This short study guide is designed to help you discuss your thirty-day journey with a small group, meeting together over a period of six weeks. The questions will help you review and apply what you have learned.
You may find it helpful to begin each group meeting by sharing from the chapters you read:
something new you discovered,
something that surprised you, and
something you found hard to understand.
Week 1: Read Chapters 1–5
How would you describe what the Bible is about? How is it relevant to your life today?
How does what happened in the Garden of Eden (chapter 2) help us to understand our world today?
Abraham worshiped idols until God appeared to him (chapter 3). How is the God of the Bible different from an idol?
Joseph said to his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” (chapter 4). Think of a time when someone tried to make your life difficult. How did God use that experience for good?
God’s presence came down to the tabernacle (chapter 5). Where should we look to find God’s presence in the world today? Why?
Week 2: Read Chapters 6–9
What are the key qualities that we should look for in a leader (chapter 6)? Why?
What did God promise to do for David (chapter 7)? Why is this promise so important in the Bible story?
Why do you think God’s people kept turning away from Him (chapter 8)? What causes people to turn away from God today?
Daniel and his friends were highly successful in Babylon (chapter 9). What are the greatest temptations for successful people today, and how can we overcome them?
What does the Old Testament story tell us about the fundamental problems of the human race? What hope does the Old Testament offer?
Week 3: Read Chapters 10–15
What does the New Testament tell us about the birth of Jesus (chapter 10)? Why do you believe in the virgin birth, and if not, why not?
What are the biggest pressures that you face in your life? To what extent do you think Jesus can relate to these struggles (chapter 11)? Why?
Why were many people deeply opposed to Jesus (chapter 13)? What reasons might a person have for opposing Jesus today?
In what ways is Jesus like us? In what ways is He different from any other person who has ever lived (chapter 14)?
How would you explain the extreme cruelty and violence that was poured out on Jesus (chapter 15)? Why did Jesus not retaliate?
Week 4: Read Chapters 16–21
How would you describe the difference between the two thieves who were crucified next to Jesus (chapter 16)? How does Jesus’ response to the thief give hope for us today?
Explain in your own words what happened during the three hours of darkness when Jesus was on the cross (chapter 17).
The New Testament clearly teaches that Jesus rose from the dead (chapter 18). What difference does this make today for people who believe?
What significance do you see in the fact that the disciples were slow to believe that Jesus rose from the dead (chapter 19)?
Jesus has ascended to heaven and continues to bless His people (chapter 20). In what ways can you see God’s blessing in your life today?
Week 5: Read Chapters 22–25
What do the miraculous events on the Day of Pentecost teach us about what God wants to do through His people today (chapter 22)? To what extent do you see these things happening?
Think of a situation you have faced (or are facing) that caused you to feel completely overwhelmed. What have you seen God doing in your life through this experience of weakness (chapter 23)?
Is it possible to be sure that you have peace with God (chapter 24)? How could you know this?
God calls us to fight against the sin that lurks in our hearts (chapter 25). How would you go about fighting the power of pride, greed, or envy in your own life?
In what ways have these chapters caused you to adjust your expectations of the Christian life?
Week 6: Read Chapters 26–30
How would you try to help someone who said that he wanted to follow Jesus but was worried that he could not keep it up (chapter 26)?
Think about a situation of pain or loss in your life. How did God cause you to grow through that experience (chapter 27)?
If anyone is in Christ, he or she is a new creation (chapter 28). Do you believe that you are in Christ? If so, in what ways are you different from the person you would have been without Christ? If not, how do you think you would be different in Christ?
If you knew that you had one week left to live, what would your priorities be? How might your answer impact the way you live this week?
What is the most important thing you have learned from your thirty-day journey through the Bible? How would you like this to affect your life?
