What’s in a Name?

Why We Call It "The Bible Conversations Series"

Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24)

Although our resources are well-suited for individual Bible study, the format of our lessons is particularly effective for stimulating vibrant discussions and fostering meaningful fellowship around God's Word. Group members complete the week’s lesson at home and then come together for a “Bible conversation.” Our format is effective when sharing with others because rarely do participants have exactly the same answers. This is especially the case on the Application pages, where the questions are intentionally more open-ended to encourage varied responses. Our purpose in leaving room in the lessons for groups to explore biblical principles together is to create an atmosphere of shared learning. And this is precisely what happens in small groups that use the Bible Conversations Series.

Small Groups… a Biblical Mandate?

The foremost reason for studying and discussing the Scriptures with other believers is that it is biblical. Not only do Christians have a mandate to personally grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus, but we are also responsible for the spiritual growth of our brothers and sisters in Christ.  Following the lead of Ephesians 4:11-16 and seeing a clear need for intentional ways to equip the saints and build up the Body of Christ, the author wrote these resources as both study AND discussion guides.  Gathering around God’s Word is essential if we are to "attain to the unity of faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man.” There is a big difference between socializing and biblical fellowship. Small groups who gather to share what they learned through their personal Bible study definitely experience the latter.

There is a big difference between socializing and biblical fellowship!

Benefits of Studying the Bible with Others

Besides fulfilling our Christian duty to one another, studying the Bible with others offers tremendous benefits, such as gaining a deeper understanding of the Scriptures, heightened accountability, and the experience of true unity and fellowship as the Body of Christ. (Though the trendy term is “community,” we prefer the New Testament’s illustration of believers knit together in one Body, with Christ as the Head.) From Scripture, we know that members of the Body each have a specific purpose and each member is dependent upon the other members. In our discussions, this principle is realized. As each member studies during the week, the Lord reveals something unique to each person for the purpose that he/she will share this piece with the group. Each one needs what was given to the others. This makes for a dynamic discussion. This is Body in action!

Some other benefits of small group Bible study include:

• Gaining different perspectives and insights that expand our view, bring new depths of understanding to the text, and promote a sense of humility and gratitude for these blessings.

  
  

• Gaining clarification as the group wrestles with the Word together.

• Providing accountability to stay committed to daily time in the Word and to be faithful to meet with other believers as the Lord desires.

• Providing mutual encouragement and opportunities to serve one another in practical ways and to pray for one another’s struggles.

• Encouraging spiritual growth in ourselves and one another, as we spur one another on to walk our talk and excel still more!

• Enhancing personal application of biblical principles as we learn from one another.

• Developing spiritual discernment gained through the loving counsel of others.

• Providing opportunities to speak Truth among friends—wonderful practice for when we are called to speak to not-so-friendly audiences.

• Growing love for one another as we share our walk of faith with like-minded believers. This is true family—the Family of God.

Closing Thoughts

While individual Bible study is essential, it should not stop with our own personal quiet time. As believers, we are called to love the Lord AND love one another. We do this best by coming together around God's Word to share what we have been learning from Him in the Bible, to encourage each other in our struggles, to rejoice with one another in our victories, and to worship together the One who unites us in oneness.

When Bible Conversations was first forming, there is a song that was one of our favorites, for it well expresses the heart that we each had in gathering together every Sunday night. It's called "Oh, How Good It Is" by Keith and Kristyn Getty. We will close with the lyrics of this powerful anthem about the beauty of TOGETHER—the beauty of the Body of Christ.

Oh how good it is

When the family of God

Dwells together in spirit

In faith and unity.

Where the bonds of peace,

Of acceptance and love

Are the fruit of His presence

Here among us.

CHORUS:

So with one voice we'll sing to the Lord

And with one heart we'll live out His word

Till the whole earth sees

The Redeemer has come

For He dwells in the presence of His people.

Oh how good it is

On this journey we share

To rejoice with the happy

And weep with those who mourn.

For the weak find strength

The afflicted find grace

When we offer the blessing

Of belonging.

***CHORUS***

Oh how good it is

To embrace His command

To prefer one another

Forgive as He forgives.

When we live as one

We all share in the love

Of the Son with the Father

And the Spirit.

***CHORUS***

If you have never heard this encouraging tune, check it out on YouTube.

Songwriters: Keith Getty / Stuart Townend / Ross Holmes / Kristyn Getty

Oh, How Good It Is lyrics © Getty Music Publishing, Parakeet Boots Music (ns)