So very often we don’t realize that spiritually we kind of follow this Greek model of somone getting up and teaching while we are the audience. There is essentially nothing wrong with that all.

However, spiritually, Hebrew thought is a little different. In the Hebrew culture (and Jesus and the Disciples were all Hebrew’s), it was all about the conversation….it was all about the questions. In Luke 2:41-48, we are told that Jesus, at a young age of 12, was in the the temple doing what? Discussing with the rabbi’s and teachers….there was an obvious open discussion. Scripture tells us that His parents “found Him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking thew questions. Everyone who heard Him was amazed at His understanding and His answers.”

This is one of the prime reasons that I believe that a small group Bible study is important. We need the freedom to ask questions, we need to be able to wrestle with Scripture together, with our thoughts and lives….in doing this….we grow. Jesus tells us us in Matthew 7:7-8, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who ask receives; those who seek find; and to those who knock, the door will be opened.”

Individual quiet time is important. So is study with each other. Both have there very distinct parts in our lives. Individual quiet time is “quality time” God alone. Small group Bible study is like when the family get’s together for a big dinner.

I have assembled some of my favorite group studies, most could also be used for individual study. Here is a list also of online places to purchase these studies. :

ChristianBook.com
Booksamillion.com
Amazon.com

 Here are some of the studies I recommend:

Max Lucado: Insightful guides on the new Testament books as well as many topical studies.

N.T. Wright: Guides to help understand the New Testament Scriptures from one of the worlds leading New Testament scholars.

John Stott: One of the most world most respected Bible teachers leads a journey through the new testament using solid exposition  of key Scripture passages and inductive  study questions.

LifeGuide Studies: One of the most popular Bible study series ever! These guides us an inductive  study approach with leader’s notes included- everything you need to lead a small group. Each guide includes approach questions – that help to get you thinking and inspire group discussion and application questions – that encourage you and your group to act on what you have learned.These guides provide solid biblical content and raise thought-provoking issues for individual or group benefit. Choose from studies on Old and New Testament books, character studies, topical studies.

Christian Basics: Innovative guides based on insights found in contemporary classics of the faith covering the basics of being a believer and follower, commitment, priorities prayer and more. (6 session guides)