Course Descriptions
- Genesis
- Exodus: From Egypt to the Promised Land
- Judges, Ruth & 1 Samuel
- 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings
- Nehemiah
- Esther
- Job
- Psalms
- Ecclesiastes
- Isaiah
- Daniel
- Jonah
- Gospel of Mark
- Gospel of Luke
- Gospel of John
- Acts & 2 Timothy
- Romans, James & Ephesians
- 1 Corinthians
- 2 Corinthians
- Philippians & Colossians
- 1 Thessalonians
- Hebrews (includes Christ in the Old Testament)
- Hall of Faith: Study on Hebrews 11
- 1-3 John & Jude
- Revelation
Genesis is a 28-lesson spiral-bound study by Nancy Collins.
Genesis, the first book of the Old Testament, is the book of beginnings. It tells us about God's creation of the heavens and the earth, and of all that is on the earth, including human beings—made in God's image. Genesis relates the beginnings of sin and redemption, of society and civilization, and of marriage and family. It gives the life stories of Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph, telling of both their faith and their failures, and seeing God's hand on their lives. The book of Genesis is the foundation for understanding the rest of the Bible, and understanding God's plan for our lives today.
Top of PageEXODUS: From Egypt to the Promised Land
Exodus: From Egypt to the Promised Land is a new 26-lesson spiral-bound study. The commentary, by Jean W. Randall, is updated from the former looseleaf format. The all-new daily study questions are by Kathy Rowland.
Exodus, the second book of the Old Testament, continues the narrative begun in the book of Genesis. We find God's chosen people, Israel, living in Egypt. Although they originally came as honored guests because they were Joseph's family, they have multiplied in number and been enslaved by the Egyptians. Exodus tells of God's redemption of Israel from this bondage, and of His guidance of the people to the land of promise. We will meet Moses, Miriam, Aaron, and Joshua. God's purpose in history is revealed through this account of redemption, covenant, and the building of the Tabernacle, all of which picture God's plan which would be fulfilled through Jesus Christ.
The final lessons of Exodus: From Egypt to the Promised Land cover selected portions of Numbers, Deuteronomy and Joshua, showing how Israel finally settled in the land of promise under Joshua's leadership.
Judges, Ruth & 1 Samuel is a 28-lesson looseleaf study by Ruth Bathauer.
The book of Judges is covered in lessons 1-5, Ruth in lessons 5-7, and 1 Samuel in lessons 7-26. Lessons 26-28 of this study continue into 2 Samuel 1:1—5:5, following David's story until he is crowned king of Israel. (You may complete the study of 2 Samuel in 2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings.)
The book of Judges tells about the leaders God raised up for Israel, from the death of Joshua until the time of Israel's kings. We see the people of Israel repeatedly falling away from God, provoking His discipline, which in turn brings the people running back to God for help. Through the leadership of the judges, God throws off foreign oppressors and restores peace to Israel. In the stories of people such as Deborah, Gideon and Samson, we see God's covenant faithfulness, His patience and His long-suffering with His people. Note: Because this book is covered in only 5 lessons, the study focuses on the highlights of Judges, and all chapters are not covered in depth. The study ends with chapter 16; chapters 17-21 are not addressed in this study.
The book of Ruth is set during the time of the judges, and relates the story of a young woman of Moab, the great-grandmother of David, and an ancestress of Jesus. Ruth's selfless devotion to her desolate mother-in-law, Naomi, and Boaz's kindness to these two widows are examples of lives that reflect God's love. We see by Ruth's example that participation in God's kingdom is not decided by blood, but by obedience that comes from faith.
The book of 1 Samuel tells the story of the prophet Samuel, the last of the judges, whom God used to establish kingship in Israel. We learn about Samuel's mother Hannah, his birth, youth and calling by God. By God's direction, Samuel anointed Saul as Israel's first king. When Saul refused to obey God's instructions given through Samuel, God rejected him as Israel's king. God chose David to succeed Saul as king, and we learn of David's long road to kingship while Saul clung to his waning reign. Through it all we see God's faithful covenant relationship with His people.
Top of Page2 Samuel, 1&2 Kings is a 28-lesson looseleaf study by Ruth Bathauer.
Before beginning the study on 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, we recommend that you first study Judges, Ruth & 1 Samuel for continuity. 2 Samuel 1:1—5:5 was covered in depth in Judges, Ruth & 1 Samuel Lessons 26-28. It is summarized in the commentary of 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings Lesson 1. The remainder of 2 Samuel is covered in 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings Lessons 1-9; 1 Kings is covered in Lessons 9-19; and 2 Kings is covered in Lessons 19-28.
The books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel were originally one book, until divided in two by the translators of the Greek Old Testament, so 2 Samuel continues the narrative found in 1 Samuel. David is acclaimed as king in Israel, and makes Jerusalem his royal city, bringing the ark of the Lord there. We see the glory and success of David's reign, as well as his weaknesses and failures. David was a king after God's own heart, because he was willing to acknowledge his sin and repent. God promised that a redeemer would someday come through the line of David.
The books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings, like 1 & 2 Samuel, were originally one book. Together, Samuel and Kings relate the whole history of Israel's monarchy, in the light of God's covenants, from its rise under the ministry of Samuel to its fall at the hands of the Babylonians. The welfare of Israel and her kings is shown to depend on their obedience to God's law. During this time the kingdom was divided between Israel in the north and Judah to the south. There were evil rulers such as Ahab and Jezebel, and godly rulers such as Solomon, Hezekiah and Josiah. Many prophets were sent by God to Israel during this period, notably Elijah and Elisha. In spite of the downfall and captivity of all Israel by the end of 2 Kings, the future remained open for a new work of the Lord in faithfulness to His promise to the house of David.
Top of PageNehemiah is a 13-lesson spiral-bound study, with commentary by Ray Stedman and daily study questions by Nancy Collins.
Nehemiah takes place almost 100 years after many Jews had returned to Jerusalem from captivity in Babylon. They had restored the temple under the leadership of Ezra, but could not rebuild the rest of Jerusalem because their enemies made it impossible. Nehemiah held a high position in the king's court in Persia, but he could not forget his people, Israel. With the king's permission and authority, Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the city.
At first glance Nehemiah seems to be merely the story of the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, but a closer look reveals the story of God's faithfulness to His people and His ability to restore not only a wall, but people to a place of blessing. The message of Nehemiah is one of hope and restoration.
Top of PageEsther is a 7-lesson spiral-bound study written by Doris Greig, and revised and updated by Kathy Rowland.
Although God’s name is not mentioned in the book of Esther, every page is full of God, who hides Himself behind every word. The book of Esther tells the story of a Hebrew girl who was hidden away for God’s purpose and then, when the time was right, was brought to the front to work out His plan. God used Queen Esther, who was willing to risk her own life, to save His people Israel, so that they might bless the whole world through Jesus Christ.
Job is a 13-lesson spiral-bound study, with commentary by Ray Stedman and daily study questions by Nancy Collins.
Surrounded by the world's widely accepted philosophies and ideas, what we often think to be reality and truth are but illusions, or delusions. The book of Job strips away those illusions, permitting us to see life as it really is, and corrects the false conclusions that our senses often bring to us.
Job gives us a glimpse behind the scenes of this world, and helps us to understand the nature of human evil, the nature of faith, the nature of fallen man, the reasons for suffering and, most of all, the nature of our loving, compassionate God.
Top of PageJoy of Living offers several studies covering various selections of Psalms:
Psalms of Faith is a 17-lesson spiral-bound study, covering Psalms 1, 8,19,20, 22, 40, 42-43, 45, 50, 51, 73, 84, 90, 95, 107 & 109. The commentary is by Ray Stedman and the daily study questions are by Nancy Collins and Kathy Rowland.
Psalms from the Heart is a 4-lesson sample study, covering Psalms 23, 34, & 139, that is available as a free online download. The commentary is by Ray Stedman and the daily study questions are by Nancy Collins.
Eine Auswahl Verscheidener Psalmen is an 8-lesson spiral-bound study by Doris Greig (discontinued in English; available in German translation) covering Psalms 16, 23, 27, 34, 37, 92, & 139.
The Psalms Youth Study is an 11-lesson study by Pat Kampenga covering Psalms 16, 23, 27, 34, 37, 91, 92, 103, 137 and 138-139.
The book of Psalms for the most part is a book of prayer and praise. It is a collection of independent pieces of many kinds, written by King David and many other authors over the course of centuries. The Psalms are impassioned and vivid poetry; among them are prayers of both individuals and the community, praise for God's saving help, hymns in praise of God's majesty, and confessions of confidence in God's care. We learn much about God and our relationship to Him, and we find prophetic references to our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, written many years before He came to earth.
Top of PageEcclesiastes is an 9-lesson spiral-bound series by Dr. Robert Ricker
The book of Ecclesiastes was written by the "Teacher," whom many Bible scholars believe to be King Solomon. The Teacher takes stock of the world as he has experienced it, and discovers that human wisdom, even that of a godly person, has limits: It cannot find out the larger purposes of God or the ultimate meaning of man's existence. Although man is in mad pursuit of one thing and then another, these things all turn out to be meaningless. In contrast, a life centered on God takes on purpose and meaning. With God's presence, all of life and God's good gifts to us are to be gratefully received, used, and enjoyed to the full.
Top of PageIsaiah is a 14-lesson spiral-bound series by Ruth Bathauer.
The study of Isaiah emphasizes the greatness of our God. Rather than a strictly verse-by-verse study, this course gives an overview of the main themes running throughout the book of Isaiah, focusing on personal application as well as historical events and prophecy.
As we see how unchanging our God is in His holiness, justice, judgment and mercy, we are reminded of how unchanging people are in their hard-heartedness and rebellion against God. Although filled with judgments, the book of Isaiah continually brings to mind God's grace. Truly, our God is an awesome God! With Him there is hope.
Top of PageDaniel: Chapters 1-6 is a 7-lesson spiral-bound study written by Doris Greig, and revised and updated by Kathy Rowland.
Daniel: Chapters 1-6 gives the personal history of the prophet Daniel. His story shows the sovereign God ruling over men and nations. Although Daniel began as a captive in Babylon, he held high positions under several kings of powerful empires. In spite of pressures to join the religion and immoral lifestyle of Babylon, Daniel lived a life devoted to the one true God.
Note: This study does not cover Daniel chapters 7-12, the prophetic portion of the book.
Top of PageJonah is a 5-lesson spiral-bound study written by Doris Greig, and revised and updated by Kathy Rowland.
The book of Jonah tells the story of an obstinate prophet who said "No" to God's command to prophesy to Ninevah, and fled in the opposite direction. God pursued Jonah, bringing him to the realization that God's way is best, that he could do nothing by himself. The book of Jonah teaches us to obey God's call at once, the first time, and then prepare to be amazed at what God can accomplish through us.
The Gospel of Mark is a two-part spiral-bound study with commentary by Ray Stedman and daily study questions by Nancy Collins.
- Part 1: 15 lessons (#1-15 — Lesson 15 ends with Commentary)
Covers Mark 1:1—8:33.
- Part 2: 18 lessons (#15-32 — Lesson 15 begins with a brief Introductory Commentary before the Daily Study Questions)
Covers Mark 8:34—16:20. Scheduled to release Dec. 17, 2008.
The study of the Gospel of Mark will encourage your heart and build your faith. Jesus was fully man and fully God! Mark was amazed by this reality. For this reason, Mark’s gospel centers on these two aspects of Jesus’ life. The first part of the gospel (Mark 1:1—8:33) depicts Jesus as the Servant who rules. The second part (Mark 8:34—16:20) focuses on Jesus as the Ruler who serves.
In Part 1 of this study, we learn that Jesus’ authority was God-given, and His ministry reverberated with that undeniable authority. Demons obeyed Him. Diseases withered at His command. He calmed wind and waves. Yet He also thoroughly understood and loved humanity. He assumed the attitude of a servant—one who came to suffer and die for our sakes. We will discover Jesus’ interactions with needy people—people just like us—and uncover timeless principle for today.
In Part 2 of the study, we learn that since Jesus' authority was God-given, with it He upset the status quo. He directly challenged the religious leaders of His day. He overturned tables and purposefully offended people whose hearts were far from God. We will find ourselves in Mark's gospel. Pride, foolishness, and faithlessness often blinded Jesus' disciples and followers. Yet He never gave up on them. And He will not give up on His disciples of today, who are often blinded by the same things.
The Luke Youth Study is an 28-lesson study by Pat Kampenga. (The adult study on the Gospel of Luke has been discontinued.)
The Gospel of Luke was written to strengthen the faith of all believers and to answer the attacks of unbelievers. Luke wanted to give a complete and accurate report about Jesus Christ, to show that Gentile Christians have a legitimate place in God's kingdom, and to urge the preaching of the gospel to the whole world.
In the study of Luke we learn about the importance of prayer, and about the role of the Holy Spirit in Jesus' life and in our own lives. Luke also addresses the role of women, and has a special concern for the poor and for those deep in sin.
Top of PageGospel of John is a 22-lesson spiral-bound study written by Doris Greig.
In the Gospel of John, we see that Jesus, having been a man, can speak to us with images we understand. We also see that Jesus, being God, can deliver miracles and fulfill any promise He makes. When He says that if we come to Him we will never thirst again, we know that He understands the reality of our thirst. We also know that if we believe, we will never thirst again.
Top of PageActs & 2 Timothy is a 28-lesson looseleaf study written by Doris Greig. The book of Acts is covered in lessons 1-26, and 2 Timothy is covered in lessons 26-28.
In the book of Acts we see what Jesus brought about through the apostles' preaching and the beginning of the church. We'll study the life of Paul as he makes many missionary journeys. Though the apostles and early Christians faced bitter persecution, through the power of the Holy Spirit they successfully carried the gospel from Jerusalem to Rome and planted churches across the Roman Empire. Full of history and drama, the book of Acts provides a guide for the church to follow until Christ returns.
The book of 2 Timothy is a letter written by the apostle Paul, imprisoned in a cold dungeon in Rome, to Timothy, his "true son in the faith" (1 Timothy 1:2). Although Paul knew that his work was done and that his life was nearly at an end, he was concerned about the welfare of the churches during this time of persecution, and he urges Timothy to keep on spreading the gospel.
Top of PageRomans, James & Ephesians is a 27-lesson looseleaf study written by Doris Greig. The book of Romans is covered in lessons 1-14; James is covered in lessons 14-21; and 2 Timothy is covered in lessons 21-27.
In the book of Romans, the apostle Paul reveals that the gospel of Jesus Christ has dynamic power: it is the power of God bringing about our salvation. We have all sinned and are under the penalty of spiritual death, but God, in His great love for us, gives us the gift of righteousness and eternal life with Him, through the shed blood of Jesus. After explaining how to become a Christian, Paul goes on to tell us how to live like a Christian, and how to serve God.
The book of James emphasizes a dynamic Christianity, characterized by good deeds and faith, that is expressed consistently in our lifestyle. It is the most practical of all the letters in the Bible. We must not only believe our faith, but live it!
Ephesians focuses on God's eternal purpose and grace. Paul emphasizes that we have been saved, not only for our personal benefit, but also to bring praise and glory to God. God has reconciled individuals to Himself, and has reconciled these saved individuals to each other, breaking down the barriers between Jew and Gentile, male and female, slave and free.
Top of Page1 Corinthians is a 17-lesson spiral-bound study, with commentary by Anne Walls and daily study questions by Dottie Heseman.
In the book of 1 Corinthians the apostle Paul addresses issues that arose in the church in Corinth and that arise in our churches today. There was division among the believers rather than unity in Christ. Flagrant and unrepented immorality was tolerated by church members. Many were using the Holy Spirit's gifts to exalt themselves instead of to glorify God. Paul tells us that God's love is the greatest of all His gifts. The other gifts are meaningless unless they are guided by His love expressed through us.
Top of Page2 Corinthians is a 12-lesson spiral-bound study, with commentary by Anne Walls and daily study questions by Dottie Heseman.
Known as the "book of encouragement," 2 Corinthians addresses the purpose of testing in our lives, both by external circumstances and as we test ourselves to see where we stand spiritually. This study also explores the personal history of the apostle Paul—his courage and self-sacrificing love—and reveals how God desires to develop these same attributes in our lives.
Philippians & Colossians is a new 9-lesson spiral-bound study written by Doris Greig, and revised and updated by Kathy Rowland. Originally published in looseleaf format as part of a longer series (Multi-Book Study), it has been newly updated, revised and expanded.
Philippians and Colossians are letters written to churches in the cities of Philippi and Colossae by the apostle Paul.
Philippians may be summed up by the word joy: joy in living, joy in service, joy in fellowship, and joy in rewards. Christ is the secret of our joy.
Colossians proclaims Christ as the Head of the body. He is our life, and we are complete in Him. Paul urges us to be rooted in Jesus, to be built up in Him, to be hidden in Him, and to present Him to the world.
Top of Page1 Thessalonians is a new 6-lesson spiral-bound study written by Doris Greig, and revised and updated by Kathy Rowland. Originally published in looseleaf format as part of a longer series (Multi-Book Study), it has been newly updated, revised and expanded.
The book of 1 Thessalonians is a letter the apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Thessalonica. During his visit to them sudden persecution arose, and the believers sent him away for his safety.
Paul later wrote to these new Christians—who had formerly been pagans—to encourage them in their trials, to instruct them in godly living, to urge some not to neglect daily work, and to give assurance concerning the future of believers who die before Christ returns.
HEBREWS (includes Christ in the Old Testament)
Hebrews is a 26-lesson looseleaf study by Jean Randall. The book of Hebrews itself is covered in lessons 1-21 of the study. Lessons 21-26 are a study on Christ in the Old Testament.
Jesus Christ is at the center of attention in the book of Hebrews. We learn that He is greater than the prophets, the angels, Moses, Joshua, and Aaron—He is superior over all others. Hebrews describes Jesus' ministry in heaven at God's right hand on our behalf. We are urged to let go of everything else in order to hold fast to our faith and to the hope of the gospel. It is a timely warning and a word of comfort to all, especially today when many are led astray by fads and cults.
The study on Christ in the Old Testament looks at how Jesus Christ was revealed in Old Testament types and prophecies in Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Top of PageHALL OF FAITH: Study on Hebrews 11
Hall of Faith is a 10-lesson spiral-bound study written by Ruth Bathauer.
Based on the great "faith" chapter, Hebrews 11, each Hall of Faith lesson focuses on the faith of one or more Old Testament believers. By delving into their stories in the Old Testament and studying related New Testament passages, you will learn about what faith is, about the object of our faith, and about the authority and power available to the believer through faith in God.
Top of Page1-3 John & Jude is a 7-lesson spiral-bound study written by Doris Greig.
1-3 John & Jude focuses on the fundamentals of Christianity. It explores the sovereignty of Christ, and how we as Christians should live in the glorious light of His love. These New Testament books also address heretical teachings, and how we must be careful not to step off the path God has shown us.
Top of PageRevelation is a 24-lesson spiral-bound study with commentary by Ray Stedman and daily study questions by Nancy Collins.
The study on Revelation explores the depths of the book of Revelation verse-by-verse and brings to life the mysteries of this highly symbolic book. In some ways the scariest book in the Bible, Revelation is also one of the most comforting, reassuring, and exhilarating books. It is vibrant, alive and profoundly applicable to the times in which we live.