Introduce Yourself

We’re beginning to post the introductions for the new Bible Study which begins on Sept. 14, 2009. If you feel comfortable, please reply with the following information:

• Your first name or a pseudo-name
• Your city or state
• Your favorite dessert

In the last study, we had a unique list of introductions and we shared our favorite cafe drinks. This time, we’re sharing our favorite desserts! So post a comment below if you are participating in the new study “Pursuing More of Jesus” and welcome to the cafe!

If you’ve purchased your workbook for our new study Pursuing More of Jesus by Anne Graham Lotz, then you may have felt an initial fear: “Where are all the fill-in-the-blanks?”

Don’t be intimidated by the simple format of the workbook. There are treasures within the study and the workbook is simply a Bible Study tool, a resource for learning more about Jesus. The first audio lesson is called a “Workshop” and contains detailed instructions on using the workbook. We’ll go over this information when we begin our Bible study.

What is an Inductive Bible Study?

“Inductive Bible Study shows you how to discover God’s Truth for yourself. The concept behind the inductive study method is to get students personally, intimately involved with the subject, observing carefully for themselves.” Source:  Precepts Ministries

What are the Basic Steps for an Inductive Bible Study?

• Observation: What does it say?
• Interpretation: What does it mean?
• Application: How does the meaning apply to me?
• Source: Christian Women Today

How do we study as a group?

Each of us will have our own observation, interpretation and application of the scripture verses in this study. We’ll be looking at the focus of the study: Pursuing More of Jesus. As we read our daily lessons, we’re observing scriptures about Jesus, interpretating the verses and applying them to our OWN lives. For example,

• A Mom with seven kids will have a different interpretation than a pregnant Mom expecting her first baby
• A woman facing illness or cancer will have a different interpretation than a woman training for a marathon
• A single woman will have a different interpretation than a woman married 35 years

While the scripture verse remains consistent, the interpretation and application will be different for each woman in the study.

How do we learn?

We learn from each other by sharing our tender moments and discoveries in our workbook. We’re not encouraging a religious debate, we’re sharing our opinions. Your opinion is valuable as God speaks to your heart and reveals something you did not know. Share that with others in the group, because your words may encourage another, motivate another or give courage to another.

How much time do I need?

Your lessons will require about 45 minutes to an hour of your time, five days a week.

How much does it cost?

It depends where you buy the workbook. If you order online, the current price is $11.95 shipping. If you buy it at a Christian bookstore, you avoid the shipping costs.

The audio sessions are optional and the current price is from $3.99 a session. If you decide to buy all six sessions then your audio cost would be about $24. This is a GREAT price. I purchased the Leaders Kit and paid $199 after shipping!

What else should I know?

Pursuing More of Jesus was originally published under the name My Hearts Cry

Thomas Nelson Press is releasing a book version of Pursuing More of Jesus

Related Articles on Inductive Bible Study

Beholding God Blog

Christian Women Today

Precepts Ministries

We’re just a few weeks away from starting our new Bible Study. We had so much self-discovery and fun in the last study, we’re really excited to get started with Pursuing Jesus.

There are just two simple things you’ll need to do before we start on Sept 14, 2009:

Step 1: Order your workbook- Available at LifeWay Stores

Step 2: Introduce Yourself to the group-send email to the blog author (Christine) and she’ll post your introduction (we don’t give out your email info)

You’re welcome to invite a friend, family member, coworker or someone from church. There is no minimum or maximum age requirement in this group and diversity of opinion makes the study beneficial for all.

We don’t meet in a chat room format, we simply connect using the comments feature of this blog. We redesigned the blog so its now easier to find the comment “button.”

We read at our own pace and you’re never “behind” in the study. The benefit of the online small group study is the flexibility to meet the demands of family, health and work while balancing the joy of learning the Bible.

Read and post when it works best for you! The blog authors will post daily updates, one for each day of the study. It helps if you subscribe to the email feed, then you’ll get a daily message for the current study. We do not distribute your email information.

If you have questions about the study please email Christine.

Get your book today and you’ll be ready to start Pursuing Jesus at the Bible Cafe!

For the next Bible Study, we’ve selected the book “Pursuing More of Jesus” by Anne Graham Lotz.

Our next study will begin on September 14, 2009.

Please purchase your workbooks from Lifeway Stores to participate in the study.