Welcome!
This site contains the resources for a basic "Bible Survey"
study. Whether you are preparing to read the Bible for the
very first time, or you have been a devoted reader for
many years, entering into a study of the Word of God,
especially within a small group fellowship, is the most
exciting and life-changing activity any of us will ever
undertake.
The material here (within the
"Study Notes"
link) is intended to be used within the framework
of a small-group Bible study. The opportunity for in-depth
exploration of God’s Word within a small group of close
Christian friends should be an essential component in the life of every disciple and
follower of Jesus Christ.
Each of the weekly sessions in this guide contain daily Bible reading and study
assignments that will probably take the average person between 40 and 60 minutes
to complete, and a weekly group meeting designed to be completed in approximately
2 to 2.5 hours. The opening session is a general introduction to the Bible. It covers,
in summary, the authenticity, origin, and integrity of Holy Scripture. The final session
of the study is an introduction to the Spiritual Gifts; an opportunity for the members
of the group to help one another discover God’s will for our own unique ministry
opportunities. The thirty-four sessions in between contain a survey of the Word of
God. From Genesis to the Revelation, we will observe the beauty and majesty of
these ancient texts; we will follow the broad sweeping trail of God's mighty plan for
our redemption; and we will attempt to wrestle with the implications this plan has for
our lives today.
What is the Bible?
The Bible is the primary medium through which the creator of the universe has chosen to reveal Himself. Of course the ultimate revelation of God was provided when He became a human being and dwelt among us in the person of Jesus Christ our Lord ("For in Him dwelleth the fulness of the Godhead bodily." -Colossians 2:9). But it is through Holy Scripture that we grow in the knowledge of this man, our great God and Savior, who loved us and gave Himself for us.
The Bible contains the solution to every problem in human existence. It is beautiful literature - filled with wildly thrilling adventures, deep profound mysteries, beautiful poetic descriptions of human suffering and triumph, and magnificent, heart-rending hymns of praise and worship. It contains the most awe-inspiring thoughts that can occupy the human mind.
It was written by human authors (at least 40 different people: kings, scholars, philosophers, poets, statesmen, historians, doctors, fishermen, and shepherds). The Bible is 100% the work of human beings. One of the most fascinating things about the Bible is how incredibly human it truly is. In Scripture, we see the full range of human emotion poured out with intense honesty. We see the unmistakable imprint of each author’s distinctively human character stamped on each book. And yet, though so completely human, the Bible is also 100% the work of God. Do you see the strong parallel to our Lord Jesus Christ, who Himself is also 100% human and 100% divine?
The Bible has been miraculously preserved, virtually unchanged through these many centuries. People have willingly gone to the stake to be burned so that the Bible might be preserved and translated into languages we can read and understand. The Bible is nothing less than a letter from God. It is the world's greatest love letter, and it is addressed personally to you. Seven times, Psalm 119 declares that the Bible is our delight. As you begin this Bible study, open your heart to what God is saying and join with the Psalmist as he declares:
“Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.” (Psalm 119:77)
