• Calm and predictable, but the teacher does make it interesting most of the time.
• Very calm and very predictable. Nearly boring, but I know that I ought to go.
• Irritating. Makes my blood pressure go up, but, oh well.
• Fascinating. Discussions are lively. It gives us something to apply to our lives.

What can I do to be ready for my Bible study group?

Go prepared, using things like the COMB approach, as well as "then" and "now" approach to your Bible study.

The COMB Approach

• Context
  Read ahead of and after the verses in the study. What is being talked about?
• Other verses
  What other Scripture sheds light on the concept.
• Meaning
  Look up the meaning of key words. Is the word repeated frequently in this book?
• Background
  What has happened to bring on these events? Picture yourself in the scene.
• Then: How did this teaching apply to the people in those days?
• Now: How does this teaching apply to us in our time?

What if a disagreement arises in my Bible study group?

If you're the teacher, be thankful. It's an opportunity to go past a routine reading of the verse. It's an opportunity to display patience with each other. It's a challenge for each of us to dig deeper in our Bible study and also our relationships.

If you're one of the members of the group, be thankful. You can demonstrate a good attitude while developing your communication skills. You can show initiative in study before the next meeting.

How can I share my understanding with the others and encourage them to do the same?

1. Clarify what the disagreement is. Can you put it into writing?
2. What version of the Bible are you using?
3. What version of the Bible are the others in the group using?
4. What other verses use the same word or the same concept?
5. Read the chapter before and the chapter after: note the context of your passage.
6. Have you checked Strong's Concordance or other concordance for similar words, passages, or ideas?
7. Who is the "authority" you are quoting? What are his/her qualifications?
8. Are there other books that you recommend to us?
9. Make written notes to hand out to the others.
10. Be a good listener when others are speaking. Ask good questions, too.

What if we all cannot agree?

• Be thankful for God's goodness and mercy, since we are all less than 100% brilliant.
• Be quick to encourage each other.
• Take into consideration how much you have been growing, spiritually.
• Decide if further study and discussion might be helpful at this time.

How important is it?

Keep in mind that there are important, life-affecting, eternal truths that we must receive as we embrace our Savior. Other issues are probably interesting, but could be mainly historical, or helpful for children, or useful for teaching new believers.

What if we are running out of time in our Bible study?

What if we all cannot agree?

Size up the situation and the content.

It's too bad when the teacher or the class feels it must press on to complete a certain number of pages. This may rob us from some honest questions and helpful discussion.

Is this important enough? Does anyone else in the group feel it's worth the extra time and effort?

Can it be better covered a few weeks from now? Consult the calendar. Let's all do some homework.

Is there anyone who we could invite to share knowledge or first-hand experience?

The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language by Eugene H. Peterson Many have awaited the day Eugene Peterson would complete the entire Bible in his unique translational-paraphrase. Well, the wait is over!

Elaine and her husband Don love the Lord, and they love to pray for others. Elaine has had 1,001 pieces published and 8 books. Her blog is called EncouragingU.

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