Where Did We Get the Bible? | Bible Basics for Youth #1
The Bible is a big book that can seem intimidating at first. But if you know the answer to some basic questions, you can transform your Bible study.
Talking Points:
- The Bible is not a religious book that a bunch of humans compiled. It is a book that comes from God himself. It’s inspired by the Holy Spirit. 2 Timothy 3:16
- Although the Bible is inspired by God, it was written by human authors. The Bible was written by over 40 authors over 2000 years!
- The Bible was originally written in three languages: Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. And, the Bible has been translated into English so we can read it!
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- What is your initial reaction to this video? Do you disagree with any of it? What jumped out at you?
- Share one of your favorite stories in the Bible and why you like it so much.
- Read 2 Timothy 3:16. According to this verse, what is the origin of the Bible?
- How does this make the Bible different than any other religious book?
- According to 2 Timothy 3:16, how are we to use the Bible in our lives? Share an example of this from your own life.
- Read Psalm 1:1-3. What does it mean to meditate on God’s word? How does reading it benefit our lives?
- How does the unity of the message of the Bible show that it was inspired by God?
- Which Bible translation do you use? Why?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
What Is the Structure of the Bible? | Bible Basics for Youth #2
Really want to understand the Bible? You’ve got to learn about how it’s organized.
Talking Points:
- The Bible is divided into the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament came first and it was the Bible Jesus had to read. The New Testament was written by the apostles and those who worked with them.
- The Bible is organized by genre- based on the type of literature they reflect.
- Law: Genesis – Deuteronomy
- History: Joshua – Esther
- Poetry: Job – Song of Solomon
- Major Prophets: Isaiah – Daniel
- Minor Prophets: Hosea – Malachi
- Gospels: Matthew – John
- History of the Church: Acts
- Epistles: Romans – Jude
- Apocalypse: Revelation
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Which part of the Bible are you most familiar with? Why?
- Try to summarize the story of the Old Testament. Summarize the story of the New Testament.
- Which part of the Bible do you know the least?
- Why are the genres of the Bible important to understand? Why would you interpret a book of poetry different than one of the Epistles?
- What are the Gospel books about?
- Which part of the Bible are you most interested in studying? Why?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
What to Do When the Bible Doesn’t Make Sense | Bible Basics for Youth #3
As a student, sometimes you come across a verse that is confusing or that you don’t agree with. Here’s what to do.
Talking Points:
- There’s some crazy stuff in the Bible. It’s not that it’s wrong, it’s just different from what you’re used to. God’s Word is true for all people of all ages. The Bible has stood the test of time, but you’ll have to learn how to study it from the right perspective.
- Check your attitude when you’re reading the Bible. Don’t say, “That’s dumb, God is wrong.” Instead, say “That’s confusing, I need to look into it and figure out what it really means.” Acts 17:10-11
- If you want to really have wisdom for all of life – not just when you’re young – it starts with fearing God and respecting his opinion even when it doesn’t make sense at first. That’s why the habit of Bible reading is so important. Proverbs 1:7
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Share about a time when a friend said something you didn’t agree with or you knew it wasn’t true. How did you respond?
- Have you ever come across an idea in the Bible (or at church) that didn’t make sense to you? Explain it. How did you react?
- Read Acts 17:10-11. What did the Bereans do when they were unsure about information?
- In your own words, describe the attitude you should have when you read the Bible. What should you do when you realize something you want to believe isn’t biblical?
- Read Proverbs 1:7. What does it mean to “fear the Lord”? What is the opposite of that? Why is it better to trust God’s wisdom over your own?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
What Is the Story of the Old Testament? | Bible Basics for Youth #4
So you’re ready to read the Bible. Here’s what you need to know about the Old Testament.
Talking Points:
- In one moment there was nothing but God, and then in the next moment, things began to exist. Creation demonstrates to us the power and glory of God. And this also teaches us that the universe is not random, but was created by a personal God for a specific purpose. Genesis 1:1
- God made humans to be connected to him and connected to each other. God made us in His own image- a unique distinction that only human beings have. Genesis 1:27-28
- God’s plan to save the world came through the line of Abraham. And as the OT unfolds, we see how God begins to fulfill this three-fold promise. He turns Abraham’s descendants into a mighty nation called Israel, gives them their own land where they can dwell and a promise of a future blessing for all nations. Genesis 12:1-3
- Sadly, the Israelites rebelled against God time and again and brought calamity upon themselves. The nation needed a Savior. Judges 2:12
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Read Genesis 1:1. What does this verse teach us about our universe? How does this contradict the claims of naturalism?
- Read Genesis 1:27-28. What do these verses teach us about our purpose here on the earth? What does it mean to be made in the image of God?
- Why do you think an all powerful God wants relationship with us? Why do you think the Israelites constantly rebelled? Why do we still rebel today?
- Read Genesis 12:1-3. What were the three promises that God made to Abraham? How did God begin to fulfill these promises in the OT? Who was the future blessing?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
What Is the Story of the New Testament? | Bible Basics for Youth #5
So you’re ready to read the Bible. Here’s what you need to know about the New Testament.
Talking Points:
- At the beginning of the NT, God had still not fulfilled the third part of his promise to Abraham. Jesus was about to fix that because Jesus was the fulfillment of the blessing to Abraham. Matthew 1:1
- Jesus came to die on the cross for our sins. We couldn’t rescue ourselves so Jesus came to save us. When we put our faith in Jesus, we receive forgiveness for our sins and our relationship with God is fixed. The connection that was lost in Genesis because of human sinfulness has been restored. Romans 5:1
- Before Jesus returned to heaven, where he is today, he commanded his followers to go into all the world and tell people about him. Through the leading and empowering of God’s Holy Spirit we can change the world, and help people find God. Matthew 28:19-20
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- What are some popular ideas about Jesus in our culture? How true are these ideas compared to what the Bible says about Jesus?
- Read Matthew 1:1. Why was it important that Jesus come from the line of David and Abraham? How does the whole Bible tie together?
- Read Romans 5:1. Why weren’t we at peace with God before Jesus came? What do we have to do to be saved?
- Read Matthew 28:18-20. What did Jesus command his disciples to do? What does this passage mean for your life? List a couple ways that you can follow this command this week.
- Read Revelation 21:3-4. How is heaven described in these verses? How is this similar or dissimilar to popular ideas about heaven?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
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