Early on in my ministry as a missionary in Peru, I became an enthusiastic advocate of small group Bible study.  Whether in a home, on a college campus or in a church building, the location is incidental to the unique learning construct this type of study provides.   For example, the interactive nature of group study, encourages communication among participants.  This, in turn, provides encouragement, support and the edification of one another through the exercise of spiritual gifts.  It emphasizes the practical application of spiritual truths in a nurturing setting and, in the process, promotes growth both in grace and in knowledge of Christ.

This dual purpose, intellectual understanding and practical application, should be emphasized throughout the series as a reminder that God's Will for us is not only salvation, but continued growth toward spiritual maturity.

Although the format of these studies is entirely up to the group, these pages may be printed out and used as worksheets.  Each student is then expected to read the lesson carefully at home, look up all references and answer all the questions in preparation for the actual meeting.   When the group meets every week, the leader should go over the material under study and then resolve any unanswered questions.  During the discussion, all participants should be encouraged to take part, engaging in the process as both learner and teacher. 

This learning method is based on Ephesians 4:15-16 and will, hopefully, be retained as the tacit premise of every gathering.  Everyone in the group is expected to contribute in some way, whether it be through insightful comments about the lesson, by extending support and encouragement to another member or by sharing an example in which the truths learned in the study were actually applied in a recent experience.  Always keep this dual purpose in mind: 1) these studies are not just a means to factual information about the Bible but are also 2) an avenue through which all participants can exercise their faith and knowledge by applying the truths learned in the study.

By this time, you may have noticed a fair amount of redundancy also built into the narrative, done purposely to help the newer students grasp concepts quicker when seen from several perspectives.  Here are the topoics we'll be studying in this series: "Facts of Life."

1. Planned Parenthood

2. Wills and Won'ts

3 Genesis 101

4. Discipleship

5. A Better Way

6. From Pauper to Prince

7. Pediatrics; Plain and Simple

8. Growing Pains

9. Body Building

10. The Great Put-on

11. Sticking Together

12. Marks of Maturity

May God richly bless you as the Holy Spirit continues to teach and mature us into the likeness of Christ, through the study of His Word.   If you have any questions or comments about the study, feel free to send them to:   

      Info@insites.us 

This first series, "The Facts of Life", reviews the factual events that take place in the life of a new believer from the experience of being "born again" through the early stages of spiritual growth.  Use the link below to begin......