Adult Bible Studies

Adult Bible Studies

God's Powerful BookLutherans share with other Christians this foundational understanding: The Bible is the Word of God, and through it God’s Spirit speaks to us to create and sustain Christian faith and fellowship for service in the world. The Bible shapes our lives individually and together as the church of Christ. The “Confession of Faith" in The Constitution of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America states:

This church accepts the canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired Word of God and the authoritative source and norm of its proclamation, faith, and life. (2.03)

The Bible is an exciting but challenging book. It can be difficult to understand. We hope that these adult Bible studies from Augsburg Fortress will be a valuable guide and companion to your reading and study of the Bible. We hope they do indeed help you become more fluent in Scripture, the first language of faith. As we become more fluent in God’s life-giving, renewing Word, we are better equipped to live out our Christian faith for the sake of the world.

Contents

Book of Faith 4

The Greatest Story 10

Making Sense 12

Augsburg Adult Bible Studies 15

Lutheran Study Bible 16

augsburgfortress.org • 800.328.4648

Making Sense

AUGSBURG ADULT BIBLE STUDIES

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Book of Faith resources from Augsburg Fortress include three types of Bible studies, devotionals for the Advent and Lenten seasons, and resources for foundational support.

Books of FaithThe Books of Faith series explores individual books of the Bible through historical, literary, devotional, and Lutheran perspectives. Each Books of Faith Course Kit includes a Leader Guide and Learner Guide.

LukeThe Gospel of Luke invites us into the remarkable story of Jesus and his mission as God’s Chosen One (Messiah). This eight-session study explores key stories and events in Luke.

Course Kit: ED015876 $27.99

John The Gospel of John is unlike the other Gospels in many ways. In this eight-session study, participants explore how the Gospel of John shows Jesus and his relationship to God, as well as how we can be in relationship with God and follow Jesus as his disciples in the world.


Together in FaithConnect a small or large group to Christian worship! Together in Faith studies are excellent for congregations that follow the Revised Common Lectionary, or for groups that prefer thematic studies. Each Together in Faith Course Kit includes a Leader Guide and Learner Guide. Liturgy and Preaching Supports are also available as a separate digital download.

Close Encounters of the Jesus Kind: Studies in Luke This six-session Bible study explores the RCL readings from the Gospel of Luke for year C, Lectionary 10–15. These Gospel texts show Jesus having close encounters with people who feel separated from God and from others. Course Kit: ED014964 $20.79

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ADULT BIBLE STUDY BOOKS OF FAITH SERIES

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ADULT BIBLE STUDIES

Songs of the Faithful: Studies in Psalms The book of Psalms contains prayers, songs, liturgies, and poems displaying the highs and lows of the life of faith. Over six sessions, this study challenges participants to explore six big questions from the texts. Appropriate for year C, Lectionary 23–28.


People of FaithExplore the faith journeys of some key people in the Bible and make connections between their stories and yours. People of Faith is a fun, light-hearted four-session study complete with cartoon drawings and group activities that will introduce your group to four different Bible characters. Great for those new to Bible study, or those looking for a fresh new introduction to the Bible.

People of Faith engages learners in a variety of learning experiences. Each session involves scripture reading, active learning, and discussion about a character’s story.

A Leader Guide, Learner Guide, and session preparation DVD can be purchased individually or as a Course Kit.

A Gardener, Two Travelers, and a Cheat Groups look at the characters of Adam, Abraham, Sarah, and Jacob; their stories are developed in chronological scenes, giving participants a sense of the sweep of the person’s story from start to finish.

A Lamenter, a Dreamer, and Two Pretty Good Leaders Explore scenes from the lives of Rachel, Joseph, Moses, and Joshua in this four-session study. These scenes are in chronological order to give participants a sense of each person’s story from beginning to end.

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Seasonal ResourcesBook of Faith devotionals for the Advent and Lenten seasons offer opportunities to open Scripture and engage in conversations about the Bible with friends, family, or a small group.

Advent Reflections Advent Reflections offers opportunities to open Scripture, look at it through different lenses, and join conversations with the Bible, with friends or family, with a small group, and ultimately, with God during the season of Advent.

Use the daily reflections on your own or with a friend or family member. Explore the weekly Bible studies in an existing group or form a group with others who are reading this book. Check out the

activities and choose some hands-on ways to celebrate this Advent season.

Each day of Advent Reflections includes these features:

• Main citation

• Key verse

• Reflection

• Questions to ponder

• Prayer

Lenten Journey These devotional resources offer opportunities to open Scripture and engage in conversations with the Bible and with friends, family, or a small group during the 40 days of Lent.

Free downloadable Worship Helps are available for congregations planning midweek worship around Lenten Journey themes. Go to a Lenten Journey book in the online store, then click on the “Worship Helps" tab.

Each day of the journey includes these features:

• Key Bible passage• Reflection• Biblical wisdom• Theological thoughts

• Silence for meditation• Psalm fragment• Questions to ponder• Prayer for today

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ADULT BIBLE STUDIES

Foundational ResourcesFoundational resources are practical tools to engage your congregation in renewing its mission and ministry, grounded deeply in God's word. Includes tools that focus on developing basic Bible study skills among participants and leaders.

The Mission Table In a time of declining mainline Protestant church attendance, author Stephen Bouman reminds us that the Holy Spirit is still very much at work in our communities and in the world. God continues to make all things new, and calls us to join this mission of reconciliation, restoration, and renewal. Each chapter contains Bible references and questions for individual and group reflection, study, and action.

978-1-4514-7812-9 $9.99

Opening the Book of Faith Course KitThis seven-session course introduces practical methods and approaches to studying Scripture, and then reinforces the basics of scriptural interpretation with four integrated studies that build biblical fluency. Important communication tools, study principles, and discussion methods are unpacked for participants in a flexible, conversational format that encourages discussion, conversation, and sharing—setting a healthy foundation for a powerful Book of Faith experience.

978-0-8066-8064-4 $39.95

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Rediscovering the Book of Faith Course KitThis three-session study explores how the Bible came to be our book of faith by providing an introduction to the creation, collection, and canonization of Scripture. Participants discover where the Bible came from, how it was put together, and what contribution the Reformation made toward scriptural literacy. With discussion-starting video clips and an easy-to-follow class plan, this course encourages participants to engage in reflection and discussion—and is an exciting way to invite participants to become part of the conversation.

978-0-8066-8066-8 $24.99

The Book of Faith InitiativeThe purpose of the Book of Faith initiative is to increase biblical literacy and fluency for the sake of the world while encouraging all congregations—from children to adults—to dig deeper into our book of faith, the Bible.

Book of Faith embraces a common vision in which all are invited to open Scripture and join the conversation. Congregations are encouraged to decide how the Book of Faith initiative can become a vital part of their own ministry. For more on the initiative, visit the ELCA’s Book of Faith website.

Learn more at augsburgfortress.org/bookoffaith

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ADULT BIBLE STUDIES

Open Scripture.Join the Conversation.

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Accessible and inviting Bible explorations to help members of your community enter into the great narrative of faith. In each 16-session course, participants gain a foundational understanding of the key people, places, and events of the biblical narrative while building community and deepening faith.

Each Leader Pack includes a Leader Guide, Session DVD, and Leader Reference CD-ROM. (Participant Book sold separately.) The Session DVD features sand art depictions by America's Got Talent finalist and renowned artist Joe Castillo. Each session video brings the story to life as the image continuously transforms from one element of the story to another.

The Greatest Story: Bible IntroductionBuild a solid foundation for understanding our faith story with this tour of the entire Bible, from Genesis through Revelation.

Lutheran Study Bible Edition Leader Pack: ED015679 $39.99

The Greatest Story: JesusExplore the life, ministry, and saving work of Jesus through the eyes of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.


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ADULT BIBLE STUDIES

The Greatest Story: PaulJourney with the apostle Paul, from his early life to his missionary journeys and letters to young churches.


COURSE COMPONENTSLeader Guide and Leader Reference CD-ROMThe Greatest Story Leader Guide helps leaders support participants as they experience the big-picture overview of the Bible. It features a Core Session plan and an Our Story conversation plan that can be run consecutively in a single meeting time, or broken into separate meeting times.

Participant Book The Greatest Story Participant Book features dozens of illustrations, easy-to-read overviews of key sections of the Bible story, reflection questions, and suggestions for Bible reading and marking.

Session DVDThe Greatest Story session DVD features sand art depictions of the Bible story by renowned artist Joe Castillo. Each session video brings the story to life as the image continuously transforms from one element of the story to another.

Learn more at augsburgfortress.org/thegreateststory

Joe Castillo is an internationally known artist, author, and storyteller

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David J. Lose is president of The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. He previously served as Marbury E. Anderson Chair in Biblical Preaching and director of the Center for Biblical Preaching at Luther Seminary in St. Paul. A popular speaker, Lose lectures and leads workshops throughout the country and internationally.

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ADULT BIBLE STUDIES

Making SenseQuestions are a great way to engage small group participants. Each course in the Making Sense series invites participants to ask their faith questions, and then dialogue, reflect, and share with one another. David J. Lose has designed each course in this series to stimulate rich discussion, while deepening understanding of faith and life.

Making Sense of ScriptureInvites the reader to engage in a conversation, one that the author imagines discussing around his kitchen table, about seven major questions of the Bible. Course Kit includes one Leader Guide, one Participant Book, and one DVD.

Topics include:

• What Is the Bible?

• Is the Bible True?

• How Is the Bible the Word of God?

• Where Did the Bible Come From?

• Is There a “Center" to Scripture?

• What Kind of Authority Does the Bible Hold?

• How Can I Read the Bible with Greater Understanding?


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What is the Bible?

Where did the Bible come

from?

Is there a “Center" to Scripture?

Is the Bible true?

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Making Sense of the Christian Faith

An exciting and inviting exploration of seven major theological doctrines of the Christian faith. Course Kit includes one Leader Guide and one Participant Book; DVD is sold separately.

Topics include:

• Theology

• Creation

• Sin

• Covenant, Law, and Community

• Incarnation

• Atonement

• Church and the Holy Spirit

Course Kit: 978-1-5064-0013-6 $25.99

Making Sense of the Cross

Gives you the opportunity to “listen in" on a conversation between two people having an open and candid conversation and discussion about the cross. Course Kit includes one Leader Guide, one Participant Book, and one DVD.

Topics include:

• A Man Hanging on a Tree

• Portraits and Perspectives

• Ransom and Victory

• Substitution, Satisfaction, and Sacrifice

• Example and Encouragement

• Event and Experience


Visit the Making Sense website at makingsensecourses.com

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ADULT BIBLE STUDIES

AUGSBURG ADULT BIBLE STUDIESAugsburg Adult Bible Studies provide a year-round Bible study released quarterly and based on a six-year cycle as found in the International Uniform Lesson Series (National Council of Churches). Written by an array of accomplished theologians, this series provides terrific insights into scripture through questions, prayer, suggested memorization, and daily readings. Resources include a Participant Book and Leader Guide.

Each session:

• Explores the meaning of the text for the original writer and audience, and for today

• Includes a list of related texts for daily Bible reading

• Provides extensive background on each text and recommendations for leading the sessions

Call or email Sales & Service at 800-328-4648 or [email protected] to subscribe today.

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Designed to support various adult learning settings and confirmation study, Lutheran Study Bible invites readers to experience the Bible and its message through solid background material, unique Lutheran insights, and opportunities for faith reflection. This resource features the NRSV translation as well as introductions, notes, and articles written by more than 60 Lutheran pastors and teaching theologians. Imprintable; quantity discounts available on paperback and hardcover editions.

Paperback978-0-8066-8060-6 $24.99

Hardcover978-0-8066-8059-0 $34.99

Deluxe Edition978-0-8066-9742-0 $39.99

Large Print Edition978-0-8066-9743-7 $49.99

Lutheran Study Bible eVersion978-1-4514-2560-4 $29.95

An electronic version of Lutheran Study Bible is also available from Olive Tree Bible Software. Available for: iPad, iPhone, Android, Mac, and Windows Desktop.

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ADULT BIBLE STUDIES

P.O. Box 1209, Minneapolis, MN 55440-1209

Study NotesThe rich study notes invite discovery, providing helpful background information while actively encouraging readers to directly interact with biblical texts. Study notes are grouped into four categories:

World of the Bible notes explore people, places, events, and artifacts that are mentioned in the Bible. These may also describe how a particular book may have been written and what literary form it takes.

Bible Concepts notes focus on ideas and theological insights. Here you will find connections between how such concepts are expressed in different books and how Old Testament themes influence the New Testament.

Lutheran Perspectives notes are introduced by a key question that connects a Bible verse or passage with Lutheran theological perspectives, teachings, or practices.

Faith Reflection questions encourage individuals and groups to think about and discuss the meaning of some Bible texts or study notes.

Learn more at augsburgfortress.org/lutheranstudybible

Documents

Adult Bible Studies