Summer Bible Study

Week 1 — Joel

First things first. Read the book of Joel. It’s three chapters long, and you can do it in one sitting. Use your Bible, the Bible app on your phone, or click the button below to read it online.

Next, watch this short video from the BibleProject. It’s about six minutes long and will give you a great overview of Joel, including some background and context.

1. What caught your attention as you read Joel or watched the video? What felt really important to you, and why?
2. The Lord tells the people, “Return to me with all your heart.” How do you think a person returns to God with all their heart? How does a church do that? What about a nation?
3. Why will God restore the people? List examples of how God will restore the people.

Week 2 — Haggai

First things first. Read the book of Haggai. It’s two chapters long, and you can do it in one sitting. Use your Bible, the Bible app on your phone, or click the button below to read it online.

Next, watch this short video from the BibleProject. It’s about six minutes long and will give you a great overview of Haggai, including some background and context.

1. What caught your attention as you read Haggai or watched the video? What felt really important to you, and why?
2. Haggai points out that the people have been focused on their own lives and projects and have neglected God’s work of rebuilding the temple. Are there areas in your own life where you feel like you have been too self-focused? What could you do to refocus on the things God has called you to do?
3. The Lord tells the people to “take courage” and to not be afraid because God is with them. Can you think of any times when you were sure that God was with you? What have you been putting off that you might begin with new courage now that Haggai has reminded you that God is with you?

Week 3 — Titus

First things first. Read the book of Titus. It’s three chapters long, and you can do it in one sitting. Use your Bible, the Bible app on your phone, or click the button below to read it online.

Next, watch this short video from the BibleProject. It’s about eight minutes long and will give you a great overview of Titus, including some background and context.

1. What caught your attention as you read Titus or watched the video? What felt really important to you, and why?
2. What are the characteristics of the Christian life that the book of Titus lays out? Make a list from what you’ve read. Why does Paul say it’s important that Christians live in this way? What difference will it make in their world?
3. What are two or three ways that God’s generous grace has changed (or could change) they way that you live your daily life?

Week 4 — 2 John

First things first. Read the book of 2 John. It’s only 13 verses, and takes about two minutes. Use your Bible, the Bible app on your phone, or click the button below to read it online.

Next, watch this short video from the BibleProject. It’s about eight minutes long and will give you a great overview of 2 John, including some background and context.

1. What caught your attention as you read 2 John or watched the video? What felt really important to you, and why?
2. Verse six says, “And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments.” What does it mean to “walk according to his commandments?” Make a list of 3-5 ways that you “walk according to his commandments.”
3. Reread verse seven. John says that to deny that Jesus came in the flesh is catastrophic for a Christian. Why do you think that is? Now read the Gospel of John 1:1-18. Why did Jesus come in the flesh? And what difference does it make?

Week 5 — 3 John

First things first. Read the book of 3 John. It’s only 15 verses, and takes about three minutes. Use your Bible, the Bible app on your phone, or click the button below to read it online.

Next, watch this short video from the BibleProject. It’s about eight minutes long and will give you a great overview of 3 John, including some background and context.

1. What caught your attention as you read 3 John or watched the video? What felt really important to you, and why?
2. Throughout all three letters (1, 2, and 3 John), John encourages and praises those who are “walking in the truth.”  He’s talking about following Jesus, particularly Jesus’ command to love others.  Make a list of people you know (or know of) who are “walking in the truth” today.  What are they doing that sets them apart from others?
3. John Wayne once said, “Courage is being scared out of your wits and saddling up anyway.”  What scares you about your life or about the world?  What will you dare to do anyway, knowing that God’s grace goes before you and behind you?

Week 6 — Habakkuk

First things first. Read the book of Habakkuk. It’s three chapters long and takes about ten minutes to read. Use your Bible, the Bible app on your phone, or click the button below to read it online.

Next, watch this short video from the BibleProject. It’s about seven minutes long and will give you a great overview of Habakkuk, including some background and context.

1. What caught your attention as you read Habakkuk or watched the video? What felt really important to you, and why?  Anything surprising?
2. Habakkuk has some complaints.  What are they?  Have you ever felt like God wasn’t doing what God was supposed to be doing?  How so?
3. Times are tough for Habakkuk and the rest of Israel.  Re-read chapter three.  Why do you think that Habakkuk ends with an affirmation of trust in God?  Think (or talk) about a time when your trust in God was greatest.