Bible Study ideas

[evangelist6589]

Wednesday night we are almost done with our Crown Study on finances and one of the pastors has asked for ideas on what to do next. As much as I would like to recommend Steve Lawson and his books, the fact is he may be too deep for this audience, and may not work. Anyone have any ideas? Below are some possible books that I may recommend. Ideally I want material that is not about bettering my life, but about getting to know God better and or denying myself and about radical discipleship. DVD's will not work for this context as the church prefers the small group study format.

Two good books on SIN, and about how to deal with it.

Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges
Counterfeit gods by Tim Keller

Radical Together by David Platt--A book on Radical Discipleship.

The Reason for God by Tim Keller-- Good book for presenting the case for Christianity in a postmodern culture.

Or we could just study a book of the Bible and get resources to help us with that. Warren Wiersbe and John MacArthur have written books.

What say you? Thanks.

 

[exscentric]

"Or we could just study a book of the Bible" sounds like a splendid idea.

 

[evangelist6589]

"Or we could just study a book of the Bible" sounds like a splendid idea.

Don't be hasty to throw out topical books. Topical studies do work well with many. However perhaps we study these more than the Bible itself and that is imbalance.

I have ideas on books, but not sure the church wants this as SS is where they do bible book studies and wednesday seems more topical.

 

[Van]

Rather than follow in the footsteps of people who actually study God's word, whether a topical book or a commentary study guide for a Bible book, another idea would be to study how to study God's word. Material could be gleamed from any number of "discipleship" manuals. Books to learn how to use would include an English dictionary, a Bible dictionary, a book on the first century culture, and an Exhaustive Concordance for the Bible Version you use as your primary study Bible.

 

[evangelist6589]

Rather than follow in the footsteps of people who actually study God's word, whether a topical book or a commentary study guide for a Bible book, another idea would be to study how to study God's word. Material could be gleamed from any number of "discipleship" manuals. Books to learn how to use would include an English dictionary, a Bible dictionary, a book on the first century culture, and an Exhaustive Concordance for the Bible Version you use as your primary study Bible.

This idea you gave is good and I have a couple of books.

30 Days to Understanding the Bible
Knowing Scripture
---

Do you think people use Concordances these days when phones are around? But yes I am familiar with them. A book on the first century culture? I have this one

The New Manners & Customs of Bible Times

 

[JamesL]

You could do a comparative of the OT types which are realized in the NT.

Compare the OT temple with the NT body of Christ, and maybe people will stop calling a building "God's house", setting up altars and paying tithes in a manner against scripture

Compare the OT Day of Atonement with the book of Hebrews, and maybe people will stop saying that the blood of Jesus "covers" sin.

There are more, but these will transform a person

 

[rivers1222]

Rather than follow in the footsteps of people who actually study God's word, whether a topical book or a commentary study guide for a Bible book, another idea would be to study how to study God's word. Material could be gleamed from any number of "discipleship" manuals. Books to learn how to use would include an English dictionary, a Bible dictionary, a book on the first century culture, and an Exhaustive Concordance for the Bible Version you use as your primary study Bible.

A study of the 1st century culture as it relates to the New Testament will be my suggestion after our current study is completed. Have started digging on my own and find it brings a better understanding of many passages, but would definitely like to have a full class on this.

 

[rivers1222]

You could do a comparative of the OT types which are realized in the NT.

Compare the OT temple with the NT body of Christ, and maybe people will stop calling a building "God's house", setting up altars and paying tithes in a manner against scripture

Compare the OT Day of Atonement with the book of Hebrews, and maybe people will stop saying that the blood of Jesus "covers" sin.

There are more, but these will transform a person

I'm pretty much just a lurker on here. By my own admission I'm not equipped to hold my own debating most on here. Been here long enough to know I dont want to see another thread on tithes. However, to keep from highjacking Evans thread, could you start another one and tell me just what in the world you are talking about?

 

[Van]

This idea you gave is good and I have a couple of books.
30 Days to Understanding the Bible
Knowing Scripture
---
Do you think people use Concordances these days when phones are around? But yes I am familiar with them. A book on the first century culture? I have this one
The New Manners & Customs of Bible Times

If neither of the "how to study" books includes a section on how to use an exhaustive concordance, then I think you should look further. Yes, my book on culture is the same Ralph Gower book. If, for example you were going to study Philippians then you could specifically review the pages listed in the Scriptural Index in the back.

 

[Van]

A study of the 1st century culture as it relates to the New Testament will be my suggestion after our current study is completed. Have started digging on my own and find it brings a better understanding of many passages, but would definitely like to have a full class on this.

Spot on! You made my day with the "started digging on my own" statement. Sometimes the nuggets are right there on top, but at other times, digging is needed. A good Bible dictionary will also help you unpack God's word. For example, when I read Acts 17:18, I looked up in the Bible dictionary "Epicurean and Stoic" and that little bit of study gave me a whole new insight into the verse.

 

[Van]

Here is a link to a "how to study the bible using an exhaustive concordance" article.

https://sites.google.com/site/biblestudiesnet/useconcordance

 

[Pastor_Bob]

Ideally I want material...about getting to know God better...

May I suggest an in-depth study of the Tabernacle? Not so much on the workings or daily routine, but on the typology represented in the various pieces of furniture, the coverings, even down to the tent spikes. Every aspect of the Tabernacle points to the Lord Jesus Christ and His redemptive work for mankind. It is an absolutely fascinating study.

 

[exscentric]

Don't be hasty to throw out topical books. Topical studies do work well with many. However perhaps we study these more than the Bible itself and that is imbalance.

I have ideas on books, but not sure the church wants this as SS is where they do bible book studies and wednesday seems more topical.

Thanks for verbalizing what I did not say. Do not know what the board would do without you here to read between the lines for us even though you read totally incorrectly at times.:sleeping_2:

 

[evangelist6589]

May I suggest an in-depth study of the Tabernacle? Not so much on the workings or daily routine, but on the typology represented in the various pieces of furniture, the coverings, even down to the tent spikes. Every aspect of the Tabernacle points to the Lord Jesus Christ and His redemptive work for mankind. It is an absolutely fascinating study.

Thanks Bob. What books would you suggest?

 

[evangelist6589]

Email...

This is the email I sent to the pastor this morning. But I am always welcome for new ideas and that means books being spelled out. Please do not generalize, but give specifics. Also to note that MOST in this church lack even a undergraduate education in Bible/Theology/Ministry and MOST do not read books.


Topical Studies

Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges
Have Christians become so preoccupied with "major" sins that we have lost sight of our need to deal with more subtle sins?
Navigator author Jerry Bridges addresses the “acceptable” sins that we tend to tolerate in ourselves, including pride and anger. He goes to the heart of the matter, exploring our feelings of shame and grief and opening a new door to God's forgiveness and grace. Travel down the road of spiritual formation with Jerry and discover your true identity as a loved child of God.

Counterfeit gods by Tim Keller

Radical Together by David Platt

Apologetics

The Reason for God by Tim Keller

Bible Study Guide Commentaries

John MacArthur & Warren Wiersbe have written a number of them

Books on how to study the Bible

Knowing Scripture by RC Sproul

With a minimum of technical jargon, Sproul tackles some of the knotty questions regarding differences of interpreting the Bible, including
discovering the meanings of biblical words
understanding Hebrew poetry, proverbs and parables
approaching historical and didactic passages
being careful with predictive prophecy
discerning how culture conditions the Bible
choosing and using Bible translations, commentaries, Bible software and other helps

30 Days to Understanding the Bible by Max Anders
Understand the Bible in 30 Days introduces you to key Bible characters, places, and events in chronological order so that you can "think your way through" the entire Word of God. Through interesting, memory-enhancing exercises,Understand the Bible in 30 Days acquaints readers with the core teachings of Scripture in just 15 minutes a day!

 

[ktn4eg]

Thanks Bob. What books would you suggest?

evangelist6589: I don't know which books on Biblical typology and/or the tabernacle that Pastor Bob might recommend [I'm sure they'll all be good ones!], but here are four "classics" that I can recommend to you:

(1) Fairbairn, Patrick. The Typology of Scripture. [My hardbound copy,{c}1956, was put out by Zondervan Publishers.]

(2) Haldeman, I. M. The Tabernacle, Priesthood, and Offerings. [My hardbound copy, {c}1915, was put out by Fleming H. Revell Co.]

(3) Habershon, Ada R. The Study of the Types: A New and Enlarged Edition. [My softbound copy, {c}1967, was put out by Kregel Publications.]

(4) Pink, Arthur W. Gleanings in Exodus. [My hardbound copy only indicates a 10th printing in 1971 by Moody Press. Obviously Pink wrote this book much earlier {c. 1920's-1940's} because he died in 1952. BTW, Pink wrote several other books as part of his "Gleanings in ...." series of books & most of which are "heavy" on the typology that can be found in each particular Bible book.]

You'll note that all four of these "classics" were written many years ago, and, consequently, have a writing style that's a bit different than what one might read in more recent works.

But, that being said, none of them (IMHO at least) is beyond the reading capabilities of most folks. To me, if you can read the KJV, none of these books should be that difficult to read.

Hope this helps.

 

[evangelist6589]

evangelist6589: I don't know which books on Biblical typology and/or the tabernacle that Pastor Bob might recommend [I'm sure they'll all be good ones!], but here are four "classics" that I can recommend to you:

(1) Fairbairn, Patrick. The Typology of Scripture. [My hardbound copy,{c}1956, was put out by Zondervan Publishers.]

(2) Haldeman, I. M. The Tabernacle, Priesthood, and Offerings. [My hardbound copy, {c}1915, was put out by Fleming H. Revell Co.]

(3) Habershon, Ada R. The Study of the Types: A New and Enlarged Edition. [My softbound copy, {c}1967, was put out by Kregel Publications.]

(4) Pink, Arthur W. Gleanings in Exodus. [My hardbound copy only indicates a 10th printing in 1971 by Moody Press. Obviously Pink wrote this book much earlier {c. 1920's-1940's} because he died in 1952. BTW, Pink wrote several other books as part of his "Gleanings in ...." series of books & most of which are "heavy" on the typology that can be found in each particular Bible book.]

You'll note that all four of these "classics" were written many years ago, and, consequently, have a writing style that's a bit different than what one might read in more recent works.

But, that being said, none of them (IMHO at least) is beyond the reading capabilities of most folks. To me, if you can read the KJV, none of these books should be that difficult to read.

Hope this helps.

Thank you. I just was told of a book by Wayne Grudem that I just mentioned to the pastor called

Christian Beliefs: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know by Wayne Grudem

Christian Essentials Made Plain and Simple God doesn't call every Christian to go off to seminary, but there are certain matters of doctrine---that is, the church's teaching---that every Christian simply must know. Theology is important because what we believe affects how we live. If you're a relatively new believer in Jesus, or if you're a more mature Christian looking for a quick brush-up on basics of the faith, Christian Beliefs is for you. This readable guide to twenty basic Christian beliefs is a condensation of Wayne Grudem's award-winning book on systematic theology, prized by pastors and teachers everywhere. He and his son, Elliot, have boiled down the essentials of Christian theology for the average layperson and made them both clear and applicable to life. You will learn about the Bible, the characteristics of God, what it means that we are created in the image of God, what God has done for us in Christ, the purpose of the church, and much more. Each chapter includes questions for personal review or group discussion. These truly are twenty basic beliefs that every Christian should know. Wayne Grudem is a master teacher with the ability to explain profound truths in simple language. He is a man of deep conviction and theological passion---and those who read this book will be both educated and encouraged in the faith. R. Albert Mohler Jr., President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky Based on Systematic Theology, this summary will certainly help beginners with Christ to get the hang of their faith. J. I. Packer, Regent College, Vancouver, British Columbia As Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology contracts into a compact book, I do not lose my enthusiasm for the truth he loves and the clarity of his words. John Piper, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota

One of the problems with some churches that model Paul Chappell of Lancaster Baptist is that they are not very deep... So even this Wayne Grudem book would be too deep for them.

 

[ktn4eg]

Paul Chappell of Lancaster Baptist.

I assume that the person to whom you're referring is the one who is the founder the West Coast Baptist College in Lancaster, CA.

What little I've read about this man (and, admittedly, isn't very much), he strikes me as being one who has spent much time going door-to-door trying to both reach people with the Gospel of salvation and in building up the attendance of both the local church that he pastors as well as the Bible college over which he presides.

Not knowing much about the "tactics" he uses, I'll not comment on them.

I will, however, say this much: In most of today's urbanized settings, the tactic of so-called "door-knocking" has fallen on rather "hard times." IOW, most "evangelical" local churches with which I'm familiar rarely (if ever) engage in this type of personal evangelism. Whether or not this is necessarily a "good thing," I'm not really sure.

At any rate, if the publications from West Coast Baptist College are accurate--and I have no reason to assume that they aren't--their college-level courses don't strike me as being "dumbed down" as compared to any other "local-church-'owned & operated'-Bible-college" that I've come across in my nearly 50 years of being born again.

Maybe Chappell's "approach" isn't what you would "feel comfortable with." However, OTOH, I'd much rather look at it as "....To Each, His 'Own.'" After all, it's almighty God to which all of His children must answer.

At any rate, my friend, I truly wish you God's richest blessings as you seek to serve Him in the ministry(-ies) to which He has called you.

 

[Pastor_Bob]

Thanks Bob. What books would you suggest?

My favorite book on the typology of the Tabernacle is, without question, The Tabernacle by M.R. DeHann. I have one minor disagreement with him, and that is that he believes the "badger skins" used as a covering for the Tabernacle (Numbers 4:6) is actually "porpoise skins." Other than that, he offered a perspective of the Tabernacle that I had never seen before. It is an easy and enjoyable read.

Another book that I can highly recommend is The Testimony of Typology in the Tabernacle by Dr. Dean Weaver. This is a very detailed work and is completely alliterated, which is attractive to some preachers. It is not a hard read by any means, but a bit more academic than DeHann's book.

 

[ktn4eg]

My favorite book on the typology of the Tabernacle is, without question, The Tabernacle by M.R. DeHann. I have one minor disagreement with him, and that is that he believes the "badger skins" used as a covering for the Tabernacle (Numbers 4:6) is actually "porpoise skins." Other than that, he offered a perspective of the Tabernacle that I had never seen before. It is an easy and enjoyable read.

Another book that I can highly recommend is The Testimony of Typology in the Tabernacle by Dr. Dean Weaver. This is a very detailed work and is completely alliterated, which is attractive to some preachers. It is not a hard read by any means, but a bit more academic than DeHann's book.

evangelist6589:

See.....I told you that Pastor_Bob would give you some good recommendations for books on the typology of the tabernacle!! :thumbs: