THE GOOD BOOK PARTICIPANT’S GUIDE
Published by David C Cook
4050 Lee Vance Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80918 U.S.A.
David C Cook U.K., Kingsway Communications
Eastbourne, East Sussex BN23 6NT, England
The graphic circle C logo is a registered trademark of David C Cook.
All rights reserved. Except for brief excerpts for review purposes, no part of this book may be reproduced or used in any form without written permission from the publisher.
All Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
ISBN 978-1-4347-1025-3
eISBN 978-1-4347-1105-2
© 2017 Deron Spoo
Published in association with the literary agency of Ann Spangler & Company, 1415 Laurel Avenue Southeast, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49506.
The Team: Tim Peterson, Kevin Harney, Nick Lee, Jennifer Lonas, Helen Macdonald, Abby DeBenedittis, Susan Murdock
Cover Design: Amy Konyndyk
Cover Photo: Getty Images
First Edition 2017
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011217
Preface
Session 1: In the Beginning
Session 2: God Is Good When Life Gets Messy
Session 3: God Is Big
Session 4: Tough Love, Troubled Times
Session 5: Jesus Has Just Entered the Building
Session 6: Jesus Won’t Leave Us as We Are
Session 7: Following Jesus
Session 8: God’s Message for You
More than two decades ago, George Hunter coined a term for people with no God history and “no christian memory.” Based on the word agnostic, a term for those who view God as unknowable, Hunter came up with the word ignostic to describe someone who is ignorant about the subject of God.1 An ignostic may willingly admit that God is knowable, but he or she doesn’t have the first clue about how or where to begin a search for him.
If the Bible intimidates even the most adept readers, imagine how intimidating it would seem to a first-time Bible reader. On top of that, the Bible is notoriously easy to misinterpret, especially when lone verses are lifted out of context.
Scripture is an infinite resource for knowing God and understanding life, but practically speaking, where should a new Bible reader begin? And how can anyone decipher the bizarre names, faraway places, and foreign cultures of the distant past? Who is qualified to guide us in our quest to grasp the simple truths of God’s love, the necessity of a life-changing experience with him, and the promise of forgiveness and a fresh start?
The Bible is like the ocean, according to an old metaphor. The ocean is so deep in places that no person, however capable a swimmer, could survive its extremities. But at the same time, when the ocean touches the land, the water is so shallow and the waves lapping the beach are so gentle that even a toddler can safely play there. Anyone who has visited the beach has seen firsthand that the ocean is both intimidating and approachable.
The same is true of the Bible. Like the ocean, its depths can never be fathomed. Even after a lifetime of study, the most brilliant theologians admit they’ve only begun to plumb its depths. Centuries of Christian scholarship haven’t been able to chart its vast expanse. The Bible can be intimidating and yet approachable at the same time. Anyone can pick up a Bible and encounter simple truths that are nothing short of life changing.
This eight-week study is a companion to The Good Book video series and book. These resources are designed to help two distinct groups of people. In the first group are those who have faith in Jesus and have spent a good deal of time reading the Bible. For you I offer a word of advice: Reject the tendency to be satisfied with your current understanding of the Bible. Refuse the temptation to think that what you grasp of the Scriptures today is somehow enough. Don’t just settle for wading in the surf. Dive deeper! Untold riches await your discovery.
In the second group are those who are just beginning their study of the Bible. My advice for you? Start right where you are. Dip your toe in the water. Wade up to your knees. Take your time. I believe you’ll find yourself longing to dive deeper as you walk through these eight sessions.
The goal of these studies is to give the big picture and the general structure of the Bible, God’s Good Book. Although they aren’t exhaustive, they go deep. My prayer is that you’ll discover the beauty, life, and power of God in the pages of the Bible. As you do, may you encounter the God who made you, loves you, and offers salvation in the name of his only Son, Jesus Christ.
With you on the journey,
Deron Spoo
The central character at the start of the Bible is God. No question about it. He is the one who spoke all things into existence. God is the focal point of the whole biblical story from Genesis to Revelation. Our story makes sense only when we realize that he is the creator and that we are his beloved children, created in his image.
Session Title: In the Beginning
The Story Line: Out of nothing God spoke and created everything. He made the heavens and the earth. He shaped man and woman and breathed life into them. When everything broke because of sin and rebellion, God began a plan to restore his children to relationship with him and one another. Then he formed a nation of people to call his own and bless. His desire was that they would follow him with such authentic faith that they would become a blessing to all the nations of the world.
The Time Line: Creation to around 2000 BC
A group of grade-school students crouch at the starting line for a race during their physical-education class. The teacher says slowly and deliberately, “Ready … set … GO!” In one moment all the kids lunge forward in an effort to get a good start in the race. They know that the first few seconds of a sprint can make all the difference in the world.
A young couple stands at the altar and promises, “For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, as long as we both shall live.” The next few months will set the tone for the coming years of their relationship. Graciousness, patience, and tenderness set a trajectory for relational health and marital success. Selfishness, irritability, and impatience can launch a couple into marital conflict and dark days. The beginning is more important than most of us recognize at the time.
A speaker stands at a podium, opens his mouth, and begins his address. The introductory words and the first minute often tell the whole story. The listeners are gripped and engaged. Or their minds begin to wander. The start isn’t just significant; it’s a matter of communicational life and death.
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen. 1:1). What a start! The opening words of the Bible paint a picture of a powerful, engaged, and creative God shaping the heavens, the stars, the earth, the animals, and finally, us. If we want to understand the story of the Bible and see the heart of God, it all begins here.
Tell about a time you started well. How did your good start lead to a positive experience?
Or
Tell about a time you started poorly and describe how this poor start cost you in the end.
Christlikeness is not accomplished casually. It is rarely convenient, and it requires risk.
The Bible can be an intimidating book
Stephanie’s story
The goodness of God’s creation
The wrecking ball of sin
Erik’s story
God calls his people to step out in bold faith
The call to sacrifice
The sacrifice of Jesus and the call to Christlikeness
1. Tell about a struggle you had (or have) with the Bible and how you’re seeking to resolve it. What do you hope will happen in your heart and life through your study of The Good Book?
2. Tell about your experience and journey with the Bible growing up and through this point in your life. What has helped your growth in understanding God’s Word? What has hindered it?
Remember that the ultimate benefit of reading the Scriptures isn’t greater familiarity with the Bible but deeper intimacy with God.
3. Tell about a time you felt abandoned or forsaken as you walked through life. How did God show his grace and presence during this difficult time?
4. Sin always has costs and consequences. What were some of the consequences Adam and Eve faced because of their sin?
5. What were some of the tactics you see Satan using to entice Adam and Eve into sinful choices? How does the Enemy still use these tactics today?
Testing is God’s method of bringing out our best, while tempting is Satan’s method of reducing us to our worst.
6. We’re created in the image of God. What aspects of his image do you think he wants to see reflected in your life?
Faith isn’t about perfection; it’s about making continual progress in our relationship with God.
7. We live in a fallen and sin-stained world. What are some of the daily reminders that sin is still affecting creation, culture, and our lives?
God is in no way limited by what we believe is possible.