Choosing a Bible Study Group

[TerminallyHuman]

I would like to know what some of you would advise I should look for when choosing a Bible study group. I have a Christian background, but don't remember the last time I stepped foot in a church other than for a funeral. My friend invited me to a Bible study and I am interested in going, but I am wondering what should I look for in it (or any Bible study).

I figure I should check to see if it's through a church, and if so, which one. What are their basic beliefs? What is the curriculum? Would I feel comfortable with the people there (though I know I wont feel too comfortable)? Date & time, is it a long-term or short-term study.

Those should be the most basic things to look at, right? Am I missing anything, or should I just trust that God brought my friend into my life and that this is where I should go? (and yes, I really do believe God brought my friend into my life, so that's not just some flippant fact to consider). Looking at this in writing I think I have alot of the questions already - I just dont want to end up in the wrong spot and would appreciate any input you guys might have. Thanks

[BroRog]

I would like to know what some of you would advise I should look for when choosing a Bible study group. I have a Christian background, but don't remember the last time I stepped foot in a church other than for a funeral. My friend invited me to a Bible study and I am interested in going, but I am wondering what should I look for in it (or any Bible study).

I figure I should check to see if it's through a church, and if so, which one. What are their basic beliefs? What is the curriculum? Would I feel comfortable with the people there (though I know I wont feel too comfortable)? Date & time, is it a long-term or short-term study.

Those should be the most basic things to look at, right? Am I missing anything, or should I just trust that God brought my friend into my life and that this is where I should go? (and yes, I really do believe God brought my friend into my life, so that's not just some flippant fact to consider). Looking at this in writing I think I have alot of the questions already - I just dont want to end up in the wrong spot and would appreciate any input you guys might have. Thanks

Two friends of mine started a Bible study group, meeting every Thursday morning at a coffee shop in town. It began with about 6-8 guys, which included a man who knew Greek and teaches at our church. I can't remember exactly when we started, in the early 90's I think. But it is still going on today. I suspect that success depends on the interaction and relationship among those in the discussion. Our group worked well together.

It really helps if at least one person is already a well established Bible student and has many years of study under his or her belt.

We decided to discuss one book at a time and study verse-by-verse rather than a topical study. However, if the group wanted to talk about something entirely different, this was acceptable. For instance, one week one of our young men decided to get married and wanted advice from those of us already married. We spent the time talking about that. But the next week we would come back to the passage and take up where we left off.

My advice is to go for two or three weeks and see how it goes. You are under no obligation to stay if it doesn't work out for you. But if it does work out, the benefits are amazing.

[Followtheway]

Remember to always be careful when calling your self Christian because it means Christ-like. It would not be bad to go to the bible study it might be fun and you could build some community. Dont worry about their denomination, we all have different views, the first chapter in 1 Corinthians talk about the church not dividing itself, so essentially when all these religions argue about which one has a better interpretation of the bible they are all going against the bible. The only "true" religion is to help the orphans, widows, and be clean from sin. Heres a book you can read too "Tangible Kingdom"

[ServantofTruth]

This may seem odd, but make sure they study the bible. Many bible groups actually study man written book about the bible. When I joined my group this was the case. I gently encouraged the group to change to the bible and we did John's gospel and now Acts.

But the leader again is privately talking to group members and trying to take us away from the bible. I am aware she is looking for an opportunity to talk to me.

I am aware in other churches locally, bible study is actually not bible study but the study of man's thoughts/ writings, with occassional bible references.

Another good example is the non- Christian organisation, the Jehovah's Witnesses. Their study is all done through books and magazines produced by the organisation, instead of directly through the bible - which in their translation has serious differences to every well known translation.

I hope and pray this bible group has nothing to do with any organisation/ groups that are not mainstream 'trinity' believing Christians.

A Christian background can be good or bad. Ours is a personal faith. A personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The church is the worldwide body/ family of Christ. But this is not a get out clause for not being in a physical church of believers -actually the reverse! I spent 10 years in rebelion to our Lord, hiding behind my daily bible reading and critising church goers.

So my advise on the bible group, is find out if they are studying God's Word/ the bible. If not ask Why? Is God's Wisdom not good enough, that they need man's cleverness to suppliment it!

But I advise you to look into joining a mainstream church and doing the bible group through that church. Putting yourself under the authority, love and protection of the authority of that church. Having mature Christian friends, makes social times so much easier to be safe from attacks of our enemy. You can learn how to pray, how to worship/ praise - it's like a fast track of Christian learning.

Lastly may I ask how You know you are a Christian? Please don't be insulted by the question. God bless, SofTy.

[shepherdsword]

I just want to "me too" and "ditto" SofTy's post above.
Make sure you get the word of God and not a watered down study that comes from the doctrines and teachings of man.

[tt1106]

Bible study is terribly important for Christian Growth. Most Christians get their Bible knowledge from their Pastor. You never know until you try it.
If you don't gel, you can always opt out. I agree with what others have said, make sure they are studying the Bible and it is not just a fellowship group. Those are nice too, but you need to have solid food too.



Blessings.