3 Affordable Christian Living Bible Studies (with Discussion Questions!)


It’s summer! Vacations have started, maybe your Bible study is taking a break, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop digging into God’s Word! Here are some simple, yet meaningful studies in Bible study pamphlets that you can do on your own–along with discussion questions! You probably saw last year’s post about Bible studies on characters and themes of the Bible, but we thought we’d bring you a Bible study round up that was focused on Christian ministry and caring for yourself and others on your walk with God. Enjoy!

Study Questions for Speaking God’s Language by Joni Eareckson Tada:

  1. Read pages 1-2. We know that the Lord hears our prayers and cares for us, no matter how we pray. This pamphlet invites us to learn how to bring Scripture into our prayers. What are the benefits of using the Bible as you pray?
  2. Read page 3. These three stories of important biblical people who used Scripture in their prayers give us new ideas. What insight was most important to you?
  3. Read pages 4-6 on “Deeper Prayer” and look at the examples of verses that suit different needs: financial, emotional, physical illness, reconciliation, plans for the future. How might you use a prayer such as these in your life?
  4. Read pages 8-10 and Joni’s story about prayer that changed her attitude toward her husband. This illustrates that sometimes we pray to change circumstances, and God changes us instead. When have you seen the Lord do this in your life?
  5. Read panels 11-13. What does it mean to pray in Jesus’ name? Some people think it is a magical phrase that forces God to do what they want. What does it mean to “pray in a way that reflects Jesus’ character and his priorities”?
  6. Read panel 13 again. Write a prayer to the Lord that expresses your gratitude for his care, love, and guidance.

Study Questions for Making Sense of Suffering:

  1. Read panels 1-2 – The box on panel 2 describes how suffering was changing Joni as a person. In what ways have you seen suffering change you? How has it impacted your relationship with God, with others?
  2. Read panels 3-5 – Scripture offers many examples of how our suffering can bring us closer to God. In what ways does God’s nature provide the reassurance we need when we face hardship? How can our response to suffering offer others a reflection of Christ?
  3. Read panels 6-8 – It is so easy to want to get past suffering and put it behind us. How can we change the way we view suffering and how it changes us and our faith? How does Jesus’ life provide us with a guide to how to deal with our suffering?
  4. Read panels 8-11 – An old proverb tells us that to better understand another we must walk in his/her shoes. How does our own suffering allow us to better empathize with those around us who may be dealing with trauma or loss? Does our response to suffering point to a secure assurance of God’s eternal promises?
  5. Read panels 12-13 – When affliction strikes in our lives we can be tempted to become overly focused on ourselves. What are some ways we can be reminded of our commitment to the body of Christ (the church)? Is there someone in your church that has been a faithful example of responding well to hardship? How can you express appreciation for that steadfast example?

Questions for personal reflection or group discussion for Thankful Heart in a World of Hurt:

  1. Read Panel 1 – The box on this page contains three mistakes people make when going through suffering. How have you seen these make a person’s life worse, not better?
  2. Read Panel 2, including the Bible passages in the box. Often we don’t think about God’s power and nature. In what way do they inspire us to gratitude?
  3. Read Panels 3-5. How is it possible that our afflictions were “designed for our good,” when they seem to be just the opposite? What was the Apostle Paul’s secret to a grateful heart?
  4. Read Panel 6 and discuss the idea of sacrifice and suffering and gratitude in the life of the woman in the story.
  5. Read Panel 7 and spend time writing a list of 25 blessings you have.
  6. Read Panels 8-9. How could the apostle Paul possibly be joyful despite being in jail? How can crippling suffering actually make us more powerful for God’s kingdom?
  7. Read Panels 10-11. How do Jesus’ sufferings compare with yours?
  8. Read Panels 12-13. How can we redefine happiness?

 

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