bible conversations

study/discussion guides

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This inductive-style study tool is divided into three parts:  observation, interpretation, and application.  

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OBSERVATION
The purpose of the observation step is to begin internalizing the content of a passage—biting off a chunk of Scripture.  At first we just ask, “What is this?  What’s in my mouth?”  Completing the observation chart requires several careful readings of the text to answer these questions.  The who, where, and when sections are self-explanatory.  For key words, you may wish to record words or phrases that are repeated, something that jumps out at you as significant, or maybe a word that you’d like to define in the original language or check cross-references for clarification of meaning (blueletterbible.org is a great word study tool).  Finally, condense your factual observations into a brief summary of the passage.  It is easy to get lost in the details.  Summarizing helps us to hone in on and remember the most important points of the text.

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INTERPRETATION
The interpretation step takes facts you noted on the observation chart and starts processing head knowledge (information) into heart knowledge (application).  In interpretation, Scripture becomes more personal.  If reading a text can be compared to taking a “bite” of truth, interpretation is akin to chewing on it.  Transition from observation begins with writing titles for each passage division.  This study format then moves to deciding on the passage’s key verse and explaining why you think it’s most significant, and identifying what you learn about God (Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from the text.   When discerning key attributes, know that sometimes the text says plainly: “God is ____”; other times, you will need to make inferences from the recorded actions of the Lord.

In the process of observing and interpreting Scripture, sometimes new ideas or exciting discoveries surface.  You may record these in the other insights portion of the study guide.  This is also a great place to jot down something you don’t understand and want to ask others during discussion.

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APPLICATION

The emphasis in Bible Conversations is application—living the Truth.  After observing the text (biting off) and interpreting it (chewing on), it’s time to start really “digesting” it.  The goal in application is to discern why the Lord has included the assigned passage in THE Book, His written revelation of Himself to you.  What does He want you to know about Him?  About you?  How does He want you to respond?  Application means LIVING the Word, allowing it to penetrate your heart, transform your thinking, and change the way you live your life—attitudes, choices, goals, priorities, relationships, etc.

Application begins with a truth (principle or lesson) from the assigned text.  Before launching into questions directed at your heart, there will be a few interpretive questions about the passage itself.  After these more directed truths/applications, there is a personal application section.  This is an opportunity for you to explore the Lord’s customized lesson for you.  Here you can record another truth or expound on one already stated.  What questions is the Holy Spirit asking you based on this truth?  Record your response and commitment to follow His leading.
Finally, the study ends with a section called “SO WHAT?,” a place to reflect on how the Lord has moved in your heart and life through time in His Word.  Summarize what He has impressed upon you, and record how you most need intercession from the body to grow in this area.

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bible conversations Discussion groups

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The Bible Conversations study and discussion guides, though useful as stand-alone study tools, are ideally suited for small group discussions.  God commands believers to gather together with the church for encouragement, for building up one another, and for testifying of His work.  The concept of Bible Conversations was birthed by a desire to help fulfill this biblical mandate.  By design, the assignments and application questions, in particular, are written to allow for varied responses, generating lively discussions among those studying the same material.

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Without discounting the value of listening to and reading Bible “scholars,” the purpose of the Bible Conversations' studies is to learn from the Teacher Himself (1 John 2:27) and to come together as His body (the church) to build one another up in the Lord.  God has given us the Holy Spirit to be able to hear from Him directly as we interact with His living Word.  Discussion at Bible Conversations should focus on what you have learned directly from Him as you have studied His Word and prayed for understanding.

In His wisdom and grace, the Lord has also given us one another, the body of Christ, to encourage, strengthen, sharpen, and spur one another on to live what we say we believe.  The most meaningful fellowship happens when we purpose to share with one another our own walk with the Lord—things like how He is connecting our personal circumstances with what we are studying in His Word, how He is answering our prayers for spiritual growth, where we are struggling in our pursuit of holiness, or where we see Him magnifying Himself through our victories over sin.  

The primary goal of Bible Conversations is not acquiring more information, although learning truth through studying His Word is inevitable.  Rather, the heart of this ministry is to build the kind of unity Jesus prayed for in John 17 and that Paul taught in Ephesians 4, and that is beautifully summarized in Hebrews 10:24-25 with:

“and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,

not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some,

but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”