Welcome to this study of the Christian Bible. The purpose of this study is to enrich your spiritual experience through consistent study. The LORD your GOD will honor your commitment to the worship of her word.
Every study of a text, especially an ancient one, involves at least three aspects. First, what does it read? This question is intended to focus your energy on the plane which is the page, on the line which is the sentence and then, on the single point which is the word. The text will benefit you most when you know what has been written. Although this seems a trivial statement, some reflection may reveal that we all do quite a bit of reading in which we are at best mildly introduced to the material. This study is not to be accepted in this manner. The passages will require more attention than you might be accustomed to. You will certainly miss out if you provide the same amount of attention as you do when you read a billboard or the daily newspaper. So, ask yourself occasionally, "What am I reading?" Look away; determine your level of participation, and return to the material with a new ambition to learn everything it has to offer.
The second important question is, what did it mean to the author? This is an academic question with very real and practical implications. To answer this properly, a great deal must be known about the person and the culture of the time. There are many scholars who have enlightened us on this information. As interesting and compelling a study as it is, the nature of what the author meant to say will remain outside the scope of these lessons. The text will be taken at face-value.
Finally, the most important question to this study is, what does the material mean to me? This being a study which attempts to provide a tool for enriching one's spiritual relationship, it is of primary importance that this connection be established. When one asks, what does this mean to me, it is akin to saying, what relationship do I have with this material. Before a mature relationship can commence, it must be determined to what extent the material affects us.
What does it mean to me? This is a question which invokes a personal response. Some may answer the question with a response they received as a child, or one their family has held for generations. Others may need to know everything that can be known about the question, before making a commitment. Still others may answer in a flippant gesture. Some may even find that their answer to the question is quite different from the last time they encountered the material. Regardless of how you arrive at the answer, the answer is yours. Even if you are reciting a message verbatim, that recitation is uniquely your own response. There are no two responses which will be identical. Neither in the words chosen, the affectation, nor in the future that awaits those who answer the question. During this lesson, you will be continually prompted to examine what the material means to you.
What does it mean to me? is another way of saying, how does the material affect me. What do I experience when I read this? What is my reaction? What emotions are invoked as I read? Do I feel anything at all? Are there specific memories recalled by reading the passage? Memories can be good, encouraging and rewarding. They can also be harmful and limiting. What are the experiences I have today as I read this passage as if I have never seen it before? What images come to mind? What new concepts can my mind imagine, new feelings my heart can express and how can this inspire a new outlook for the rest of the day? What does all this mean to me, to my loved ones, to my job, to my life?
How will I apply what I learn?
And that leads us to the point of the study. How might I apply this to my life? That is a question which can be quite imposing. This involves accepting what the material has meant to me and allowing it to direct my life. Sometimes this means changing my life. Moving from the comfortable to the promised. Moving from silent security to active vulnerability. Putting substance to our faith. Planting the seed of the word and caring for it. Watering it regularly, and waiting. Waiting for what seems to be a long time. Waiting even more, and sometimes waiting a lifetime. Usually, thank goodness, the results of our application occur quickly. We try something new, and whether it works out as we planned or not, there blossoms an excitement about making a commitment. About taking that which we hold in our heart and sharing it with our world. Making the transcendental leap across the chasm which separates the temporal from the eternal. The most important principle to apply when determining the amount of material to cover is to cover only that amount which may be applied. Take hold of what you learn and live it.
If you are new to studying or have found it difficult in the past, there may be some suggestions which will make it easier for you. Although a spiritual relationship may be enjoyed under any circumstances, there are conditions in which it is easier to enter that relationship. Our spirit is most receptive when we are comfortable and free from distraction. With this in mind there are three areas to consider, preparation, pace and prayer.
A small amount of preparation will benefit greatly. First, set aside enough uninterrupted time to explore the amount of material you would like to cover. In the beginning, it may be difficult to ascertain the amount of time a study will require, however, after several lessons, the time spent will be more consistent. It is important that you are free from interruptions. Early morning and late evening are times many people have to themselves. These are also the times when we tend to be most receptive. Next, select a comfortable, well-lit place which will encourage your study. You may find that, if the place is too comfortable, you will be prone to dozing. The objective is to maintain focus and receptiveness, as opposed to relaxing. Finally, have all the materials you will need: a Bible that you find easy to read and understand; writing instruments, paper, and whatever else you need.
Choosing the appropriate pace significantly influences the length of participation and the degree of frustration. There are two aspects to consider: the amount of material, and regularity. Completing a full lesson each day is less important to your spiritual life than internalizing and applying the material. If you would like, divide each lesson so that it extends over multiple days. On the other hand, it is not advised to study more than one lesson a day. Allow at least one days' break each week. Between books, you may want to take a week off to reflect on what you have learned. You are probably studying too much if you find you are easily distracted or unable to retain the material. On the other hand, if you do not feel growth in your spiritual life, you are definitely going too slowly. Growth occurs when our spiritual relationship is called into question and challenged. When we are learning new tools to tackle those same old problems, growth is occurring. Attaining higher levels of knowledge, moments of ecstasy, or intense revelations are extremely rare, and more often than not, are a distraction from the real work that needs to be accomplished in our spiritual life. Reasonableness in our journey is far more reliable.
Prayer is fundamental to any preparation. You are indeed fortunate if you have a well-developed prayer life. If that is the case, you will need no further instruction. To those who are unfamiliar with prayer, here are some suggested starting points. First, acknowledge GOD's unique sovereignty as the creator, sustainer and lover of you, your life and the world around you. That GOD is your creator links you to eternity; that GOD is your sustainer is to accept GOD's role in your life, and to accept the life which you have with GOD; to accept GOD as your lover is accept that unique and indescribable relationship with someone who cares for us and affects us no matter where we are, at anytime, and in all things.
Next, express your desire that what you are about to learn will effect a desire to honor GOD's name with your life. Ask that your mind be open to the will for your life. GOD's will is already accomplished in eternity, pray that it will be accomplished in your own temporal world. Finally, ask GOD to provide you with the tools necessary to understand and apply the material. Pray that your spiritual relationship will grow and prosper; that you will rise above distractions which are disruptive to a more fulfilling spiritual life; and pray that you may study in peace and security.
There are many methods to a Bible study. Some are offered here. The most important consideration is that, regardless of the method, your spiritual life is increased. To this end, nothing should ever be done that will harm the spirit within you. All other objectives must bow to this consideration. Here are two examples:
If you find that you are rushing through lessons without internalizing them; if you feel that you must achieve a set number of lessons or chapters within a prescribed time, or if you feel the lessons to be oppressive, dogmatic, distasteful, and unfulfilling, stop. Take a break for at least one week. Reconsider what your goals are and readjust your study plans. You may be studying in a group. Let the leader know that you do not want to keep the pace. Others in the class may feel the same. Consider that you may not be ready for this particular class, and find a new one more to your capabilities or study with a friend or independently.
The spirit within you is a seed that is growing. Some day it will reap a bounty of fruit, but for now, there is no fruit or very little fruit. Attention must be paid to watering, feeding and caring for this sapling. Only a foolish orchid farmer would expect fruit after a few days or weeks after the first planting. More foolish, yet, would be the farmer who shakes the sapling and yells at it to grow faster. Engage in a study plan which will allow your spirit to grow without injury.
At the opposite extreme, if there is a lapse of time between your studies; if the lessons are only partially complete, and the application is only a surface response, stop. Developing a spiritual relationship should be the most important activity of your life. It is worth developing a consistent plan and following it. Treat your lesson plans with respect, a respect even greater than your exercise regimen, your music lessons, your outings with friends and your livelihood.
Again, recalling the orchid, it would be a foolish farmer who planted trees only to neglect watering them. How could this farmer expect anything? The wind comes and the trees are unsupported. The sun rises and the earth cracks under the heat. The poor tree has no water and withers. Engage in a study plan which cultivates your spirit and strengthens it.
These lessons may be studied individually, in pairs, in a small group or in a larger group. When there is more than one individual involved, there are many variations which may be enjoyed. Each lesson may be studied alone or together. If the lessons are completed alone, arrange for periodic times to share the answers. As for the reflective questions, only those who feel comfortable sharing should. These personal questions can do a great deal to learn about how others apply their convictions, and can help to form strong bonds of affection.
If this is your first time through these studies, learn to take your time. Read each verse deliberately. Pause a moment after each verse. Jeanne Guyon writes, "Turn to the Scripture; ... Next, come to the LORD. Come quietly and humbly. There, before Him, read a small portion of the passage of Scripture you have opened to." Go slowly from verse to verse, allowing yourself to digest what you are reading. Be open for a passage or verse which you may find interesting or compelling. What images come to mind as you absorb this? How would you make this part of your day? Picture in your mind successfully applying the verse to your experience today.
A reasonable pace will allow you to complete all of the studies within seven years. Wait a while before attempting to take on the study, again. Three years would be a reasonable amount of time. During this break, seek out activities which will bring honor to the name of the LORD your GOD. Participate in a community expression. Exercise your spiritual life by expressing it in a way which will help others. There are probably many services within your community which would benefit from your skills. You will probably feel a desire to continue to study something which interests you. Change your study focus, for example, engage in a study which is more cognitive than intuitive. Travel to a new country. In short, continue to foster the development of your spiritual life in new and challenging venues.
After your sabbatical, you may feel a desire to study once again. Avoid studying alone. Find a friend, or two. Lead a class. Teach your lover and your children. As a real challenge, if you have had proper training, begin a study with someone who is unable to study on their own. Again, read the material deliberately and pause a moment after each verse. This time through, memorize a verse or passage which you find meaningful. As you apply the material, consider how it might be interpreted in a spiritual sense. how would your spiritual life be enhanced by an application of the material? What part of this material can be used to help focus your prayer life? What might you be able to do to make this lesson more accessible to those you are studying with?
While there are numerous methods of studying the Bible, one fruitful lesson plan is presented here. It is felt that this plan provides a balanced approach.
The life of the Christ Jesus is presented in the First Volume initiating in Luke followed by the history of the first church as described in Acts. The theology of Paul is presented and fortified by the history of the Patriarchs and Moses.
Volume 1
a. Luke
b. Acts
c. Romans
d. Genesis
e. Matthew
f. Exodus
g. John
h. John's Epistles
The second set of lessons presents the beginnings of the Hebrew Religion with all of its liturgy along with the beginnings of Christianity as espoused by Paul's theology. Moses and Paul, then, stand side by side to introduce GOD's plan. The consistency of their presentation is highlighted, confirming that GOD is the same, yesterday, today and always.
Volume 2
a. Mark
b. Leviticus
c. Galatians
d. Numbers
e. Ephesians
f. Deuteronomy
g. Philippians
h. Joshua
i. Colossians
j. Peter's EpistlesThe third set of lessons presents the theology of the first century Christian doctrine interpreted through the Hebrew tradition. The story of the First Church in Corinth is given physical form as Paul instructs the followers on issues both secular and practical, as well as liturgical and theological. The life of the Israelites in the promised land is recorded as an archetype of our own spiritual relationship.
Volume 3
a. Hebrew
b. James
c.Judges
d. Corinthians
e. Ruth
f. Thessalonians
g.. Philemon
h. TimothyThe fourth set of lessons presents the history of the Kingdom of Israel. Beginning with David, the Apple of GOD's eye, and continuing to the exile to Babylon, and concluding with the return of the exiles to rebuild Jerusalem. These often tragic stories highlight a damaged spiritual relationship.
Volume 4
a. Samuel
b. Kings
c. Chronicles
d. Daniel
e. Obadiah
f. Ezra
g. Haggai
h. Zechariah
i. Nehemiah
j. EstherThe fifth set of lessons presents the Prophets as they attempt to redirect the spiritual focus of the Israelites back to the LORD prior to the exile, and then, after the exile, to bolster the faith of the people that GOD has not forgotten them
Volume 5
a. Isaiah
b. Jeremiah
c. Lamentations
d. Ezekiel
e. Hosea
f. Joel
g. Amos
h. Micah
i. Nahum
j. Habakkuk
k. Malachi
l. JonahThe sixth set of lessons is primarily concerned with the Wisdom literature. In addition, the remaining Epistles of Titus and Jude are studied along with the Book of Revelations
Volume 6
a. Titus
b. Job
c. Proverbs
d. Jude
e. Ecclesiastes
f. Revelation
g. Song of Solomon
The seventh and final lesson covers the Book of Psalms. The fact that only one book is presented is deceptive. It would be wrong to think this will be a quick and easy lesson. ;-)
Volume 7
a. Psalter
Studying from this site is intended to be a straightforward exercise. However, unfamiliarity may at first, be inhibiting. As a guide, the first lesson will be presented here.
Click on the link "Lessons". This will guide you to a page which includes a table of all the Books of the Bible. This table may be viewed with the Books in alphabetical order or in the more traditional, canonical order.
Click on the link "Luke". You will be presented with the page for Luke's Lesson. In the second frame from the top, you will notice, a listing for all the chapters of Luke.
Click on the link "Intro". In the pane below it, will be an introduction. This presents the salient themes of Luke's Gospel. A small amount of instruction is given on how to answer the questions.
Click on the link "1-2". In the left-hand pane, a table of contents for Lesson One will appear. Each of the days is a link to the questions for the passages listed.
Click on the link "Day One Luke 1;1-25". The questions will appear on the right-hand pane.
As a way of example, let's answer the first two questions:
In Luke 1:1-4, what does the gospel writer state as the purpose of this book?
Luke 1:1-4: For as much as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, That thou mightiest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed. (Authorised King James' Version)
The most straightforward and productive way to answer the questions is to quote directly from the scriptures cited. In most cases, this is all that needs to be done. The next question is a personal question. These questions are intended to act as an impetus to apply the material to our own lives. Let's proceed to the second question.
What purpose do you have in reading the gospel; what do you hope to gain from this study?
From this study, I hope to benefit and enhance my spiritual relationship.
There are no right or wrong answers. The answers to the textual questions, as already mentioned, merely reflect what is written. The purpose is to read the material, think about the material, and write the material. This process will present the material to you both cognitively and mechanically.
There are no right or wrong answers for the personal questions, either. Simply answer with the first thought that enters your mind. Some students incorrectly believe that one answer may be preferred above another. These will often spend an inordinate amount of time mulling over the question in an attempt to generate a "correct" response. These responses are often guided by a desire to show their knowledge of the "true" meaning of the passage, their "advanced" spirituality, or their "erudite" knowledge. This type of competition amongst lesson partners is unnecessary and distracting, often it can be destructive. Keep things simple by letting the questions guide you. Each time you study the passage, a different aspect will come to light.