Do you want to take the next step in your faith?

“For where two or three gather in My name, there am I with them.” — Matthew 18:20

Many years ago, I discovered Jesus with a small group of women who gathered in an apartment. None of us were scholars or had any experience reading the Bible, yet it came alive for us, reading it together.

As I read the gospels more, I saw Jesus loved to ask questions. They were pointed, disarming questions that went to the heart of the person He was talking to. He listened as well as taught and then He encouraged the people He encountered to take the next step of faith.

I have led Bible Study discussion groups for more than 20 years now. I have found that groups provide a unique opportunity for spiritual growth. As we sit in a circle and read scripture together and grapple with questions about the text, we understand how to apply truth to our daily lives. These Bible study discussion questions were originally written for my small group. I’ve reformatted and posted them here for you with my prayer that you would be changed from the inside out as you read the Bible together.

“But what about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?” — Matthew 16:15

Final Hours

Christ – the Last Supper <== Click here

When people hurt you, misunderstand you, and mock you, what is your response? What do you think? What do you do?

Betrayal, humiliation, torture and death filled Christ’s final hours on earth. As we mediate on Jesus’ words to his disciples and those who beat and killed Him, we are given fresh eyes, encouragement, direction and even hope. Although this is an especially meaningful study during Lent, it is also a blessing for those who are being hurt by those closest to them.

This study includes discussion questions with scripture readings designed to be read aloud in parts: Narrator, Jesus, Peter, Pilate, Jewish leaders, etc., formatted in a way to allow you to print, copy and share the material.

May you be blessed as you remember His passion.

Two sessions of discussion questions with scripture readings from the NIV.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

The Greatest Sermon Ever Preached

Sermon on the Mount <== click here

What was the greatest sermon ever preached? That’s an easy question to answer! The ones Jesus preached Himself. Here we find Jesus talking to all of His followers and then in a more intimate sharing with His chosen 12 disciples.

What is the key to a joy-filled life? What does Jesus think is most important? How should we live as His followers? What do we do when those with whom we share Jesus’ good news mock us? May you find out together as you read and discuss these selections from the gospel of Matthew.

Eleven sessions for group discussion or individual Bible study.

The Christmas Story

Christmas movies and stories abound during the holiday season but I have never seen a book for children that just tells the story of Jesus’ birth. So I made one this year specifically for my new grandniece, Maya James. The scripture is from the gospels of Luke and Matthew in an easy to read version of the Bible. The photos are from The Nativity Story movie, which is exceptional, and I highly recommend it. Here is the copy of my book for you to enjoy.

The Christmas Story   <== Click here

 

Psalms: Songs of the Heart

Psalms: Songs of the Heart <== click here

Anger, fear, sorrow, hope, joy. Does God understand our vast range of emotions? Does He care? Can He help? Yes, yes, yes! Here in the Psalms we find King David and others pouring out their heart honestly to God.

My prayer for you is that you would authentically share your feelings with God and find the hope only He can bring. There is also a bonus study from the life of King David.

Six session for group discussion or individual study.

James: A Faith that Works

Book of James Bible Study <== click here

Jesus had a younger brother named James, born of Joseph and Mary. During Jesus’ ministry, like the rest of his family, James did not believe Jesus was who He said He was. However, after witnessing Jesus’ death and encountering Jesus as resurrected Lord, James believed and became the leader of the church in Jerusalem.

My prayer is that reading and discussing these letters together will show you how to have a faith that works.

Seven sessions for group discussion or individual Bible study.

Peter: Drop Your Nets and Follow Him

Letter of Peter Bible Study <== click here

Peter was a fisherman when he met Jesus. At first, Peter was merely curious about Jesus, but after He provided a miraculous catch of fish, Peter became a follower. After Jesus’ resurrection and return to heaven, Peter became a leader in the church. Peter wrote letters from Rome to other followers to instruct and encourage them.

My prayer is that reading and discussing these letters together will encourage you today.

12 sessions for group discussion or individual Bible study.

Interested in devotionals? Click here.

Job: When Bad Things Happen

Book of Job Bible Study <== click here

If our God is a God of love and mercy, why do bad things happen to good people? In the book of Job, the curtain is pulled back and we see what is happening in heavenly places and we discover the larger purposes of God.

My prayer for you is that you would find peace in the love of God and be a greater comfort to others as you study together.

Five sessions for group discussion or individual Bible study.

Interested in devotionals on the book of Job? Click here.

Women of the Bible

Women of the Bible Discussion Questions <== click here

Leah and Rachel, Ruth and Naomi, Tamar and Rahab, Deborah and Hannah: what did they all have in common? How were they like us? What can they tell us about faith in the complexity of a woman’s life?  As we look deeper into their lives we are challenged to become the woman God always meant us to be.

Ten sessions for group or individual Bible study.

Read more about these women of faith, click here.

Mark: From the Inside Out

Gospel of Mark Bible Study <== click here

At the end of Peter’s life, he was in a Roman prison, ultimately martyred for his faith in Jesus, his God and his Lord. During this time, his dear friend Mark was with him and wrote an account of Jesus’ life for the believers in Rome, to encourage them to hold fast to their faith in the face of Rome’s cruel persecution.

This book is the fast-moving, dramatic story of Jesus’ life, based on Peter’s recollection of these events. In it, Mark records Jesus asking two important questions:

(1) Who do you say Jesus is? (see Mark 8:29)

(2) What are you willing to give up to remain faithful to Him? (see Mark 8:34)

25 Sessions for group or individual Bible study.

Read my journey in the gospel of Mark, click here.