SUNNY HILLS CHURCH

Three Question Bible Study Method

Have you ever tried to get into Bible study, but just couldn’t “make it happen”?

Perhaps approaching Bible study in a “conversational” style will help. In a conversation usually one person asks a question, and the other person answers … which then may lead to further interaction and deeper understanding. So, let me give you a simple, easy Bible study method I personally use for my devotional study, the “Three Questions” method.

You begin by picking a “bite size” portion of the Bible. Most modern study Bibles have built in section or paragraph headings. These sections usually make for a good chunk for a daily 15 minute study time. I am currently going through the book of 1 Corinthians … now I’m up to chapter 4. So, after quickly skimming the chapter I picked vv. 1-8 to have a conversation with. Here are the three questions I ask:

  • What does this passage say about God (Father, Son, or Holy Spirit)?
  • What does this passage say about me or my relationships?
  • What should I do about this passage?

That’s it. Three simple questions.

Now, for each verse I ask question 1. Then I go back through each verse and ask question 2. Finally, I look at my answers to the first two questions, to get my “action step” for question 3.

I don’t “overthink” or “try to go deep” with these questions. I just answer them simply and quickly. I don’t get bogged down on verses I don’t understand, I just move along … and I am amazed at how much there is to learn from God when we ask Him (through His Word, the Bible) these simple questions.

For an example I personally did this morning go here:   1 Corinthians 4:1-8 .

For a .pdf you can print out to use yourself, go here:   Three Questions Blank 1/2 Page .

I personally use the WordSearch Bible library program to assist my study, however, it’s just as easy with pen and paper.  Good luck in your pursuit of Christ!

bsf 3 question method

Christian Living , Recommended | 321 comments | 5 min read

5 Tips for Better Group Conversations

bsf 3 question method

In a small group Bible study, the goal is always to create a healthy, secure space where open and honest conversations flow and everyone feels equally free to contribute. Some groups find their groove from the word “go,” while others move at a slower pace.  

Whether it feels natural or takes intentional time, studying the Bible in a group is helpful for proper Scripture interpretation and long-term spiritual growth. For “as iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17).   

The following five tips will help you encourage deep, free-flowing conversation in your groups:

1. Remove Distractions

Focusing after a long day of work, parenting, or other life circumstances can be difficult. If we want to put worries aside to be present in our groups, we have to be intentional. What specific behaviors or habits could you use to shift your focus before sitting down with your group?

One method is to get out a piece of paper and write down everything on your mind. Write down anxieties, distractions, expectations of the evening, plans for tomorrow, and anything else consuming your thoughts. Getting our mind-clutter out and onto the page frees us to focus on one another.

Remember Paul’s advice in Philippians to “not be anxious about anything” but to turn to prayer. As a result, “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). 

If we want to put worries aside to be present in our groups, we have to be intentional.

Commit to being open with your group. If you choose to be vulnerable, it will lead others to do the same! Your group and discussion will be better for it. 

While it can be scary to let yourself show weakness or not have all the answers, you are called to true community. That means showing the real you and your real life. Share your true prayer requests and answers to questions, not just what you think is acceptable or will make others think well of you. 

James tells us, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed” (James 5:16).

If you choose to be vulnerable, it will leads others to do the same!

The first step to building community in your group is showing up! Make sure that your group is a priority in your life. As much as you are able, show up to every group meeting.   

However, showing intentional care and interest in other group members should extend beyond your weekly meeting. Could you follow up with a member on a prayer request they shared during your discussion? Is there a need you could meet for them? Would you extend an invitation to get to know someone personally outside of your group?   

Hebrews reminds us, “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Showing intentional care and interest in other group members should extend beyond your weekly meeting.

4. Stay on Topic

During your group discussion, it is best to stay focused on the passage and follow the guidance of your group leader. 

While it’s always great to share your perspective and life with the group, it may be best to hold back from giving your review of a recent movie, bringing up a divisive political topic, or telling a long story about a recent vacation during your discussion time. 

Before you speak, think, “Is this relevant to the group discussion? Am I talking to draw attention to myself or to share for the good of the group?” 

5. Grow Together

Just as there is always room to grow in God’s Word, there is room for everyone to grow in group Bible study.   If you c ommit   as a group   to growth,   you will all   be able to   look back and see how far   you’ve   come   by the end of your time together .

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321 Comments

Enjoyed the 5 steps for group discussion. Very helpful, but what are some techniques to draw the quiet ones into the group discussion.

When I lead, I found out women would be more equipped to speak on a question when we would do a quick “pair share” in our “getting ready time” a few minutes prior to class. I would have them share a little bit about their favorite question with another member. That would help them to both to review and feel good enough to answer at least 1 question. Very quickly they all were sharing and bouncing off of each other! Any “pair share” brings most women out of their shell not to mention it tends to bond them together more.

This is very enlightening. Thanks for sharing

I am reminded that the most important thing is for a person to know Christ. The Lord has given me 2nd chance to put my faith into action. All to the glory of God.

IT IS MY FIRST TIME TO LEAD A BIBLE STUDY GROUP DISPITE THE FACT THAT I HAVE BEEN A LEADER IN OTHER GROUPS. I NEED TO LEARN TO BE FOCUSED

One simple trick I used in my time as a leader was to wear my watch on the inside of my wrist, so I could easily monitor time (to move things along, etc) discreetly.

Very helpful tips for encouraging better group interaction and discussions, and building intergroup relationships.

This information is really good and thought provoking! I will encourage the ladies in my small group to read it.

What a joy to begin the Fall of 2023 with the study of John. Getting to meet new friends and learn together as we learn to grow more like Jesus

It’s really helpful to build a group with love.

I used to encourage my ladies to review their Lessons on Sunday nights and choose one or two questions on each page to share with the Group on Monday night. God was so good to me. I never had a night where all the ladies chose the same two questions, and I was left with a room full of silence

Really helpful suggestions. Thanks. I’m looking forward to getting started this week. So much to learn about God’s Word and our group members.

I long to join the new group to learn more about the word of God.

I like the idea of writing down likely distractions before going into session. I will do that and rely on God to be focused and to show up for every session. Looking forward to a great year and heeding to the call of loving my group members.

I am 82 years old and I can honestly say BSF has had the greatest impact on my spiritual journey. In fact I do not believe I knew the Lord in a personal relationship before getting into the Word of God through BSF. Way back in the late 80s. I love the precious ladies I have met and every leader is unique in their walk with the Lord and their leadership style. I’ve taken John before and can’t wait to see what God has for me this year in BSF. Thank you Lord for the sweet friend many years ago that invited me to this life changing Bible Study. She is with you now. Praise God

I am going to enjoy my bsf discussion and connecting with people who want to know God and understand His words! Praying for others and sharing the love of God is always powerful!

Thank you, Lord, for leading me back to BSF leadership as a Group Leader. BSF has had an impactful role in my life. It is my prayer to be a light in the life of the men of my group. Thank you for these helpful tips for better group conversations. I ask that the Lord through the power of the Holy Spirit remove all barriers and distractions and as a result the peace of God will through His son will transcend every stronghold that binds us this year.

Excellent suggestions. Thank you.

I am expecting to grow spiritually along with other members of my group. To implement these 5 tips, so as to learn from others during the division class class discussion

I’ve looked forward to this new year in JOHN with my new BSF group. The summer occupied me and pulled me away more than the last 9 years in BSF as I see MANY MANY changes on Earth. BSF helps me to stay focused on learning the Bible which keeps me calm. I pray for the Holy Spirit to guide me through God’s Plan in the name of Jesus.

This year I have a different age group that I am leading, I feel a tad bit challanged by the change, but I am aiming to rely on God’s power and strength to guide me through it.

I love leading an international group online. We have grown to love one another and pray for one another. Women seem to be more open to authenticity and vulnerability online, as they share their dreams, as well as their struggles. My group is from all over the world. We have grown in our desire to seek to know our God more intimately. I have learned much from their insights in Scripture. It is such a great privilege to guide them in the wonderful materials, and gifted notes and lectures that BSF gives us, as we seek more knowledge of our Lord and Savior. Thank you Lord. Thank you BSF.

Gladys I look forward to spending my time with this BSF group. I look to learning new way of studying the Bible. I hope to begin a new season.

This is such a powerful guidance as we move on learning the Word of God together with members of our group.It will help me to appreciate others regardless of our different personalities.

Thank you good guidance. I love my small group sessions and I am looking forward to having my iron sharpened again this year. May God bless all of you that make this possible, and all of us that participate! Thank you Jesus for all you are going to do inside our hearts this year! Amen

I share Joanne’s frustration. I too am praying for patience! I enjoy hearing from everyone in the group. We learn from each other, and no-one should dominate the conversation. I pray that our leader this year can keep the conversation moving in a respectful and fair pace.

Good evening I’m looking forward to being in the class, I don’t talk that much, but I’m praying that I open up a little more this year, I started last year at the end of Jeremiah, I am excited 🙏 for me

I’m praying about being more patient!! I’m the kind of person who likes to stay on track. It does seem that there is always, at least, one person in the group who dominates the conversation like they know more then the rest of us…they try to lead, and then off down the rabbit trail they go and totally left the scope of the question. So frustrating that makes me want to quit the group. It is difficult for the leader too because she literally cannot get a word in edgewise! Last year the leader suggested that we skip a question because we were running a little behind (due to the talkative person) and we should move on. As our group finished up that person actually said, “I really want to go back to the question we skipped” and started talking about it….. It really does feel hopeless sometimes. I’m seriously repenting and asking for patience.

I am looking forward to another year of wonderful Bible study but having difficulty returning to my previous group because of some personality differences. After much prayer God showed me that I needed to reach out to and show love in this situation and leave the results to Him. I’m excited to being a part of the results.

This is my very first BSF class. I am looking forward to meeting all of you, and I am really looking forward to studying the Gospel of John with you.

Great reminder of why we are in BSF! Deepening our walk of Faith, fellowship and most importantly knowing who GOD is and growing our relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ! Thanks for all you do, for His Glory!! 🙂

I am so EXCITED! I can’t wait to start this study. THANKS FOR THE Tips.

Very useful and helpful guidance for group leadrs and members relationship. Thanks.

Looking forward to our group this year.

I will be attending the BSF group in KS. What time does it start?

Please contact your local class/leader for more information. If you need their information, you can find it by searching for your class on join.bsfinternational.org and clicking “more info” and “contact.” Thanks!

Love BSF, my appreciation to all leaders in BSF. Looking forward to start the Lesson in September.

I love BSF and have been a leader for over 15 years. But one thing BSF is lacking is allowing group members to get to know one another. We need to be able to share what is happening in our families, jobs, etc. so that we can connect with one another. I do not even know what jobs some of the other leaders have because we never share our personal lives outside of “what God is doing in our lives.” I do think that is wonderful, but there are other things that help us to get to know one another and look forward to seeing each other each week. Becausse my group has been together for a few years, we love each other and visit outside class. We are prayer warriors for each other. I greatly appreciate that.

Donna – such a great thought – have you discussed with your Teaching Leader? Praying for your class and your group! Grateful for your heart and the way you love the women in your class

I would agree that we need to have time to get to know those in our group. We have no time for this and it is a hinderance to real fellowship. I our group, it leads to only a few people responding to questions.

I believe that such a community is biblically to be build within a local church. However, in reality, not so many in one local community are interested in regular Bible study like what BSF discussion group does, at least here in Japan, as you have some Japanese speaking groups as well. So I am struggling to decide how to serve the local church which does not send any member, while spending time on BSF, more of which should be spent on building up the local church I belong to. I suppose you do not have any decisive answer to this unless you have biblical scholars.

It would be helpful if leaders gave out group members’ contact information so we can build relationships/encourage others outside of group time.

Dear Linda – this is a great question for your group leader! Each group is unique. Your heart to connect with other members is so encouraging – I am praying all BSF members will feel this same desire. Thank you for asking!

These are all good suggestions, looking forward to a great group discussion of John this year.

These are great tips and good reminders

Looking so forward to a beautiful study of a familiar and rich new testament book. Jon is one of my favorites. I anticipate God showing up in new and mighty way.

Very helpful tips especially remove distractions. I will keep them in mind.

The groups I have been the closest with are those who everyone shares their thoughts and opinions. No one dominates the conversation. Sharing truly gives a strong bond. I trust everyone reads they key points.

Thank you for the helpful hints!

The important attitude I receive is this fact of accepting to be vulnerable. Thank you! I think I should to humiliate myself before God, I exhort all fellow Christians to do so. Thanks again.

Please can I ask – do all registered class members receive these emails?

Thank you for the guidance! ❤️✝️✡️❤️

I love this article, it is right on cue, enjoyed reading and being reminded, thank you.

THANK YOU FOR THIS GUIDENCE.

These are great, thank you. I might add one more and that’s about answering questions: while a pause (after the leader asks the question) may feel like it needs to be filled, perhaps resisting answering if you’ve already recently done so would give the shyer ladies a chance to speak up.

This is a great suggestion.

Great comments, I would add: Be Present and Listen- Acknowledge others and try to understand their perspective and….

Pray : Sharing each other’s burdens builds bonds, take time to Pray about group Shares, Pains , Struggles and needs. I personally shared my 8 month old grand-daughter was diagnosed with leukemia ,the men offered to pray, at the end of the prayer, I opened my eyes to discover 12 men on their knees. I will never forget it.

Avoid having side conversations with others while attending the group meeting. Also, welcome pertinent biblical background information provided by group members. And, never be afraid to share relevant comments. Remember, God is in control!

Recommend silencing your phones or placing them in vibrate mode during class to remove that distraction for yourself & others

Thank you BSF! I continue to grow spiritually!

Thank you for the well worded reminders

God blessings, and thank you for these helpful suggestions. They are very helpful to me!🫶🏼🙏🙂

Thank you for these important reminders. BSF Groups is all about taking time to develop our spiritual lives. It’s easy for me to fall into a habit of rushing through my lesson and trying to cram group time into a busy schedule. We all benefit so much more when ladies attend small group.

Appreciate these tips for a more meaningful, healthy group dynamic this year.

Thank you for these great suggestions. 2022 was my first year in BSF and it has truly been life changing. I am looking forward to what God is going to do this year.

both of these articles are great. I cannot thank you enough for sending them at the beginning of the year. They are terrific to have in our tool box.

Georgia Thanks for the great reminder as we begin our new year. They are all right on point.

Being in BSF for the last 7 years has been a great joy in my life. I feel I’ve grown stronger in my faith, have been better equipped to share Christ, and have met many wonderful Christian friends. I appreciate these tips for stronger group conversations…..it helps me to reflect on my purpose and personal growth in BSF as well as supporting those around me to do the same.

I love this, but last year we had the best group. I have been in BSF for almost 20 years and I have never had a group like I did last year. We became a family, we stay in touch, we see each other, we pray for each other. We love each other. And it makes me sad to have to have another group, I know its the rules of BSF but when a group of women like us, we have been through alot together last year and we would love, love to stay together this year. We have a bond that is so full of Jesus and we are all so broken and we need each other. Thank you for your time. Have a blessed day.

Thank you! This is always good advice.

I am very excited to be starting my fourth year in BSF! The study groups have been very helpful emotionally and spiritually and I thank God for bringing me to you.

I truly feel that you gave good direction for us to follow in strengthening not just the fellowship within the group but the trust to share our truths given to us by the Holy Spirit in our study time or pray without intimidation.

I especially appreciate the suggestion for decluttering our mind. What a beautiful exercise to free the space in our minds to be filled by the Holy Spirits guidance. An activity not just for BSF but for our lives to give a time of peace and meditation on God’s direction for us. Thank you.

Thank you for the tip!

I was relieved to see the guideline about holding back giving a review of a certain movie or series. I am hopeful that we will stay focused on the true word of God and not a movie version. I’m sure Jesus will appreciate that also.

Thank you for listing these tips. Maybe even post them in a lecture throughout the year. That way they can be brought to the forefront of our memory.

It is helpful if group members are instructed to think ahead of the gathering what one thing they learned that they think would be most helpful for the group to hear and to be ready to share that. Also it helps to remind them to only share one or two answers or comments until after most of the other group members have had a chance to share.

So very good thank you

I was determining in my mind not to be be vulnerable, or honest to build those cultural walls of trying to be un seen.

So funny I would open this today.

Again Thank you. I am so honored and blessed to be a part of BSF and praying for our this year study.

Helpful tips! Thank you!

I love the ideas about removing distractions! This can be used in most areas of life but will be very helpful in preparing for each Study. Thank you.

Being relatively a new member of BSF, I find these guidelines very informative to keep the Group discussions effective and meaningful. I would like to implement it during the study of Gospel of John. Thank you for posting the 5 tips.

The comment….’is this relevant to the group discussion’ should be on the top of the list! I think it is very important in view of our time restraints.

Great points that need restated every year!

As a discussion leader, these reminders, guides, are so helpful for keeping the group on track, and keeping focus on what is important and primary, what the Holy Spirit wants us to learn! Excellent reminders, thank you!

Yes stay on topic not the group to take up time discussing your social problems

Thank you so much for the helpful tips!

This is so enlightening to a great start for this year’s BSF. I am looking forward to it, to grow spiritually and to be more caring about others and their growth. To have friends, sisters in Christ is so important to me.

Thank you for these words.

quite educating points to follow.

Being fully committed and fully engaged helps grow your relationship with Jesus! Thank you BSF for my time to grow!

This is my 5th year. One thing I noticed in past years is there just isn’t enough time to go through all the questions. In my humble opinion… less questions which translate into more discussion time on the true meaning of each lesson. We don’t need 15, 16 questions to get the point across each week.

I agree time restraints are limiting

Mike, I love your comment. I hope all group leaders see this and understand why BSF promotes the three-question method when discussing the lesson. Those 16 questions are great for the initial personal study, especially for those new to Scripture study. However, many people agree with you, Mike – less questions at discussion group allow for deeper discussion.

I hear you. Your concerns are what make you a good leader. I once had the same issues you have now, but God helped me through our TL. I hope my sharing will help. I believe the questions in our study guide are both for personal meditation and group discussions. After your personal study, you then transition into leadership mode. The beauty of BSF is that each group is unique. What you need to do after praying is to select questions that will enable you to keep the focus on God but also grow the unique group God gives you to lead each year. Otherwise, you are in danger of turning Bsf meetings into exam centres if you attempt to answer every question. Focus on selecting questions that will enable you to have meaningful discussion with your team. You may need to paraphrase or combine questions. In addition to prayer (which is vital since we are studying God’s own manuscript), try reaching out to your team during the week to discover what aspects they find challenging or inspiring. Include some of these issues if necessary. I am now a CL, so i meet my students with no prior discussion. Prayer and deliberate preparation work for me. Some days are harder than others. Depend on the God who called you to this ministry. He will equip.

Thank you so much for these insightful tips! I particularly liked this in #4: Before you speak, think, “Is this relevant to the group discussion? Am I talking to draw attention to myself or to share for the good of the group?” I am sometimes guilty of speaking to break a silent stretch that feels uncomfortable, so this tip will be really helpful for me. I am looking forward to studying John for the second time and can’t wait to see what new things the Holy Spirit will reveal this year. May we all be blessed as we study God’s Word together!

I appreciate the thought put into these suggestions. And I appreciate the group leaders accepting the task and being trained in managing the group discussions. As an introvert I often leave group with personal insights unsaid bc others jump in and answer every question and work in much personal information that I hold back on sharing due to time. It is difficult to balance focus on the study material and sharing personal needs to receive encouragement and support. What is the best way to offer encouragement and support without turning group time into a support group setting focused on one person who shares it all? How do we acknowledge a struggling group member while attending to the study discussion? We don’t want to create an environment where we all wear masks but need clear group guidelines about group time.

Agreed. I think it’s the group leader’s responsibility to send out guidelines for discussion in advance and gently remind or encourage others to participate. I had one year a leader who would call on individuals to answer questions. This kept us alert and gave all folks in the group the opportunity to speak if they chose to.

BSF Leaders have all been trained to pray and offer guidance to each member.

My last leader would come 20 minutes early and stay behind 20 minutes in order to address questions and personal issues. Members were invited to join. This allowed the full hour that is allotted to focus on covering the plethora of questions that are in each lesson. It is good to share personal issues before/after or in a prayer request.

Thank you so much for reminding us.BSF teaches us thus can happen but your testimony is truly important. I am an introvert and a group discussion leader.

A good friend in PA asked to her groups meeting and I started BSF Fall of 2022. I am in TX so there was a little time difference. I enjoyed the teaching and fellowship so much. But I needed to switch groups mid-term to a local group with a time that was easier for me to make. I have been so blessed since my very first BSF meeting. I had reservations switching groups but was so welcomed into the new group and felt like I made the best choice for me. I tell everyone I know about BSF and how blessed I have been being a part of this community. My new sisters have listened to me talk about my earlier sisters with open hearts. I am praying that my daughter joins an international group for her studies and I’m praying for my husband to join a group either local or an international group. I have the BEST leadership ever! I am sure everyone says the same thing, but really Leanne is the dearest as I find myself being mentored with our every conversation. What a true blessing BSF has been. From the group study to the admin lectures.

Thank you for the tips they are a good reminder. I am going to use them also in my conversations with others.

I needed this advice to stay focused and not get off topic! I am really looking forward to studying John with other women.

Joining the BSF Bible study group is a blessing from God. It helped me get to know Him more.

We witnessed the need (and skillful execution) for a strong group leader and admin leader to speak with a group of women who insisted on diverting from biblical truths to their own church doctrines. We’ll hand,es!!

I have been in BSF off and on since the 80’s. I have been a children’s leader, administrator a d group leader at various times. Last year, I really struggled with the way our discussion was done. We sat at large round tables put together. This separated us and sometimes made it hard to hear. I so missed our closed circle where we used to take out the extra chair for optimal intimacy. This year, I switched to a different venue and my leader said we will be in that circle. So glad. Some of those BSF “guidelines” that are now considered “burdensome”, had a critical purpose that set BSF apart from other Bible studies, and shouldn’t be discarded.

I love BSF and being guided to study the Bible. Thank you all for this ministry.

A critique I have is the frequent reminder to “Keep conversations confidential”. Altho discretion is always a good idea, emphasizing confidentiality leads to moral dilemmas with our spouse. We must either conceal important BSF conversations from our spouse or break this rule.

I’d recommend it be changed to “use considerable discretion in sharing outside the group”. Ultimately no rule is a guarantee anyway and it must depend on our discretion.

But thanks again for BSF!

So that I can put aside all personal problems or thoughts before going into my group, I use my driving time to pray and give all to God. I want to be intentional about getting to know personally members of my group and follow up with their prayer request.

That’s a great idea Polly!

Thank you for this! Group leaders and members need to know let the members share. It is not the leaders responsibility to fill awkward silences with their answers, comments etc. Group leaders are to facilitate not educate. Bring to prayer what others are going through and don’t feel the need to resolve members problems.

I commit to be faithful in bible study and pray. I’m looking forward to the study of John. I’m sooo thankful to God for BSF.

The tips are great reminders on how to encourage rich discussion during group. With so many distractions in our lives, thank you for sharing a practical way to remove those distractions and focus on God and each other.

Yea! Y’all do a great job. Thank you for all you do.

I love #4!! There are times that we grow so close with one another, we forget that we aren’t a therapy or support group. We need to be brought back into focus.

I love tip number#4..Staying on the topic and getting really involved with the study is very important!I have been with BSF for many years now.. I look forward in meeting every Thursday with these beautiful ladies of God.. Sending blessings to everyone this year with abundance of wisdom in growing in the word!!

Looking forward to a great year!

Did all BSF members receive this email? I hope so thank you

Lucille – they did! But feel free to share any helpful information with your group. Some may have missed these articles

I would really like it if you left the notes & lectures up after the yearis finished. I like going back & listening to them!

Bonnie – me too! I usually print the PDF or order the book so I can read my notes after the study year! I’ll send your note about the lectures to our curriculum team.

Great ideas! Keeps groups on target.

Very well spoken Hope everyone reads this. Excellent ideas I will remember in any group Thank you,

Reminder for ” balanced” sharing. Pray for Holy Spirit leading when to respond. Don’t be tempted to answer every question! (Guidance for self here:-)

I’m excited on meeting our new leader for this year in class and making some more new friends I’m excited about this study on John! it’s going to be awesome.

I am so BLESSED with BSF!!!

Romans 12:2, romans 8:28 If we open to renewal of our minds, God”s grace/mercies will use all things for our growth and good. Thank you BSF for helping us grow in Christ.

Great tips! Thank you.

This is wonderful help! Thank you!

Thank you. All are wise suggestions for each of us to take to heart, so we as a group, will be blessed through open & focused discussion. All glory to our God and Savior

I love BSF. I do think being open is also talking about what is happening to our country. Sometimes I am hesitant because it borders on political but I truly believe we should not be silent about the evil overtaking us. Jesus never feared it.

Good focused information. Great reminder too. I really was touched by “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Thank you for the sound advice regarding group conversations. I truely do not have trouble setting other thoughts aside when I come to group – to me it is a place of sanctuary and switching off from the day-to-day. Looking forward to our studies in John and to reconnecting with my Sisters-in-Christ

Words can be used in a context that triggers people and emotions. For me intentional is Being Christ centered and not self centered, allowing Him (the Holy Spirit) to guide the spoken and unspoken sharing and consciously staying “behind the cross” as we open our hearts can keep our groups growing in His power. That’s why we study together. Always be alert to the fierce spiritual forces of the enemy using any means to stir up dissensions.

Thank you very much for the beautiful guidelines.

This is wise, insightful advice to take into our new Study! Looking forward to a wonderfully blessed year of bonding, building community, and growing in my relationship with my Savior!

The use of words like “intentional”, and “building community”, (also “marginalized”, not used here) are “Woke” terms. They are increasingly overused in BSF materials, and blogs. Of course, we are to live are life with the focus of Christ. We need to guard against becoming too much like the culture around us. The only times “intentional” appears in the Bible are in regards to killing intentionally, or unintentionally.

Jen- thank you for the feedback! Hollie is writing a blog post in early September that I think you wil love! We are also working on several articles this year about how to stand apart from the culture while still making Christ known to those around us. We are praying those will be an encouragement!

Good point, Jen. However, I am doing better thinking of the word “intentional” or “with intentionality.” I am an older adult, and my prayer life has increased dramatically. When I sit down to pray through my list of unsaved family, friends, and acquaintances, my fervency in how I pray and use of praying Scriptures over them has increased my intentionality…I do want God to save this person! These people! As I read Scripture, I look for verses to pray over people. God knows what I want and what he will do. I want Him to know how much I want this.

What does “woke” mean”?

Grace and peace, I find that a lot of times the same people answer all the questions and others doesn’t have a chance to speak. Perhaps you can address that in your next email or to group leaders. Thank you

I especially enjoyed the ‘remove distractions’ …be present w/the group. Be intentional. Get a piece of paper write down what’s on my mind anxieties, distractions, expectations of the evening and everything else consuming my thoughts. Getting my mind clutter out and on to the page frees us to focus on one another. If we want to put worries aside to be present with our groups, we have to be intentional.

These suggestions give a gentle but clear path to follow – for BSF old-timers and beginners. Thank you!

Thank you for the reminder of focusing! Looking forward to starting up again soon. Prayers to all!

Very good. Thank you.

Thank-you for the five tips to use with small group BSF discussions. God will get the glory.

Very goof 5 steps to keep in mind for the coming year. Thank you.

Very good. Thank you and keep up the good work…I need and appreciate you. Showing up to all the meetings is key to getting the most out of the BSF experience. Looking forward to this year’s study of John.

Being a seasoned BSF member of over 25 years – these 5 suggestions remind me to Keep Christ first. When we leave our concerns at the Cross and focus on being taught by the Word of God and learning life lessons from our group, we will be able to close our time together ready to live life to its fullest. Thank you for this timely reminder

I desire to grow in the Lord

Great reminders for this coming year. And I love James 5:16, God is so good and willing to heal us!

Perfect advice! Sharing widely.

Thank you for this well-written article! I like the being “intentional” and getting our mind-clutter out on paper (lists help me)ahead of time, so I can relax and focus on the group and subject! Great tips! So excited about how the Lord is going to show up and reveal more of Himself to each of us this year!

Before you speak, think, “Is this relevant to the group discussion? Am I talking to draw attention to myself or to share for the good of the group?” Thinking of others’ edification rather than self exaltation is very important.

Thank you for the suggestions. They are very good and need to be remembered.

I like the part that says “am I talking to draw attention to my self or to God”its so profound, at times I would get carried away and share stories that are not relevant, for the sake of saying something, without focusing on God’s glory . Help me Lord to change.

Also the reminder that I have to be intentional about preparing for my study, is a take home for me

I love these suggestions. We should all read this through at our first meetings together as a group.

How can I order the book for the bible study John? I live in Colorado Springs, CO.?

Dear Ernestine – If you go to mybsf.org and click “need technical help” in the bottom right corner, you can create a member support request. Our member support team will be happy to help!

Group leaders calling on people to participate in the questions encourages all to interact so it’s not dead air or a topic los skipped over if no one volunteers then the leader can offer her perspective getting discussion going

I’m so looking forward to the new study and new group this year. Can I say I pray God blessed all participants

Thanks for theses helpful tips. These are really practical and relevant. Thanks for sharing. Have a nice journey with this new study.

Great points to remember and action

This is my first year to serve as a group leader. These five tips are things I plan to share at our group’s meet-and-greet. Great basic tips! BSF Women’s group study has made a big difference in my life this past two years. I am looking forward to the Study of John. May each and every one be richly blessed this year.

I liked this article a lot, Especially the two points, ‘stay on topic’ and ‘building community by making Bible Study a priority, and making follow-up a pattern that demonstrates my commitment to the group.’ I saw this demonstrated by the women and from my small group leader last year and it really touched my heart knowing others were praying for me and my situation–and cared to let me know they prayed.

I think that your idea of sharing prayer requests is a great way to not only build fellowship but to help us carry each other’s burdens. Galatians 6:2 Also, doing a group activity (with families) outside of class, such as volunteering at Feed My Starving Children can be a community builder.

Both my friend, who rides with me, and I are excited for the forthcoming BSF study. We both have learned so much digging deeper into His word. I so enjoyed the group I was in and, hate to leave them, but plan to meet other women to become friends. Nothinbutlov

Has BSF stopped the daily dive? I thought that was a great tool. I don’t see it in that books or on line.

Rich – unfortunately we did not produce the daily dive this year. I will let our content team know that you are missing it!

Oh no! No Daily Dive! Please bring it back. ♥️

I’ll let our content team know!

Excellent recommendations, this is a good way to grow in understanding and knowledge of the Word of God.

I am 81 yr. old and almost miles away from the Zeeland or Holland, MI classes. So, am interested in finding a zoom group that meets at 7:30 or 8 pm.

Dear Linda – If you go to mybsf.org and click “need technical help” in the bottom right corner, you can create a member support request. Our member support team will be happy to help! Or you can find a BSF Online group at bsfonline.org

The tip to stay focused and intentional was an eye opener for me personally. I can get distracted and caught up in my own thoughts so easily. I am praying to be more intentional, focused in prayer, Bible study, and in my group. It’s scary to be vulnerable but I want to be honest and genuine.

I like the idea of writing down distracting thoughts! I’m going to try that, even in my personal Bible time. You can go back to them later and not worry about forgetting something important. Thanks!

I love BSF. I feel I’ve come a long way in opening up about things but I still have a long way to go. My group leaders are awesome! This makes my 6th year, I think. So thankful we got to bring it to our little town. I try to make sure I can answer several question because I hate leaving our leader with no one talking. I’m thankful for the few that are very knowledgeable about the Bible and can speak up when others can’t. I love these suggestions you posted and I pray everyone has an awesome year!!! God bless

I love BSF and my whole family has grown so much in the knowledge of the Bible and in our spiritual lives. I love connecting with other group members and bringing non believing women to BSF, but now that they are mixing (go-locating) men and women. These relationships are hampered. Widows sand single ladies feel left out. Those important little conversations afterwards don’t happen because the other spouse wants to leave right away. Naturally everyone is more distracted by having the opposite sex in the building. Sharing is deminished. Ladies don’t ask for prayer for their husbands, because they fear the ladies might mention it to them in the lobby. No one can be as transparent, because they may have issues with in the family, but they don’t want it to get back to their spouse. The effectiveness of having all men or all women groups is gone. So sad and an end of an era. I’m sure that in the near future they will have men and women in the same discussion groups.

Dear Kara, this is a great point to raise to your group leader or class leadership. Many families find it easier to be involved in co-located classes so they can study on a single night, but your feedback could be invaluable to class leadership as they navigate this new concept

I would add that you should try to hold back from answering multiple questions. Sometimes others are intimidated and will not give a great contribution because they feel lacking in biblical knowledge.

Thank you for providing an avenue for feedback about group discussion tips. While I am extremely sensitive about not dominating the talking points, I am perplexed about the amount of silence when the group leader solicits feedback and only a select few responds (via Zoom sessions, as well as in person sessions). Consequently, over the course of an evening so much time is attribued to silence (and our reluctance to keep from saying something to get the conversation started). Because some folks are more comfortable listening than engaging in discussions, unless the group leader is intentional about soliciting feedback from those who seldom contribute, the sessions can become awkward for those who are eager to discuss the subject matter. The breakout rooms are great for building community but they should not be the end all for promoting engagement. Nevertheless, I love the BSF curriculum and enjoy sharing the gospel with others albeit spoken our unspoken.

Ive already started this blessed study on John and its feeding my soul! We are going to feast on God’s goodness this year, everybody!

This is very helpful advice. Thank you🥰.

Good advice!

I was a little bit distressed when I heard that we would not be in the same group this year. This article helped. As I thought about it more, I realized that last year I didn’t know anyone in my group yet, over time, they all became an important part of my life. I look forward to seeing who God is putting in my life this year!

Thank you for the suggestions they were e helpful.

During the 2022-2023 BSF year, we were all encouraged to return in person if possible. Upon doing so, I was very disappointed to see that BSF leaders/organizers ignored the potential for the BSF gatherings to become Covid super spreader events. No masking was encouraged, nor social distancing encouraged in either the small groups nor the large mass meetings. I expressed my concern to my small group leader and the only option was for me to leave the group and join a zoom team instead. That option protects only me, but not the larger BSF community. I feel that BSF holds a greater responsibility to help keep covid under control to protect the greater BSF community.

Mack – thank you for sharing. Individual classes around the world were able to return to in-person meetings in accordance with their country’s regulations. We are so grateful God positioned BSF to move to online groups quickly during the pandemic. It is amazing how God prepared BSF years earlier to make the transition to Zoom quickly.

These are great tips. Thanks to BSF, it keeps me from being lazy and accountable to open the bible and study. Plus you make new friends. I love John and so excited to start.

I heard it said once that when we choose to share what the Lord has shown us through the study, this might be the very thing someone else in the group needs to hear. We bless our group and the overall richness of the sharing when we are willing to share what the Lord is teaching us.

If one of our goals is to get to know each person in our group, we should keep groups the same for more than one year.

EXCELLENT tips!: well-said in just four relevant points. I am praying they are read, remembered, and applied. Thankns

I am looking so very forward to another BSF study…for 10 years I have attended now and has helped me realize in wonderful beautiful depth how important it is to know God and His Will for us in His everlasting Love. Forever and ever ! I love meeting new friends…and the many friends I have met still stay connected. How wonderful is that?!?

Grace, tolerance, whatever you want to call it, allow that there are differences of opinion that are “in house” differences. Disagree but don’t be disagreeable.

I love our discussions, but sometimes our focus is interrupted because someone wants to interject a political, current event or theorist topic. This makes me uneasy and is often divisive. I have spoken to my group leader and she tries to deflect whereever possible, however, it keeps happening. It’s like someone let the world out of the closet, very disheartening.

This blog entry of suggestions for a better group study is so pertinent. Thank you for posting this.

Thank you for these guidelines. This will be my second year in BSF, and I feel like I have a better understanding of how to be an active listener and participant.

Looking for a mens group in Niceville Florida. Can you tell me if there’s one?

Dear Rebecca – If you go to mybsf.org and click “need technical help” in the bottom right corner, you can create a member support request. Our member support team will be happy to help!

The ‘5 tips’ are very appropriate when we approach a new study time and new groups. Small groups can be very helpful but cannot be dominated by one or two – must be comfortable for all to share personal issues and feelings.

I am going to enter my fourth year with BSF, my last year I finally lifted the veil that held me back I always worried that my answers were wrong. I was very intimedated by the ladies that seemed to know the answers. Then it happened I just opened my heart to our Lord and let myself join in more while discussing the lessons and I am really looking forward to studying John.

Up through the previous study, there was a pdf document on mybsf for download named, “Maximizing BSF Discussion Groups”. I just searched for it in the Resources and it’s no longer there. It has great bullet points on, Best Practices (during group), Pitfalls to Avoid (during group), and Preparing for Discussion. For years, they were read by the group leader on the first day and every member given a printed copy. When they stopped handing them out, discussion time oftentimes included tangents barely connected to the question, issues with confidentiality, and the big one, using commentaries.

Why has it been removed?

Dear JDI – If you go to mybsf.org and click “need technical help” in the bottom right corner, you can create a member support request. Our member support team will be happy to help!

Hi Bennet – – I’ve had the digital file for many years and a print version for more than 30. That particular handout and the emphasis of the points following personal introductions on the first day of class had always been done because they’re so important. I think it’s a valuable tool for all. If it’s in the physical book, great. If not, it really should be there because it really expounds on not just the 4 points of this blog but adds several more key points that bring personal study and group time parameters which increase growth and value to both. If it’s been removed from myBSF, it should be restored, in my opinion.

Thank you for the feedback! I’ll work on locating this and let our curriculum team know. It is likely in the Resource Library but we can definitely link to it from the blog. GREAT idea!

Thank you so much for these tips and ways to spur me on! I always have room to grow. Sometimes, just the reminder is helpful.

Preferring BSF questions strictly focus on the passage/the Bible and personal application questions reserved for socials or personal consideration; not during the group discussion/learning time.

I prefer to stay on topic and not get personally involved with politics because it’s such an explosive subject now.

The suggestions were extremely helpful. Some of the group members do get off topic sometimes and it takes away from the focus of the questions, etc

I agree with Fay! We should stay on our study and not get distracted

Great steps for BSF and for life in general loved all the scriptures. Feel so blessed by our group and the support given to us by BSF. May God continue to bless this wonderful ministry

I love BSF and feel so blessed to have found one near me. I have grown so much with the help of these studies in the last 8 years. Hope you all have a blessed year studying John!

Praying that the Holy Spirit focuses my mind on Jesus and guides my thoughts to what God wants me to learn is always helpful to me. I am not usually successful in calming my own mind. I need help from the Holy Spirit in prayer before the meeting.

As a GL for 15 years I found the most insightful group discussions were when the members came with competed lessons. Also as group members pray for the discussion time.

I believe we should also give others an opportunity to share so one or two people are not dominating the discussion

Very good guidelines. I especially appreciate “staying on topic “. When we get off on “rabbit trails” it eats up our time to discuss our scriptures and applications.

Yes, it makes me feel uncomfortable especially if someone says something divisive or gets on a political topic.

This is very helpful to start the new year with a focus on the Lord, and on the women that he’s going to give me. I never feel like I’ve got it together when I come, but I know that the Lord uses me beyond that and I’m so grateful.

These tips were very helpful. Focussing on growth of group not self elevation. Looking forward to the study.

Very useful tips. If everyone follows them it actually makes the job of the Group Leaders very easy.

In the past the whole group did not have access to cell #, emails so it was hard to get close with members of the group. Only the group leader had that info. I feel that at the beginning of year this info should be given out ( possibly birthdays as well) so we can extend beyond our weekly meetings.

I agree with Mary Ann. For those who want to participate and share an email or cell # we should be given the opportunity to do so. I meet on Zoom so it is nearly impossible to get to know group members without this information. Of course it should not be mandatory, but it should be offered.

I agree. When a classmate is sick, we can send a card, call her, or even take treat. We should also commit that we will not share the information and we should have the option to say no to being included in th class list.

I agree with this. I don’t feel like I know even the names of the ppl in my group last year and I usually do. It seemed too impersonal.

Great idea! Handouts work🥰

My group last year set up a group text. This allowed prayer requests to be sent out throughout the week, along with updates and praises. This created another way to stay connected outside of group meetings.

These are excellent tips for group dynamics. For someone who is a leader, how would you navigate discussion within the group when “one” person may seem to dominate the discussion? Thank you.

I would love to hear strategies on this. ❤️

I think everyone has a chance to talk if they want to. We have a lady in our group who is so knowledgeable about scripture and she can talk a lot, but I love listening to her. If you have input speak out. Don’t feel that you can’t. God uses us all.

I tried to set the tone at the first meeting. I requested that everyone extend courtesy to each other, so everyone has an opportunity to share. And, that our time is limited and we have to avoid rabbit trails. Then, it seemed to be expected and excepted when I would have to move them on to next question. All done with a smile. I had an exceptional group.

I tried to set the tone at the first meeting. I requested that everyone extend courtesy to each other, so everyone has an opportunity to share. And, that our time is limited and we have to avoid rabbit trails. Then, it seemed to be expected and accepted when I would have to move them on to next question. All done with a smile. I had an exceptional group.

I love this! Especially writing down your distractions on paper. Not only for myself but for the group members. We can also pray together over those distractions together! Also I love the transparency statement, I have witnessed being transparent will open the door for other group members to share. Sometimes I have felt as though I am subjecting myself to possible judgement. But who cares I have a true love and passion to understand God’s word and how to make it practical in my everyday life. What an awesome honest way to share and encourage each other in their faith and spiritual walk. We all have that common goal. BSF has truly invested in my soul and spiritual walk with Christ! Thank you for the tips!

Tip: Commit to Participate

A Group by definition is a collection of people meeting together for a common goal. If people join a face-2-face group, there is more nonverbal pressure to answer the questions. When participating on Zoom, although most use the camera and can be seen, so many do not participate with answering the questions. That leaves a few with the responsibility to contribute which leads to only a few still answering the question.

Research shows that people will retain 7% of what they Hear & 93% comes from interaction. That means those who show up just to listen are not really learning much. It takes “active participation” (body, mind, spirit) to gain the most from group interactions.

A Commitment to Participate should be expected from all members if they agree to join the Bible Study. There are easy, factual answers that can be found in every lesson.

In an attempt to foster participation, one of my “leaders” asked the group to identify two questions from the lesson in which they felt comfortable to answer. That helped a little.

Excellent response -all must make an effort

Excellent points

I look forward to studying the book of John this year. It’s one of my favourite book in the bible. These tips will definitely help me.

I understand your point about everyone participating and I would like to share my thoughts. This will be my 3rd year in a ZOOM group. I am not close to a person to person group. My girlfriend encouraged me to join a BSF study. I was reluctant, but finally agreed. The only reason I agreed was because I was told I could listen if I didn’t want to talk. After the first session, I was terrified because I wasn’t anywhere close to the knowledge of the women…..their answers to the questions would never have entered my mind. I was amazed at how much I didn’t know. So, feeling guilty that I wasn’t talking, I started asking questions about the questions in the lesson. I became a “devil’s advocate” because I didn’t understand many things that these veteran women had known and understood for a long time. I showed my vulnerability as suggested above. To this day, I’ve gotten more comfortable…..however, I’m still nervous about opening my mouth because I don’t want to appear stupid with my comment or answer to a question…..but I’m grateful that I don’t have to talk if I don’t feel comfortable about it…I’ve had certain days where I’m not prepared….or not feeling well and would just like to listen. I’m sure there are more like me out there….it’s true, contributing is important but for timid people (like myself) listening and learning was helpful when I was a “newbie” to BSF study. PS. My name is Gail as well!

Gail – you are not alone! Praying for your group this year. We are all new the Bible at some point and I know your questions will help those veteran BSFers think about the passage in a new way. Your group leader is your advocate – don’t be afraid to share your concerns with her. She is there for you!

Very helpful. Thank you 🙏🙏

It’s always hard for me, at the beginning of each BSF season, to adjust to being in a new group. I do participate but it’s so so hard! Hoping it will get easier as time goes on. This will be my 7th year!

Thankyou for these insightful suggestions that will help all of us get more out of our meetings. Looking forward to my first time doing this online!

This is so helpful! I’m going to post it on my mirror so I can see the reminder often. Thanks a ton!!

Thanks for the good advice and biblical references. I learn something new every day!

I cannot count the times , during our discussions, I have come across verses I have forgotten or didn’t understand. It reminds me to continue praying for wisdom of God’s word.

This was very helpful! I’m mostly concerned about distractions since I’m going through a stressful season of life. I will use the tip to write down any distractions before I go to group. Please pray for me in this area

Wow! I read all the comments thus far and Thank God a friend brought me to BSF. Although I attended Mass every Sunday, soon came to realize I did NOT have a personal relationship with God & BSF, through the Holy Spirit changed all that. I love the vulnerable, busy, apprehensive ladies being so open and their sisters in Christ lifting them up. When I came I didn’t know how to find the Scripture to answer the question. Knew nothing about the Bible. My leader had the patience of a Saint and prayed with me over the phone, led me step by step, and just stayed with me; and my life has changed completely. Thanks be to God. Hang in there ladies there is power in these groups. God’s magnificent and unimaginable power. Great tips, thanks for the article and the comments.

Toni this is so encouraging! Praising God for how He has used BSF and an encouraging leader to grow your faith! What a Mighty God we serve! I too have been so blessed by BSF over the years! My relationship with the Lord has grown through studying His word as well! Thanks for sharing your journey!

Thanks for sharing that, Toni. It has been my privilege to be a BSF leader for many years, and you are the kind of woman that we love to hear about! I praise God for the way He is inspiring you to grow in your walk with Him through His Word, His persistent love, and the devoted people He is placing in your life! Keep growing and please keep sharing your excitement—it inspires us all!

Toni, thank you for sharing your journey in growing your relationship with God! I have been a BSF leader for many years and love praying for people just like you to walk through the door each year! We are all growing in Christ, and the more we give of ourselves to Him, the more He gives us of Himself! Keep up the good work—your enthusiasm is contagious to us all!

Should I stay in contact with previous group members?

yes definately 100%. That’s how you make true friends.

Yes! I met some of my best friends in BSF groups. There is something very special about having the Bible at the center of a friendship.

Why not? If both of you have made a connection, and both of you want to. Just remember, each new year brings a new class together (with maybe a few same people) with chance to make new connections, learn from and interact with new faces and personalities.

Thank you for the tips. They will are very helpful.

My first TL taught us to thank each person at the end of their comment. “Thanks Joe” and no more. Joe now feels heard and appreciated. He knows he has a “place” in the group. Let the group add or piggyback to his comment. If *I* add to his comment I just made their follow up comments unnecessary. Basic psychology: The person who talks the most likes the person who listens the most. (High school cheerleaders learn this – get the big football player to talk and he will fall for her!) My pet peeve was a former GL who would “fix” or “re-route” my comments. Excited to kick off year 18 in BSF!

Thank you for the great tips!

These 5 tips are certainly enriching and encouraging and I’m excited to begin the study of “The Gospel of John”.

The BSF group discussion model has taught me how to facilitate group discussion for church life groups and ladies home bible studies. These ideas have been proven to build very beneficial groups. Thank you BSF

Great to get these tips and to have some rules!

Great tips and reminders. I actually wrote them down so that I can review them often.

So thankful for the tip about letting go of things weighing me down before class! Writing down the issues will likely make a difference and help me to pray and get ready for the evening’s meeting! Excited to begin the study of John!

Let others join in the discussion. It is good to see what God is doing in discussion member’s life.

I found all the members wanted to do was debate Bible facts to show who knew more than others. Every time I tried to aim discussion towards how can we apply what we are leaning to our current lives, everyone just stated at me & would not say a word. I gave up!

Never give up, Kathryn. God is able to do the impossible, so we should not lose hope. Keep formulating questions on what they can learn about God from what they are saying. I am praying that God will make a breakthrough for you this year. God does not ask you to be successful, only faithful.

Nooo! So sorry to hear that!! I’ve never been in a group like that! Occasionally there may be a person who thinks they’ve got it all figured out, but mostly we’re all growing and learning from each other through our study and through our questions. Please don’t give up – bible study is about what God has for you, read, pray, meditate and listen for His voice within it.

I agree to commit to the suggestions for better discussions.

Such encouragement for all leaders but especially a NEW leader. It provides help to overcome the feeling of inadequacy. We are not going to change hearts until we submit to Him as a vessel for His Kingdom.

Thank you for your 5 – Step insights to a healthy small group discussion time. While all are true, I especially like step 1, clearing the mind from anxieties by writing them out and a heartfelt prayer will go a long way to preparing to share and receive from each other.

These tips are so valuable. I love #2, “Remove Distractions”. It will surely make for better class interaction and flow, which will foster #4 “Stay on Topic”. Thanks

This is very helpful as so go into my first year as an OGL the succinct points will be used! Thank you

This is such an excellent blog. Thank you! My question is, “How does a group handle a leader who seems to want no discussion, and is just interested in assuring there is an answer to every question?” It seems it is not a discussion when the leader is overly concerned about getting through all the questions.

Hello, I joined BSF in 2009. I enjoyed the rules of engagement and it made interactions easier. I also took on greater responsibilities by becoming an usher, then a discussion group leader. I loved preparing for lessons and interacting with the other leaders. We also had outside fellowship periods by meeting in different homes in our communities. So much has changed that it seems that anything goes such as you do not have to do the lessons in order to participate in the group discussions. How can you stay on topic when the floor is open to any and all comments – including the movies and popular books. We were also encouraged to let others speak. Frequently one or two people dominate the discussions. I feel that this may have led to many people dropping out of the group – they never had a chance to speak. Maybe we can find some middle ground.

It might help the group if, should you have a question when preparing for group discussion, you do some research on it. The additional information, especially if it includes Bible references, may prove invaluable.

Our group of men meets via Zoom throughout the study year. At the end of last year, we decided to meet in person this summer over a meal and get to know one another better in person. This Next Monday will be our third supper time together this year. We are looking forward to starting the study of John’s Gospel together. We are thankful for our leader who comes prepared with questions and keeps us involved in discussions.

I loved the scripture references. Something to hold onto for future use.

Very good tips. Thank you

These are great tips. Looking forward to start the 2023-24 BSF year.

BSF Bible study foremost and 1st priority. Fellowship can and will happen without being coerced or uncomfortable.

I think by doing #1 and #2 – the remaining 3 steps will follow! Consider starting with writing down your own “distractions” on a piece of paper and putting them in a “wait basket”. (this could be a basket you bring every week & set in the middle of the group) Demonstrating your own vulnerability may encourage your group to do the same. These are distractions that can interfere with staying “on topic” and “being present” during discussion. These “wait basket” items may be things that become part of the group prayer list (or only the GL prayer list) – which will help build community within the group. All of which will contribute toward growth when they see how God responds or at least be an example to those who will remember this NEXT year in BSF!

I love that idea of the “wait basket”. Cute! Thanks for sharing, brother Jeri!

Really helpful!

These are helpful tips. It is good to have these tips in mind before starting in September. Thank you!

Very inspiring Thank you

Thank you so very much for sharing this! They really help me focus and prepare to begin the new study. I am so looking forward to meeting our new group! Thank you! And blessings, for all you do.

I have always thought that some of the questions we are given go to a personal depth that are appropriate for a close friend. However often in the group those relationships have not been solidified . So it seems to me that this is a forced technique which for the most part turns me off totally. I do not mind being vulnerable and at my age I have nothing to hide. However this has always bothered me about some questions.

Jim, that is completely understandable. Relationships and trust in a group can take time. Some are more willing to share personal details than others – and that is ok. I loved Todd Wethall’s blog post about how God has placed each of us in our groups for a reason! We will be praying for your group this year!

Jim, I appreciate those “cringe” questions because they force extra thought (Or the guys just skip over it!) But you and I know men are the worst about opening up! They love to deflect with “I just need to pray more” or something generic. But at least that question was put in front of them. Sometimes it gets wheels turning. My wife is a GL and frequently comments how they got stuck on those questions with tons of tears. When we hit one of THOSE questions I recite my frequent disclaimer “What’s said in BSF stays in BSF. We don’t need all the details, let’s just talk ABOUT it.”

Thanks for sharing this. You have expressed what I sometimes feel. In which case I normally choose not to share those aspects I feel are too personal.

Using the Lord’s word brings me comfort when I share current thoughts that match today’s challenges . Not for controversy but to grow inn His word and direction

The group facilitator/leader must make sure a person doesn’t manipulate the conversation. Especially on a “personal” application question. The leader can call the person after class and in love let them know that everyone needs a chance to participate in answering the questions…especially in questions where its asking you about how you feel or how you handle a situation. Those questions with personal application. Also, if this person has told the answer before about a situation in their life or circumstance it doesn’t need repeating again, referred to briefly would do.

Thank you so much for putting this out there just in time for the start of BSF!! I love the bible verses that were included and plan to share these in my class. My favorite is Hebrews 10:24-25 Spur each other on and encourage one another. AMEN!

Thanks so much for your words of encouragement! Looking forward to a delightful year studying the unadulterated word of God! Blessings💕 Sandra Roquemore

I joined BSF near the end of last year. I have since moved to another area, there’s no group near where I live now. How do I get my book for this year and how do I sign up for on-line/zoom discussion?

Please and thank you very much.

Dear Elizabeth – If you go to mybsf.org and click “need technical help” in the bottom right corner, you can create a member support request. Our member support team will be happy to help!

I tell my group if they need to pray I will pray with them after class. Some times we have four Or five ladies to stay after to pray and praise God The pastor lets us stay .

I loved the suggestion to clear the mind by writing everything down on paper.

Very helpful tips. Thank you💓

Staying on track and giving everyone a chance to speak is so helpful for the group!

Amazing tips.

Very helpful tips reminding me to keep on topic and not get sidetracked and miss out on what our Matchless Lord Jesus wants me to learn

I will definitely try to connect and to get to know some members of the group…Thanks for the tips.

Thanks a lots for the tips. What I liked most was – to be intentional & vulnerable to build a strong bond in the group.

Thank you for this help. I am starting my third year in BSF study. The first year was terribly hard. I wanted to learn how to read the bible and understand. BSF is wonderful. There were many times I read the scripture, the study guide, the resource guides and on my own more. Then I would albeit timidly share my responses on the study and would be blown away how I didn’t read or see the same as fellow members of my group. I love that I learned from them. Sharing is very hard; especially when you know you don’t have the confidence of say someone in your group that has been participating in BSF for years and years. The first year I tried hard to fit in. There was a circle of chairs and one week another lady and i walked in together and no one budged, or moved over to make room for two more chairs. Finally a lady said, let’s move over a bit and make room. LOL. Well we are all different and the same. I made it through first year and I was hooked. I find the the quiet time with God and reading the bible is my every my morning time. The second year I talked my daughter into going to BSF with me. She is a believer, like me, who just fell through the cracks and didn’t know exactly where to start reading the bible. She spoke with a pure heart and after the first meeting and introduction she said, “I want to learn and hear everything you say.” As a mom I admittedly felt like a failure. Why haven’t I dug deeper in the Word and prayed openly with my family. I know we are good people but we were not living in Christ. The group we were assigned to last year was wonderful. My Leader for open and her heart was for everyone around our group. There was many differences in all of us yet we all shared openly. This is BSF. So now the third year is coming up. We already have a couple that need a different day and time to attend. I am anxious and excited to start up again, praying God brings us a group together like last year’s. These tips for a good group discussion is very helpful. No one has really given me any rules for the year. Last year one lady commented that in the early years of BSF if you missed a certain number of meetings you were out. I never once felt that way this year or saw that. We met in the evenings and there were winter bad weather days that made it difficult to drive and they just couldn’t make it. There is the online lecture following each week that was very helpful. When our studies ended in May all I could think of was, I don’t want to lose contact with any of these ladies. But if work and family and events overcome that I know that our time in this study and supporting each other in prayers kept me coming back. Looking for to the study this year!

Vicky – thank you for sharing! Praying for your group this year – so grateful for the way God works through His Word. Encouraged by your heart for the Lord!

Thank you for the tips. I agree to be intentional and vulnerable to the group since we are all seekers of the word to build us stronger and deeper..

This is truly helpful to me personally towards my growth and knowledge of being intentional Bible study scholar Sharing time with each one in my group so I can get to know them is great Hebrew 10:24-25

Many many many years ago in our BSF circle, we were encouraged to write down a prayer request and exchange with the neighbor sitting next to us. We were also encouraged to sit in different places each week so we would get to know each other better. Another method is to use a specific question and have a partner share – when you pair off and share with each other. This also helps to get to know one another and is less intimidating than speaking out in the whole group.

Very practical tips. Thanks

Someone was not happy that a few GM do not prepare but only come to listen. How to respond to such complaints?

Hi Sally! That’s a great question. While we always want to encourage participation and have everyone dive into the John study, it is good to have compassion for those that may feel overwhelmed by the study or by life. Perhaps they are seekers or new believers that have never ready the Bible and need to listen to understand. Or maybe they have circumstances that prevent them from being able to do the study for now. This might be a good time to reach out to your leader for advice as you seek to understand how to encourage this person in your group.

Very helpful tips, thank you!!

Hi Sally, I was new to Bible study and came unprepared for at least a year. I absolutely could not understand how we could read the same chapter and my group members found such rich answers to the questions. I would write their answers in red ink on my homework. I thank God my group leader was so patient with me. Listening to their answers led me to the realization that I was NOT saved and thus veiled. Once the Holy Spirit moved in, the answers came..slowly but surely. Now as a group leader I encourage new BSF members by saying ” Do not,not come to group because you have not finished your homework. This is a buffet where we dine on Gods’ Word. It is Please come and be fed” I show my red ink filled pages from my start in BSF to encourage new group members. I hope this personal insight helps.

This is a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing . BSF should be a safe place to come, wherever one is coming from.

Sally, Not everyone is at the same level. And some have very limited time. I remember as a newbie scratching answering on my paper in the parking lot 2 minutes before start. I believe God sent them and it’s MY job to honor Him by getting the scripture “out in the air”. It’s the Holy Spirit’s job to embed it in their hearts. Personally I learn better by HEARING than by READING.

Just love ’em.

Thank you for sharing this information. I have been feeling very nervous about attending a new group for BSF and even thinking of changing and going online. After reading the blog I know I need to trust God and be more vulnerable

In-person Fellowship is so important! I pray that you go in-person and that your discussion group is all that God has for you! Don’t be nervous … just enjoy knowing that God placed you specifically with the ladies that He wanted you to be with. It is going to be an amazing year! Enjoy!

Timely information.

Thank you BSF for these useful pointers to help steward my role as a GL! Much appreciated!

Very useful tips . Thank you

Am I able to apply the same 5 principles if the group consists of men & women?

What other points I should observe?

For example, in the topic of building a family with unity and harmony, I noted some members have difficulty in authenticating discussion when their respective families are not in such a stage.

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Deeper Christian

Deeper Christian

Christ-Centered Bible Teaching and Resources

Using the 3 Bible Study Questions (Example)

Last week we looked at the 3 questions you must ask every time you do Bible study (Saturation). As a reminder, the reason we use the 3 questions is not to create a legalized format for how to do Bible study, rather, it is an avenue for the Holy Spirit to guide us toward understanding, wisdom, and application of the passage. If you haven’t read through that post , I highly encourage you to do so before reading this one.

3QuestionsBibleStudyExample

So lets take the 3 questions and work through a simple example on how to practically use them in study. Go grab your Bible, open to Philippians 2.5, and lets get started.

Philippians 2.5 : Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus …

As you will hear over and over, context is absolutely critical to Bible study. You can often learn more through the context than from the words within the passage itself. You MUST look at the context – what comes before and after the passage – to truly understand what is going on.

The context for Philippians 2.5 is 2.1-4. If you wanted to keep expanding the context, you’ll notice that the first word in chapter two is “Therefore” which means everything up to that point (chapter one) has been culminating to this conclusion in 2.1-4. But for the sake of time lets look at 2.1-4:

Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

The focus of this passage is all about turning from a focus on yourself to that upon others. Have the same mind, be of one accord, not have any selfish ambition or pride, but rather with humility consider others better than yourself. Don’t look out for your interests, but have a life where you continually look out for the interest of others.

This is a tremendous passage itself (and one day we will do a study on it) but lets simplify the context to a brief idea: as Christians we are to have unity and oneness (same mind) as we live given, poured-out, and selfless – meeting the needs others around us.

1. What does it say? (Observation)

We have briefly looked at context, and now we are going to make observations about Philippians 2.5. Remember, this is often where you spend the majority of your time, so its okay to go slow and really dive into the passage. Here are a few basic observations I made on the text:

  • The emphasis on the passage is on having a “mind”
  • This mind is also translated “attitude” in some translations
  • The “mind” we are to have is the same “mind” Jesus had
  • “Let this” suggests that it is a possibility … I have a choice as to whether or not I want it
  • “This mind” – again it is not any mind but a very specific type/kind (that which Jesus had)
  • “Be in you” – obviously this has to do with something inside my life, not an external thing I put on my shelf and look at
  • Question: what does Paul mean when he says “mind/attitude”?
  • Question: how do I get this mind of Christ?
  • Question: what would a life look like once they had the mind of Christ?

By going to an online resource like BlueLetterBible , you can type in the passage and by clicking on the “C” to the left of the passage, open up the Greek Lexicon and gain a few more observations:

  • The word “mind” is the Greek word “phroneo”
  • The tense of the word is: Present, Imperative, Passive

— Present : happening right now —  Imperative : it’s a command —   Passive : the subject receives the action of the verb; the subject is not responsible for the action           * Active: “The boy hit the ball” – boy is responsible for hitting the ball            * Passive: “The ball hit the boy” – the boy received the action of the ball

  • The word “phroneo” has the idea of mind, attitude, focus, life’s orientation – in other words, not merely how you think, what you feel, etc but rather the entirety of who you are, what your whole life is orientated toward, the focus
  • The word “phroneo” is the same word used twice in Philippians 2.2: “fulfill my joy by being like- phroneo , having the same love, being of one accord, of one phroneo “

2. What does it mean? (Interpretation)

When you step back and think through the observations and its context, you begin to see what Paul was trying to say to those in Philippi.

Christians are to have the same phroneo – which doesn’t mean they all like the same kind of pizza or wear their hair the same way – but they do have the same focus, attitude, mindset, and life orientation. Moreover, the specific phroneo Christians are to have is to the exact phroneo of Christ Jesus. It is His focus, attitude, mindset, and orientation they are to have every moment of every day. And the passage is emphasizing the fact that they can’t produce this mindset! It is in the passive, which means that they receive the mind of Christ, they don’t earn or strive after it.

The description of Jesus’ phroneo is found in Philippians 2.6-8 (context) and focuses on His humility, obedience, servant-hearted nature, rollup your sleeves and pour your life out attitude. This seems to be a similar concept to what Paul wrote the Christians in 2.1-4 about how the attitude/mind they are to have is one of never think about yourself but rather pour your life out, consider others better than yourself, continually look out for each other’s interests.

To shrink it down into one phrase : What was going on in the life of Jesus (His mind, attitude, focus, orientation) is to be going on within the life of a Christian – they cannot produce or earn it, but when they embrace Jesus, they can’t help but be filled with His phroneo … which is demonstrated in a life that is not focused on themselves but is continually rolling up their sleeves to bleed, suffer, die, and meet the needs of the world around them.

3. What does it change? (Application)

Okay, lets make it personal. If I take the concept and apply it to my life, I could read it as this:

Do I have the phroneo of Christ? Is what was going on in the life of Jesus – never-ever think about yourself but constantly pour your life out for the world – going on in me? Have I embraced Jesus to the point where His Spirit has so captured me that my heart beats with His passion, my mind is filled with His thoughts, my attitude is replaced with His, my focus has become Jesus and now I see the world with His eyes and I can’t help myself but allow Him to spill and spend my life for others?

Or am I self-focused? Do I guard and protect my rights and possessions? Do I struggle with giving my life, time, and money away to others? Where does the majority of my focus go throughout the day – on me or others? If I allowed someone to have full access to my life: peaking into my checkbook, how I spend my “downtime,” the focus of my inner thoughts … would they see a life obsessed with Jesus, wanting Him to use my life as a vessel to pour out His love and life through?

If I find I don’t have His phroneo, would I be willing to surrender, repent, and embrace Jesus? I can’t strive for or earn His phroneo, I must receive it.

——————

While we went rather quickly through the three questions , I encourage you to find a passage and begin working your way through it. Make observations, ask questions, seek to go deeper than a mere read-through. Allow the Spirit to reveal Himself to you, and I promise, it will radically change your life.

Question: What questions about Saturation Bible Study arise as you work through the 3 questions?   Ask them in the comments below. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, deeperChristian will receive an affiliate commission (with no additional cost to you). It is a great way to support the work and ministry of deeperChristian. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we use personally and believe will add value to our readers. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Do Not Depart

Encouragement and Tools to Abide in God's Word

Simple 3-Question Bible Study Method

June 21, 2012 by Heather 9 Comments

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Welcome back to Do Not Depart! If you haven't already, subscribe to the Do Not Depart RSS feed or email updates to receive regular encouragement and tools to abide in God's Word. This post may include affiliate links. To read our full disclosure policy, click here. Thank you for supporting this site!

Engaging His Word

When I read a portion of Scripture, unless I actively engage myself in the reading, I walk away unchanged.  Mindlessly reading His Word without seeking truth to apply to my life and to encourage others is foolish. Like studying myself in the mirror and forgetting what I look like…

  But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.    For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. – James 1:22-24

In order to study and apply Scripture to my life, I need a systematic approach . A Bible Study method with enough freedom to allow the Holy Spirit to speak to me through His Word.

Many years ago I attended an AnGeL conference by Anne Graham Lotz (Billy Graham’s daughter). She introduced a simple but engaging way to study Scripture, the 3-Question Study Method.

I contacted the wonderful staff at AnGeL ministries to get permission to share her approach with the readers of Do Not Depart. They welcomed the opportunity.

The 3-Question Method

Each week one chapter of the Bible is studied. The chapter is divided into five sections with about 5-7 verses targeted each day. For each verse do the following:

  • Read God’s Word
  • List the facts (What does God’s Word say?)
  • Learn the lessons (What does God’s Word mean?)

Let’s do try this method together:

1. Read Galatians 1:3-4:

 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,

2. What does God’s Word say? (facts):

  • Verse 3- Grace & peace to you from God our Father;
  • Verse 4- Jesus gave himself for our sins, to keep us from evil, according to God’s will

 3. What does it mean? (lessons):

  • Verse 3- True grace and peace comes from above, not from men
  • Verse 4- We need to be rescued from sin. Jesus rescued us according to God’s will.

 4. What does it mean for me? (listen):

  • Verse 3- Do I seek grace and peace from people or from God?
  • Verse 4- Am I aware of my need to be rescued? Do I realize that only Jesus, who gave His life for me, can be my Rescuer?

Typically I would read the entire passage (usually 5 to 7 verses). Then answer all 3 questions for the first verse. I would continue answering the 3 questions with each subsequent verse.

My favorite aspect of this method is its use with  any portion of Scripture, anywhere I am  (home, work, vacation, etc.). All you need is a Bible, paper, pen and the Holy Spirit.

On the AnGeL Ministries website you can find wonderful free resources, including an overview of the Bible Study method ( Learning to Hear His Voice: A Journey to Jesus ) with a video introduction. You can download a 10-week study (Journey to Jesus) to learn the 3-Question method.  She offers several other free Bible studies using this method ( Acts, Ephesians, 1 & 2 Peter, John ).

Have you used an inductive study method like the 3-Question approach? 

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June 21, 2012 at 3:58 pm

“Do I seek grace and peace from people or from God?” I know this line wasn’t the focus of your post (which I did really like) but man it was convicting. Thanks.

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June 22, 2012 at 11:33 pm

That’s what I love about this approach. Truth God brings forward when we take the time to really engage His Word. Thankful it was helpful to you.

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June 22, 2012 at 9:54 pm

Fun method to study. I love the simplicity of it!

June 22, 2012 at 11:34 pm

Thanks Katie. It was my “go to” for my early years of marriage. Just one tool in the “tool box”.

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June 24, 2012 at 7:14 am

I love this approach and am going to start using it today to study through the book of John! Thank you for sharing!

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July 6, 2013 at 6:36 pm

Do I seek grace and peace from people or from god

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September 4, 2013 at 8:58 am

It Is Nice!!!

[…] (What does God’s Word mean?); Listen to His voice (What does God’s Word mean to me?).  I found this blog that gives a great example of how it works if you are interested.  Anyway, it was just such an […]

[…] from GodCenteredMom.com uses a 3 question approach: “What does God’s Word say? What does God’s Word mean? What does God’s Word […]

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Bible Study Methods: Homiletics

“If you can’t explain it to a six-year old, you don’t understand it yourself.” - Albert Einstein

In college I took several Bible classes. I loved each one but I wonder how much I really learned because, like the saying goes, I could rarely take what I learned and explain it simply.  It wasn’t until I starting attending Bible Study Fellowship that I learned to whittle a section of scripture down to its facts, themes, and applications in a way that made it possible to explain to others.  BSF’s founder, Ms. Wetherell Johnson , used Homiletics while she served on the mission field in China.  In the 50s, she taught it to the very first BSF members in a living room in Southern California and it continues to be taught as part of the BSF curriculum around the world today. In my opinion, that makes Homiletics a classic method of Bible study — one that is still relevant and useful today.

What is Homiletics?

Homiletics is a fancy word that means “the art of preaching.”  To study the Bible using Homiletics means to break down a passage to learn the specific facts, themes, truths, and applications such that, by the time you finish you could teach it.  This is an excellent way to study!

There are specific steps to Homiletics and none can be skipped.  If you are a structured learner, you will love this.  If you learn best in a more organic way, you may not like it but it is still worth learning.  There are many benefits to doing Homiletics, the most important being that you will learn directly from the Word of God.  No preachers, teachers, commentaries or extra-biblical resources are needed.

Pros to Homiletics:

Can be used to study large and small scripture passages

The Bible and the Holy Spirit (and paper and pen) are the only necessary resources

Applications are specific to your current life

Cons to Homiletics:

Highly structured — steps cannot be skipped

Uses summarization skills (This can be a stumbling block for some people, especially students.  I will give you tips to make this easier.)

In this article, I will outline the specific steps to Homiletics, then I will show you how I used them to study Mark 4:35-41.

Making A Homiletical Outline

Think of these steps as a hourglass.  Starting at the top, you look wide for facts, lots of facts.  As you go further, you narrow your focus on the facts until at the most narrow point of the hourglass, you can make one summary sentence that encompasses the entire passage.  Then, you begin to look wider, broader.  What do those facts teach you about God, man, sin and the world?  How does the passage display a universal truth? (There can be more than one.)  Finally, at the widest part of the hourglass, you search out applications to your life today, which may be one or many.

bsf 3 question method

As with all Bible study methods, begin with prayer.  Ask the Holy Spirit to illumine the Word and guide you in understanding.  That is a prayer he delights to answer (John 16:12-15).

Content List:

Using only facts and words from the passage, restate the passage in 10 roughly equal segments.   Sentences are not necessary. Words aren’t necessary if a symbol will do.  (Below, you’ll find a list of common symbols you can use.)  This section is just for you so it doesn’t need to follow grammar rules or make sense to someone else. The more you can boil down the verses into small pieces, the better your mind can comprehend and contain it.

Tip: Think of the WWWWH questions:

Who is in the verse(s)?

What is happening?

When is it happening?

Where is it happening?

Why is it happening? (Only answer the “why” if it is explicitly stated in the verse.  Don’t jump to conclusions yet.)

How is it happening?

Split the Content List into 3-5 divisions, aiming for less.   Review your Content List and notice where there are natural splits in the narrative. If you don’t see natural divisions, look at the way your Bible has divided the verses.  Are there paragraph breaks?  Headers?  Chapter breaks?  Notice those and see if a division in your Content List might make sense in the same places.  Make one summarizing sentence for each division, and include the beginning and ending verses.

Tip: If you struggle to summarize, try it verbally first. Speak the facts of a segment into a sentence and listen to how it sounds. Often times, taking the writing out of this step can help your brain whittle down the passage further. Another helpful tip is to go back to the WWWWH questions and make a sentence out of the facts. Finally, if those don’t work for you, imagine you are a journalist trying to describe the scene in a newspaper article. How would you describe it?

Subject Sentence:

This is the narrowest part of the hourglass.  Write one summary sentence with a max of 10 words.

You are probably thinking, How ? Take a breath—I’ll show you how.

Look at your Divisions and ask yourself: At its essence, what is this passage about?  Stay with the facts!  We’re not ready yet to draw conclusions or connections with other scripture passages.  It doesn’t have to be pretty, or even grammatically correct.  Also, numbers as symbols don’t count as part of the 10 words.

My Subject Sentences often start with the name of the main character, God, or Satan/sin.  Those are the main actors in every scripture passage.  If you struggle in this step, go back to your Content List and find repeated words.  Underline or highlight them.  See if those words help clarify what the passage is about.  Can you use those words in your Subject Sentence?  If so, you are on the right track. 

Tip: Once you’ve written your sentence, read it out loud and ask yourself (or someone else) if they can spot where the passage is located in the Bible.  A rough guess is fine.  If you can’t, then your Subject Sentence isn’t specific enough.  Try again. For example, where do you think this passage can be found?

Paul urges Christians to hang on in hard times.

Not sure?  That’s because it’s vague.  Paul makes this argument several times and in several ways in all of his letters.  How about this sentence?

Paul urges Corinthian believers to endure affliction for Jesus’s sake.

We’re you able to at least guess that this is from First or Second Corinthians?  That’s a really good start.  It’s from 2 Corinthians 4 and you probably could have gotten there eventually by the use of the word “affliction.”

Now, like the hourglass, we can begin to move outward. We will go beyond the facts and widen our understanding.  Remember, Homiletics is the art of preaching, so, write one sentence that might begin with “My aim is to cause the audience to …” (If you don’t plan to teach this passage, consider yourself the audience.) You may want your audience to learn something that’s true.  You may want them to see something in a new way.  You may want them to be reassured of a truth they already know.  This isn’t the time to be concerned with taking action, although that may be an aim.  This is the time to focus on learning a timeless truth that applies to life.  I often write two or three aims before I get to what I really want to learn/teach/believe. 

At this point, we need to discover what timeless truth is being taught in this passage.  A timeless truth is something that is true in all ways for all time.   Here are some questions I ask myself to find the timeless truth:

What is true about God in this passage?

What is true about man in this passage?

What is true about sin in this passage?

You may come up with a few truths.  That’s ok.  One of them will standout to you and that’s the truth you will teach to yourself, or to those little munchkins at Sunday school, or to a group of teenagers, or to a small group of adults, or even to an auditorium filled with adults on retreat.  

Applications:

Finally, action.  Looking at your aim and ask yourself: What action might God be asking you to take based on that timeless truth? Write it out as a question. Don’t make it a question that can be answered with a yes or no. Those are too easy to ignore. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we want to do heart work here. Try to use the SMART model for your applications:

Specific - Use specific words like names, places, and days of the week.

Measurable - How will you know if you’ve progressed in this application?

Achievable - Choose an application that can actually be done.  You might think of a goal like, “I will share the gospel with ten people each day.”  That goal may not be achievable if you don’t interact with ten people every day of the week.  Instead, try, “I will look for an opportunity to share the gospel once this week.”  Whether it’s in line at the grocery store or in a text with a long-distance friend, the likelihood of having at least one opportunity in a week is actually possible.

Relevant - Looking again at the first application above, “I will share the gospel with ten people each day,” ask yourself: Is sharing the gospel relevant to the Aim of this passage?  If not, find a new application that is relevant.

Time-bound - Make your application set for the near future.  When we are specific about the action and the timeframe, it is much easier to see when, where, and how God helped us.  Again, in the above example, sharing the gospel with one person is vague and open-ended.  But sharing the gospel with one person this week is time-bound.  By the end of the week, you can look back and evaluate the opportunities that came and went and how you handled each one.

Example of a Homiletical Outline

Now, let me show you my Homiletical outline for Mark 4:35-42.

bsf 3 question method

My Content List and Divisions. Notice the eraser marks. I use pencil because Homiletics is a work in progress. In the Content List, I start by numbering each line 1-10. I force myself to use only one line per segment. It becomes more challenging in a much larger passage… a good challenge. Notice also that I list the verse number on each line. In a larger passage, those would be several verses per line. Also notice the circles around words that I wanted to be sure I used in the Divisions or at least focus on in the Aim.

bsf 3 question method

My Subject Sentence. I went back to the Content List and underlined key words I wanted to repeat in the SS.

bsf 3 question method

My Aim. “TCTA” is my shorthand for “To cause the audience to…” Notice, I wrote three Aims. I like #2 and #3 but I would probably wait until I had my Applications written before I chose which Aim I wanted to use to teach this passage.

bsf 3 question method

My Applications. In the end, what meant the most to me in this passage was that Jesus was with the Disciples. So, if I taught this passage today, I would choose Aim #2 and I’d probably write more Application questions for each Division to focus on the nearness of God in our storms.

FAQ about Homiletics

Q: How do I choose a passage of scripture?  Where do I start and stop?

A: You have options. One way is to choose one chapter of a book of the Bible at a time.

Another way… if your pastor is preaching through a book of the Bible, you can do your own homiletics on the passage that is coming up on the next Sunday or the passage he just preached on last Sunday.

If you are reading through a Bible reading plan, take the first verse of the week and the last verse of the week and make that your homiletics passage.

Some Bible teachers make plans with ready-made passage breaks.  I like Anne Graham Lotz’s plans.  

Q: What are some common symbols to use in the Content List?

A: Here are just a few. You can get creative here.

Omega = God

Cross = Jesus

Arrow = went to /goes to / traveled to / spoke to

Colon = said

Sun = sun, day/dayime

Moon (like a crescent) = night/evening

Q: Do you do Homiletics every day?

A: No.  When I teach a passage of scripture, I study the verses daily in a variety of ways, a few verses each day. Next, I do Homiletics, then read one or more commentaries to fill in my understanding, and finally write my talk using my Homiletical outline as the outline for my talk.

Homiletics Lite

A simplified version of Homiletics involves asking 3 questions, thus it is called “The 3-Question Method.” (See Anne Graham Lotz again.) I like to call this “Homiletics Lite” and it works very well when I’m teaching teens or people who have not read through and studied the passage before I teach it.  As we walk through the passage together verbally, the study becomes less academic and more conversational — something magical happens and the Word becomes alive.  Some of my most favorite Bible study moments happened while leading high schoolers through a 3-Question Method conversation.  When one of them had an “ah-hah” moment, the stars shone brighter and my heart soared.

Begin with prayer.  Then read the passage out loud so everyone’s on the same page.

Ask: What is this passage about? Who is in the scene(s)? Where is it happening? When? You might pretend to be an investigative journalist looking to report the facts.  “Just the facts, ma’am.”  Or you might pretend to be a reader who got dropped into a story and needs to learn quickly who the main characters are and what they are about.

Ask: What is universally true in this passage?  True for everyone and for all time?  This will probably be something true about God, man, and/or sin.  There may be many universal truths or there may be only one.

Ask: What can I do right now because I learned this truth?  It might be that you need to confess a sin.  Or pray for a new desire that aligns with God’s desires.  It might be speaking to a certain person about a certain thing.  Or perhaps you need to make a decision.  This will be unique to each person and very much Holy Spirit-led.  Write down your personal application action.

I hope you give Homiletics a try. I’m biased, but I truly believe it is the best way to study the Bible and learn what God has for you personally in it.

Have you used the Homiletics method of Bible Study? What are your thoughts on it? Do you have any tips to help a newbie?

More Bible Study Methods

Check out my other articles:

Bible Study Methods: Outlining

Bible Study Methods: Scripture Writing

I created a list of 12 Verses to Help You Endure for when you are in a storm. Let me send it to you today.

Bible Study Methods: Homiletics

Christian Counseling

3 Questions to Ask When Reading the Bible

In this article you will learn 3 questions to ask when reading the Bible . This has recently become one of my favorite ways to read God’s Word. This is a simple Bible study method, but will still take you deeper into God’s Word and His heart. Plus, I’ve created a printable on this 3 questions Bible study and it’s in the resource library. Don’t forget to sign up for yours!

I learned this simple bible study method in my “Bible Study Fellowship” class, but it’s been around for quite a while. Many people use this outline as their daily Bible study questions because it is an uncomplicated and simple method.

3 questions to ask when reading the bible

Benefits of the 3 Questions Bible Study

It’s a simple bible study method..

Whether you’re leading a small group, your family or doing your personal study – this takes the guesswork out of preparation.

The simplicity of this Bible study method opens the door to be still and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart.

In my own life, I lead impromptu Bible studies with my kids often. Right now, we’re working our way through Acts.

If you’re a mom, you know how unpredictable the morning can suddenly become. When that happens, we skip the question by question Bible study (I printed and neatly stapled) and quickly move to plan b. We still get to do the simple Bible study method while eating breakfast or driving to school. The 3 daily questions method works perfectly in a moment’s notice. And it’s great conversation, too.

The daily Bible study questions are conversational.

When we’re hanging out with others (believers or unbelievers) we are not as likely to whip out our Bible and begin going through a passage question by question. Ideally, we would be talking naturally and conversationally about our awesome God and how we see Him working in our lives and in this world.

The 3 question Bible study method trains our brain to discuss a passage or biblical truth and how it applies to our life naturally. Talking about (*gasp*) Jesus can be done in a meaningful way – without it being scripted. This is my favorite benefit of the 3 questions Bible study.

This Bible study takes you deeper.

In these daily Bible study questions, the conversation goes deeper. Whether you are talking with God or in a small group – self reflection always takes the conversation deeper.

Whether I am reflecting on God’s heart in the passage or how to apply His Word to my life – I’m reflecting, thinking, waiting. God always shows up. His Holy Spirit is nudging our heart.

Guess what happens next… this usually becomes my prayer points. Praising and thanking God for who He is and confessing and asking Him to make me more like His Son.

Are you ready to learn the 3 questions to ask when reading the Bible?

Don’t forget you can get a printable outline to the daily Bible study questions.

#1: What is happening in this passage?

This is where you summarize what you’re reading. Tell the story in your own words. Stick to the facts – identify what, who, when and where.

#2: What do you learn about God (or man)?

This is more interpretive. How do you see God’s heart in this passage? What does the passage show you about the character or attributes of God? Or possibly, what does the passage show you about the heart of man?

#3: How can you apply this to your life?

God’s Word is transforming (Romans 12:2). Take a moment and reflect on how this passage applies to you, personally. What are you learning about yourself?

Wrap Up: The Simple Bible Study Method

Getting to know these 3 questions to ask when reading the Bible will take the guess work out of preparing to study. This will also train your brain to be more conversational when sharing Biblical truth with others in a more natural way. Even though this seems so simple…it will still take you deeper into God’s heart.

Just ask these 3 questions: What is happening? What do you learn about God? How can you apply this to your life?

What are your thoughts? Would you add anything? Leave it in the comments and don’t forget to grab a free printable outline of this simple Bible study method!

bible study free printable

16 Comments

bsf 3 question method

This is such a simple method, yet it’s powerful! Every time we study The Word of God our minds are renewed, our bodies are healed, our faith grows! Thank you for sharing this, I will use those 3 questions on my bible study tomorrow. Great Post!

bsf 3 question method

Hi Carolina! Thank you so much for stopping by:) You are so right…renewing our mind, grows our faith.

[…] study. If you would like a printable outline to give you some direction when renewing the mind this post will […]

[…] Renewing your mind is another way of saying, “read the Bible“. Reading the Bible is a powerful way to transform and gain control of your thought life. If you’re not sure where to start, check out the “3 question method bible study”. […]

[…] might like the “3 Question Bible Study Method” (also comes with a […]

[…] 3 Question Bible Study Method […]

bsf 3 question method

There is a mini typo. Whenever you were explaining each question, the last sentence of the last question said “what are you learn about yourself?”. Just wanted to point that out in case you wanted to fix that. But other than that, this was a really good article ?

bsf 3 question method

Bless you and thank you!

Glad you found it helpful, NC!

[…] out “3 Questions to Ask When Reading the Bible” (free printable […]

[…] to help you get started with Bible study. On this site you can download printable soap notes or the 3 question method – both work on any […]

bsf 3 question method

My Pastor gave us 3 questions to use in Bible study 1. What do I see? 2. What does it mean? 3. Why does it matter? I’m going to add these 3 questions. Depending on the passage sometimes 1 group of questions are more applicable than the other. Thanks for sharing. The more I can get out of God’s word the better.

I like the 3 you use! I might have to make another form:) Thanks for sharing, Janice!

bsf 3 question method

I love what you Ofer SunshyneI thank God for you Ellen

bsf 3 question method

Thank you for sharing this, I am going to apply it

Isaiah 7:9 New International Version 9 The head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is only Remaliah’s son. If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.’”

What is happening in this passage?

God through Isaiah is telling his Kids about, Ephraim and Samaria

Man doubts, God truth, Man hears and does not abide in Truth

Trust God only, not my own interpretation(s) or anyone else’s, yet listen to all. But go to God to eventually hear truth over error For if one doubts God, then God will not hold one up

Thanks, that workshop there

[…] 3 Question Method Bible Study (free printable) […]

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bsf 3 question method

How to go to Heaven

How to get right with god.

bsf 3 question method

What is Bible Study Fellowship?

For further study, related articles, subscribe to the, question of the week.

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bsf 3 question method

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Pvillage.org

Informative blog about fresh lifehacks

What is the 3 question method?

We propose a simple and novel 3-question approach to select study designs. The questions are asked in a stepwise manner with answers in ‘yes’ or ‘no’. The responses to each of these questions lead the researcher towards choosing the appropriate study design.

What denomination is Bible Study Fellowship?

international Christian interdenominational Bible Study Fellowship (also known as BSF) is an international Christian interdenominational or parachurch fellowship of lay people offering a system of structured bible study. It was founded in 1959 by Audrey Wetherell Johnson, a British evangelist to China.

Is there a Bible Study Fellowship app?

The BSF app works on Android Phones and Tablets running Android version 5 or greater. Although the BSF App will work on these devices, for optimal performance, use the App on devices made after 2014.

What are good Bible study questions?

5 Important Questions to Ask As You Study the Bible

  • What is the passage saying?
  • What does this passage mean?
  • What does this tell me about God?
  • What does this tell me about people?
  • How should I live my life based on what I have read?

How do you approach reading the Bible?

Simply use the “chunk it up” method. Rather than setting out to read passage after passage simply for the sake of reading the Bible front to back, try reading it in very small bits and pieces. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you and then choose a single verse or two. Read it, then read it again.

What does BSF stand for?

Border Security Force BSF is textspeak and internet slang for best friend. Others, however, may know it as short for Bible Study Fellowship, India’s Border Security Force, the Venezuelan currency the Strong Bolivar, and the German reality TV series Bauer sucht Frau (Farmer Seeks Wife).

What are the methods of studying the Bible?

11 Bible Study Methods (With Examples & Tips)

  • THE SWORD METHOD OF BIBLE STUDY.
  • CHARACTER STUDY.
  • WRITE OUT VERSES FROM THE BIBLE.
  • STUDY A BOOK OF THE BIBLE.
  • READ THROUGH THE BIBLE.
  • TOPICAL/THEMATIC BIBLE STUDY.
  • PRACTICAL STUDY.
  • MEMORIZE SCRIPTURE.

What is a good Bible to read and understand?

For many people, the New Living Translation (NLT) is the easiest version of the Bible to read because it uses normal modern English. It is an accurate thought-for-thought translation of the original languages of the Bible and is widely accepted.

How often do Bible study fellowship groups meet?

What are the Bible Study Fellowship class notes?

Is there an app for group bible study.

How do I contact my Bible Study Fellowship?

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jesus calls matthew a tax collector in matthew 9 www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 3: Matthew 9:9-17

Summary of matthew 9:9-17.

Jesus called Matthew, a tax collector, to follow him. Matthew did. They ate dinner at Matthew’s house with other tax collectors and sinners. This was much frowned upon, and the Pharisees asked why was Jesus doing this. Jesus responded that he has come to heal the sick and the sinners.

John the Baptist’s disciples asked Jesus why he does not fast like they do. He replied that since he is here on earth, everyone should be rejoicing, not fasting. He says you don’t patch up old garments, making the tear worse, nor do you pour new wine into old wineskins.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 2: Matthew 9:9-17

6a) That Matthew immediately gets up and walks away from his career and everything else.

b) First, many are curious about the author of the book, and it’s a great example of what you do when Jesus calls you. It also lends credibility to his words.

7a) The Pharisees asked the disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” This was deeply frowned upon in Jesus’s day; no one of faith mixed with known sinners.

b) Jesus responded that he has come to heal the sick and the sinners. Jesus is here to offer mercy and show God’s love.

c) Matthew 28:19-20 is the great commission: “Go and make disciples of all nations” and teaching them about God and to obey God. John 17:14-19 says how Christians are not of the world and Jesus prays for protection from the evil one and that they (disciples) may be santified as they enter the world, spreading the gospel. 1 Peter 3:13-17 says that you are blessed for doing good and be prepared to tell everyone about Jesus. It is better to suffer doing God’s will than to do evil. Set Christ apart in your heart.

Matthew challenges Christians to go out into the world shining God’s light. To go against the grain for Jesus even if you suffer for it. He says to do good rather than evil. To spread the Good News.

8a) “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?”

b) He replied that since he is here on earth, everyone should be rejoicing, not fasting.

The wedding guests: no one should be mourning while the bridegroom is with them.

The patched garment and wineskins: He says you don’t patch up old garments, making the tear worse, nor do you pour new wine into old wineskins.

Isaiah 43:18-19 talks about doing a new thing and how Jesus is making a new way for the world.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 2: Matthew 9:9-17

Lots to think about in this lesson. We see how to follow Jesus: unequivocally. We see that with Jesus, it’s a new way. And, perhaps most importantly, we see it’s okay to go against the grain to follow Jesus and do things his way, not the world’s.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 2: Matthew 9:9-17

Mark 2:14 reveals that Matthew as also known as Levi the son of Alphaeus. Matthew 10:3   tells us that there was another son of Alphaeus, James, who also was amongst the 12 disciples.

Tax Collectors in Jesus’s Day

Jews despised tax collectors (they aren’t liked now, either) because they collected taxes that then went to the Romans. This job pitted Jews against Jews, as they were seen as traitors. Tax collectors were paid on commission, which lead to many extorting others; whatever they collected over the tax amount, they got to keep. This meant the more they collected, the more they enriched themselves.

Jews considered a tax collector an outcast. They could not be a judge or a witness in a court of law, they could not attend synogogue, and they were most likely outcast by their immediate family, too. The price was high to be a tax collector in the 1st century A.D.

You will see the word “publican” used for tax collector in the King James Version, from the Latin word meaning “public revenue.”

Matthew left a lucrative career to follow Jesus. Out of all the disciples, he may have given up the most. Yet, he penned the first book in the Gospels. How cool!

We see truly how Jesus came for sinners with his calling of Matthew. Odds are, Jesus used this opportunity to reach others who were sinners and needed Christ. This was most likely a large public gathering, not one in a home.

Jesus came for sinners, as seen in this scene. ( Romans 5:8 ). Yet, the Pharisees don’t get it; they avoided sinners like the plague.

Jesus here quotes scripture Hosea 6:6 and essentially tells learned leaders to go back and read God’s word because they just don’t get it. “Go and learn” was a rebuke commonly used by religious leaders at the time to someone who should know better or learn more about what they are speaking about.

Romans 3:10 “There is no one righteous, not even one.” Jesus offers sinners righteousness.

“Why Not Fast?”

The disciples of John the Baptist were very strict on their religious followings. The Pharisees fasted regularly Luke 18:12 ), and Jesus already addressed how they only fasted for show, rather than for faith. (Matthew 6:16).

The day will come where fasting will be appropriate, but while Jesus is here, it’s not. Instead, it’s a time to celebrate.

The wineskins represent how Jesus will not repair the Old Covenant, but instead he’ll bring a new one. New wine into new wineskins means his new church will form a new body of Christ.( Ephesians 2:16 ).

There is no patch to the Old Testament; only new. Sometimes the old cannot be renewed.

Jesus as the bridegroom is another claim Jesus makes as God. In the Old Testament, God was the bridegroom and His people the bride. Here, Jesus is saying he is God with this analogy.

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COMMENTS

  1. PDF 3 Question Bible Study Directions

    Put the lessons you found in Question 2 into the form of a question that you would ask yourself or your child, spouse, parent, neighbor, co-worker, friend or church member. As you write out the questions, listen for God to communicate to you through His Word. Don't rush. Take the time to prayerfully meditate and discover what God is saying to ...

  2. BSF News: Discussion Group Options

    1. Options that use the BSF questions 2. Options that use the "Three-Question Bible Study Method" Discussion groups that choose to use the BSF questions may conduct their group...

  3. Three Question Bible Study Method

    Here are the three questions I ask: What does this passage say about God (Father, Son, or Holy Spirit)? What does this passage say about me or my relationships? What should I do about this passage? That's it. Three simple questions. Now, for each verse I ask question 1. Then I go back through each verse and ask question 2.

  4. 5 Tips for Better Group Conversations

    1. Remove Distractions Focusing after a long day of work, parenting, or other life circumstances can be difficult. If we want to put worries aside to be present in our groups, we have to be intentional. What specific behaviors or habits could you use to shift your focus before sitting down with your group?

  5. Using the 3 Bible Study Questions (Example)

    If you haven't read through that post, I highly encourage you to do so before reading this one. So lets take the 3 questions and work through a simple example on how to practically use them in study. Go grab your Bible, open to Philippians 2.5, and lets get started. Philippians 2.5: Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus ….

  6. Simple 3-Question Bible Study Method

    The 3-Question Method Each week one chapter of the Bible is studied. The chapter is divided into five sections with about 5-7 verses targeted each day. For each verse do the following: Read God's Word List the facts (What does God's Word say?) Learn the lessons (What does God's Word mean?) Listen to His voice (What does God's Word mean to me?)

  7. Use the 3 Question Method to help...

    Use the 3 Question Method to help you dig deeper: 1. What is the passage about? 2. What does this passage teach about God's character and values? What does it teach about people or myself? 3. How can I apply what I learned to my life? Post a comment to encourage each other! #bsfburnsvilleew #BSFsummerreadingplan2021

  8. Bible Study Methods: Homiletics

    Bible Study Methods: Homiletics — Nicole O'Meara Homiletics is a fancy word that means "the art of preaching." To study the Bible using Homiletics means to break down a passage to learn the specific facts, themes, truths, and applications such that, by the time you finish you could teach it.

  9. 3 Questions to Ask When Reading the Bible

    The 3 question Bible study method trains our brain to discuss a passage or biblical truth and how it applies to our life naturally. Talking about (*gasp*) Jesus can be done in a meaningful way - without it being scripted. This is my favorite benefit of the 3 questions Bible study. This Bible study takes you deeper.

  10. In BSF's most recent blog...

    In BSF's most recent blog article, Janie Stephens, Susie's executive assistant, shares about new discussion group options, including the "Three-Question...

  11. BSF's 3-question method was highlighted in this devotional ...

    BSF's 3-question method was highlighted in this devotional today! ... Audrey Johnson's three key questions regarding Bible study guarantee a well-balanced diet for both groups and individuals. God's Word provides us with objective truth--yesterday, today, and forever. And just like our daily dose of vitamins, it revitalizes, sustains and ...

  12. What is Bible Study Fellowship?

    Bible Study Fellowship has a four-step approach to Bible study: 1) Students are encouraged to answer daily lesson questions from Scripture. 2) Attendees meet to discuss their insights in a discussion group. 3) They listen to teaching that explains what was studied. 4) Participants can gain additional insight by reading lesson notes that further ...

  13. BSF Online

    A Deeper Way to Study Together. Using our four-fold approach, group members receive access to daily Bible study questions, biblical commentary notes, audio lectures and meet online weekly with a small group of people exploring the same Scripture passage in community.

  14. Bible Study Fellowship App

    Bible Study Fellowship lessons, now in an app. The BSF app is a free tool that makes it easy to complete BSF lessons on your phone or tablet. Get easy access to your MyBSF.org account for notes and lectures during your study. Daily Questions in the App. Complete your BSF study daily questions on your device. Tap to Read Scriptures.

  15. BSF Study Questions John's Gospel: The Truth Lesson 20, Day 3: John 15:

    Translate BSF Study Questions John's Gospel: The Truth Lesson 20, Day 3: John 15:5-8 January 16, 2024 atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024 SUMMARY OF JOHN 15:5-8 Apart from Jesus, you can do nothing. If you remain in Jesus and his words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

  16. BSF Bible Study Lessons, Questions, Notes & Lecture Online

    16 thoughts on " BSF Bible Study Lessons, Questions, Notes & Lecture Online " Jo Peterson says: March 22, 2020 at 3:41 pm. An He gave us a couple of years to get use to it and work out the Kinks. Loading... Reply. Susan Slusher says: September 15, 2020 at 6:54 am.

  17. Bible Study Fellowship

    Bible Study Fellowship. Hundreds of thousands of members of all ages and stages across the globe studying God's Word chapter-by-chapter together. 1 2 3. We believe people discover their true purpose and identity by knowing God through His Word. That is why BSF offers free, in-depth Bible studies in community for people of all ages around the ...

  18. Love this 3 question method when I...

    BSF St. Joseph MI DW. October 1, 2019 ·. Love this 3 question method when I study God's Word. Love this 3 question method when I study God's Word.

  19. What is the 3 question method?

    What is the 3 question method? We propose a simple and novel 3-question approach to select study designs. The questions are asked in a stepwise manner with answers in 'yes' or 'no'. The responses to each of these questions lead the researcher towards choosing the appropriate study design. What denomination is Bible Study Fellowship?

  20. BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 26, Day 3: Matthew 26:17-30

    Translate BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 26, Day 3: Matthew 26:17-30 February 22, 2022 atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022 SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 26:17-30 When Passover arrived on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples asked Jesus where he wanted them to make preparations. He sent them into the city to a man's house.

  21. BSF Study Questions John's Gospel: The Truth Lesson 13, Day 3: John 9:

    How would they know what happened? They were afraid of the Jewish leaders, too, and did not want to be throw in jail or excommunicated. 8 ) Unsure. Never explicitly, I don't think. God is good; that is my mantra. Conclusions BSF Study Questions John's Gospel: The Truth Lesson 13, Day 3: John 9:13-23

  22. BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 3: Matthew 9:9-17

    End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 2: Matthew 9:9-17. Mark 2:14 reveals that Matthew as also known as Levi the son of Alphaeus. Matthew 10:3 tells us that there was another son of Alphaeus, James, who also was amongst the 12 disciples. Tax Collectors in Jesus's Day