, how God chose him, the trials he faced as a result of that calling, and the powerful principles we can learn from his experiences with both God and people.

It is important to get the word out every way possible. The following lesson titles and objectives are structured for use in newsletters, church bulletins, e-mail, and other sources such as Facebook and blogs.

• Session 1: Adrift in a Sea of Self
  Israel had been on a long drift away from God and had finally hit bottom. The problem was they didn’t know they were at the bottom. Israel, adrift in a sea of self, chose a king that mirrored their collective spiritual condition. This session focuses on the circumstances and setting into which God called David to be king.

• Session 2: The Man God Chooses
  Israel had reached a dead-end spiritually and nationally. They had chosen their hero, and he had led them to ruin. Now God would choose His hero from a most unexpected source. In this session, group members discover the qualities God wanted for the leader of His people and how He built those into a young man named David.

• Session 3: The Stage God Uses
  Though most have heard the story of David and Goliath numerous times, its timeless truths are often overshadowed by the excitement of the battle. This session focuses on those life principles that are of value to all believers of all times.

• Session 4: You’re Never Alone When You’re Alone!
  Trying times always lie within the shadow of success. On the other side of David’s success over Goliath was a deep valley of trial. It was in this desperate time that David learned more about himself and God than he had ever known before. Most important, David discovered, “when you’re alone, you’re never alone.”

4 sessions

ISBN: 9780892653935 — $9.99

Introduction
It is abundantly clear from reading the Bible that God has spoken to women in the past– but is God still speaking to women in the present? How can we know the call of God on our lives and passionately pursue it? Knowing God’s call begins with attentive listening. Recognizing God’s voice in the midst of so many voices is a skill that we must develop. Responding to His call requires wisdom and discernment as we consider how that unique call might be fulfilled. This study is designed to help women embrace God’s calling and better know His purpose for their lives. These lessons are written to help women understand that God has not stopped speaking and to be on the receiving end of God’s communication is joyful and adventuresome. We never know where God might lead and what exactly He has in mind for us to do. One thing is for sure, as we obediently listen to His voice, we will discover that God has great and mighty things in store for each one of us.

• Session 1: Hearing God’s Call in the Home
  The first challenge is to hear and answer God’s call on our lives. This lesson explores the call Samuel received from God and how God is still speaking to women in our present day.

• Session 2: Staying Spiritually Focused in the Home
  The home is a testing ground for God’s call. In this study participants will enter into the home of Martha where she and Mary are truly known by Jesus. This lesson will help women improve spiritual focus in the home.

• Session 3: Hearing God’s Call to Serve the Church
  This lesson discusses women and their call to serve the Church. Using Miriam’s call to be a prophetess as an example, the role of women in Christian service is explored.

• Session 4: Hearing God’s Call to Serve the Community
  By affirming the role of women in the 21st century, this lesson challenges participants to think beyond the four walls of the church. Women are encouraged to break out of the “Christian bubble” and build relationships with people in their respective workplaces and neighborhoods.

4 sessions

ISBN: 9780892653850 — $9.99

Introduction
We all know the name of this man—Jesus. As Christians, we know Jesus is the only way to salvation. As Christians, we know He was much more than a mere man; He was God.  We know He came to earth to live, die, resurrect, and return to heaven for us. However, how much do we really understand the person of Jesus? If we take a closer look at His character, a finer look at the meaning behind Him, we will gain a truer understanding of who He really was. We will come to see more fully another facet of the beautiful mystery of God’s plan. In the coming study, we will look at four titles of Jesus: Prophet, Priest, King, and Savior. These aspects will reveal the revelation, reconciliation, rulership, and reality of Christ.

Many of your students may be veteran Christians, but some may be relatively new to the Christian faith. Some may not be Christian at all. Be sensitive to those students who need basic explanations. This may even require outside-of-class private discussions. Do not finish this study without the entire group being able to see the mystery of Christ. Be sure they come to have an intimate relationship with Him. By recognizing Jesus’ full person, we are recognizing God.

• SESSION 1: THE PROPHET Of EASTER: REVELATION
  Group members will come to see Jesus was God and prophet. They will see how this aspect suggests revelation. They will then look at the revelatory aspects of His person and ministry.

• SESSION 2: THE PRIEST Of EASTER: RECONCILIATION
  Group members will come to see Jesus was God and priest. He came to earth to reconcile us to God. He came to be an intermediary between the Father and us. As a priest, He provided atonement for us.

• SESSION 3: THE KING Of EASTER: REIGN
  Group members will see Jesus as God and king. He came to reign. He rose from the dead to claim His place at the right hand of the Father. Now He rules forever.

• SESSION 4: THE SAVIOR Of EASTER: THE REALITY
  Group members will see the reality of Jesus. They will see He is the one and only way to salvation. They will see how Jesus’ truth sets us free. Prophet, priest, and king all culminated in Jesus to create the savior of Easter.

4 sessions

ISBN: 9780892653775 — $9.99

Racism is nothing new. It is as old as mankind and as fresh as today’s headlines. This study examines the biblical teaching about race and interracial relations and challenges believers to overcome the sin of racism. It presents biblical answers to some of the most pressing questions we face today and counters erroneous teachings that lead to prejudice and hatred.

Key Points:

• How does the Bible define race?

• Where did all the different languages and cultures come from?

• Is God guilty of racism?

• What about being “unequally yoked”?

• How are we supposed to treat people that are different from us?

1 Session

Gulnare, Kentucky

Introduction
In the face of a culture which seems increasingly antagonistic toward the claims of Christ, the temptation to avoid the world and huddle behind the safety of our church walls is very real. But, this is not our calling. The Apostle Peter urged the first century church to always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is found within them. Two thousand years later, that challenge is just as important as ever.
As we move through this study we will examine what God identifies as essentials in preparing to witness for Christ to those who do not share our basic worldview. We will also discover the seven pillars of a Biblical worldview which form the framework for how we view God, the world, and purpose in life.

• Session 1: Understanding Worldviews
  This session uses Colossians as a foundation for understanding how Christians can prepare themselves for presenting their faith outside the walls of the church.

• Session 2: Preparation for Confrontation
  This session focuses on various passages in Proverbs and emphasizes the value of wisdom in the believer’s life. Too many Christians think one must have an exceptional intelligence to defend the faith—this is not the message of Solomon.

• Session 3: Taking It to the Streets
  This session focuses on Paul’s engagements with the culture of his day. Believers are not called to hide in theological and cultural fortresses but rather to be prepared to engage the culture around them with the truths of God’s Word.

• Session 4: Be Ready!
  This session focuses on various New Testament passages that stress the necessity of sharing our faith and the realities that accompany that calling. We don’t have to be the best educated to face opposing worldviews but we do have to be faithful.

4 sessions

ISBN: 9780892652013 — $9.99

Catching a View of Heaven is a four-week study that will help participants realize that Heaven is a real, physical place. The various sessions discuss specifics regarding the geography, aesthetics, and population of our eternal home. Groups will be challenged to invite people to go to heaven with them and give encouragement to those who are almost home.

• Session One: Catching a View of Heaven

• Session Two: What Will Heaven Be Like?

• Session Three: All Things New

• Session Four: The New Jerusalem: City of Lights

4 sessions

ISBN: 9780892651542 — $9.99

Christians like to talk about how great it will be to go to Heaven. After all, it would be a gross understatement to say that eternal life in a beautiful place, void of sin, tears, pain, or suffering, is desirable to the believer and unbeliever alike. It is pleasant to think of a blissful existence after this life. It is a selling point for many of our faith to hold Heaven up in game show fashion saying, “and tell them, pastor, what they could win!”

However, when it comes to the teaching of judgment for the sinner and Hell for the damned, we grow a little more nervous and a little quieter. If we even mention Hell, we feel like we are putting God’s love and goodness on trial.

In this study, you and your group will explore the biblical teaching of the afterlife for those who are in rebellion against God. Your group will see that because of God’s “goodness,” He must judge sin. However, through His “love,” He provides an escape for those who receive it.

• SESSION 1 “JUST A GLIMPSE”
  In this session, your group will look at the understandings of the afterlife held by the Hebrew people before Jesus taught about it.

• SESSION 2 “JESUS’ WARNINGS ABOUT HELL”
  In this session, your group will review Jesus’ further revelations and warnings about the afterlife, particularly those on Hell.

• SESSION 3 “JOHN’S VISION OF HELL”
  In this session, your group will get a glimpse of the final judgment as John described what Christ revealed to him on the isle of Patmos.

• SESSION 4 “JUSTICE AND HOLINESS”
  In this session, your group will gain insight into God’s holiness and historical judgment through the record of His Word bringing them to terms with the concept of final judgment.

• SESSION 5 “JUSTICE AND LOVE”
  In this session, your group will see how the holy and just God can be merciful and forgiving to the guilty sinner through the atonement and imputed righteousness of Christ.

5 sessions – 25 pages

ISBN: 9780892651887 — $9.99

Irreconcilable Differences

Too often, Christians are surprised by the resistance they encounter when they present what seem to be the most basic concepts of life and reality to non-Christians. Such resistance comes when the world-view of a believer and that of an unbeliever collide. Even those who understand this still count these differences of viewpoint as matters of individual belief that can be solved through mutual acceptance and understanding.

Scripture is clear that the predominant views that rule this world system are at odds with God’s clearly revealed truth. This cannot be reconciled through conversation but rather through redemption. This study serves as a follow-up to the study, When Worlds Collide: A Faith Worth Defending but can be used as a stand-alone study. As in that study, When Worlds Collide: Irreconcilable Differences focuses on the seven pillars of biblical worldview that form the framework for how we view God, the world, and purpose in life.

• Session One: The Way We Are
  God created us both as physical and spiritual beings. As such, we have a will, intellect, and emotions designed to relate to and worship God. While our physical bodies are temporary, we as individuals have an eternal soul. As such we will exist somewhere forever.

• Session Two: The State of Our Union
  Though man was created in perfection, he chose to disobey God. The consequence of that sin was death and separation from God. Everything in God’s “very good” creation has been marred by sin. What was intended, as a perfect union between God and man, has been desperately tainted by the world, the flesh, and the devil.

• Session Three: The Certainty of the Results
  When Adam sinned, he was exiled from the Garden and barred from the Tree of Life. As a result he immediately died in his spirit and ultimately in his body. Everyone since Adam inherits his sinful nature and proves so by our rebellion against the God of Scripture. Just as God judged the world in the days of Noah, He will one day judge the entire earth and all of humanity.

• Session Four: The Promise of Redemption
  Though the state of man’s affairs is bleak, it is far from hopeless. God offers redemption from sin to all who trust in the death, burial, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. Those who take God at His word become sharers in His salvation and promises. Those who reject God’s call are left to remain separate from Him for eternity.

4 sessions – 21 pages

ISBN: 9780892652020 — $9.99