How to Use These Studies

A few practical notes for teachers, preachers, and students.

For Bible Class Teachers

Each study is divided into a series of lessons. Some are sized for a single one-quarter (thirteen-week) adult class, while the longer studies — such as the Gospels of Matthew and Luke — run well beyond a quarter and may be spread across two or more quarters, or shortened to fit your class calendar. Lessons may be downloaded as PDF files, printed, and distributed to students at no charge.

Download the lesson PDF, print one copy per student, and bring extras for visitors.
Encourage students to read the assigned Scripture text before each class.
Feel free to adapt discussion questions to the needs and maturity of your class.
You are welcome to combine or shorten lessons to fit your class calendar.

A Word About the Personal Reflection Questions

Many of the questions in these lessons call for personal reflection on the part of the student. They are designed to help the student grow in their faith and to allow the Lord to shape them through their time in the Word. That kind of honest soul-searching is where much of the real growth in these studies takes place, and teachers should warmly encourage students to engage in it as they prepare each lesson.

At the same time, students may understandably be reluctant to share such personal matters in a group setting. No one should feel pressured to do so. During class discussion, students are free to speak about these questions more generically — for example, by saying, “I think for many people, the issue is…” This allows the class to discuss the issues openly and profitably without anyone having to disclose personal struggles they may be working through privately before the Lord.

For Personal Study

The lessons are also well suited to private study at home, with Bible open and pen in hand. Take one lesson per week, look up every Scripture cited, and write your own observations and questions in the margins.

Berean In-Depth Studies

Alongside the standard lesson series, this site offers a second style of study we call Berean In-Depth Studies, named for the brethren of Berea, who “received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” (Acts 17:11).

These are more detailed, inductive studies designed for more involved independent work by the student. Along the way, they also teach the student how to study — how to observe a passage closely, compare Scripture with Scripture, ask sound questions of a text, and draw out its meaning and application. A student who works through a Berean In-Depth Study gains not only a knowledge of the material, but tools for a lifetime of profitable Bible study.

Berean In-Depth Studies are marked with a “Berean In-Depth Study” badge on their cover image. Currently, the Women of the Bible study is offered in this format.

For Home Studies with Visitors and Friends

Several of the topical studies — particularly those on the gospel, salvation, and the church — are designed to be useful when teaching friends, neighbors, or family members in a home setting. Print one copy for yourself and one for the person being taught, and work through the Scriptures together.

Permission to Copy and Share

All materials on this site are offered freely to brothers and sisters, churches of Christ, and any soul who would open the Scriptures. You do not need permission to use them, and you do not need to credit the author. You may:

Download and print any number of copies for classes and personal use.
Distribute the lessons to other Christians, congregations, and teachers.
Adapt and edit the lessons to fit the needs of your class or congregation.
Translate the lessons into other languages for the spread of the gospel.
Use the lessons in your own teaching ministry as if they were your own — no attribution required.

We ask only that:

The teaching of the lessons not be altered in a way that changes their doctrine.
The materials not be sold for profit.

The whole aim of this site is simply that the word of God be opened to as many souls as possible. If a lesson helps your class, your congregation, or one searching neighbor, that is reward enough. To God be the glory.

Have a Suggestion?

If you have a question, a correction, or a request for a particular study in the future, please use the contact page to send a note. Feedback from faithful brethren around the world is welcomed and appreciated.