Growth Projects – work on these until our next large group session.

Head – Understanding the Bible – authority and reliability

• Read Scripture – 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21; 1 Cor 2:10-13; Matthew 5:17; Hebrews 4:12; James 1:22-25. Jot down observations and applications.
• Read –   read – “What is the Bible?” from Christian Beliefs by Wayne Grudem.
• Write – a summary paragraph on reasons why you believe that the Bible is authoritative and the Word of God. List ideas on how might you answer a skeptic.

Heart – Loving the Bible – meditation

• Read – handout about John Piper’s IOUS prayer and listen to the corresponding audio “I’m Bored with the Bible.” (located at – desiringgod.org)
• Meditate – Pick a portion of Psalm 119 to read. Meditate on its truths and pray them into your life and heart. Write out a short prayer.
• Read – Mark 4:1-20. Which soil is where your heart is at right now? Journal and pray.

Hands – Getting into the Bible – methods

• Try out – a Bible study method applied to a passage of your choice. Passage ideas: study one of the passages listed on this page about the Word of God.
• Use the Discovery Method or Inductive Method
• Here are a few other methods you can try out if you know the discovery and inductive method well.
  • ABC Bible Study on a verse or passage
  • Topical Study
  • Reflect and Respond
  • SORT: a process of Bible Study and Meditation
  • Chapter Analysis and Book Summary
  • Expanded Instructions on Inductive Study

Helpful Websites

• The Bible Project
• Blue Letter Bible
• NET Bible
• Center for the Study of NT Manuscripts
• Look at the Book

For Further Study

• Resources from the Sunday morning session, 1) Session Handouts 2) Slides
• Story of Scripture (summary Notes)
• Bible Doctrine by Grudem chapters 2 & 3 on the Doctrine of the Word of God by Grudem  (for more detail read – Big Grudem.
• Archaeology and the Bible (article)
• How Does the Law Apply to Christians Today? (article)
• Living by the Book by Howard Hendricks
• Creative Bible Teaching by Richards and Bredfeldt
• How to Study the Bible by Kay Arthur
• The Navigator Bible Studies Handbook
• Rick Warren’s Bible Study Methods
• The New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable? by F.F. Bruce
• How We Got the Bible by Timothy Paul Jones
• How We Got the New Testament – Christian History Made Easy (2 min)
• How We Got the New Testament – teaching session (Jones – 28 min)
• Is the Bible Relable? by Lee Strobel (2 min)