dig.Questions about the Bible

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DIG SERIES — STUDY GUIDE

You may have tough questions about Christian faith issues that have never been answered. Through interviews, narration, and engaging visual images, we’ll look below the surface and dig a little deeper to consider some possible answers.

In this first series, we’ll discuss:• Who wrote the Bible?• How’s the Bible put together?• What’s the main message of the Bible?• Why should the Bible be an authority in my life?• Why are there so many translations?• Has the Bible changed over time?

Those interviewed in this series include:• Dr. Mike Glenn, Senior Pastor, Brentwood Baptist Church• Rob Phillips, Certified Apologist, North American Mission Board• Dr. Darrell Gwaltney, Dean of the School of Religion, Belmont University

dig. Study Guide

DIG SERIES — STUDY GUIDE

Suggested Uses

You can use this study material for the following:

• A Group of Seekers or InquirersFor hundreds of years, the Bible has been a best-seller. It has impacted the world more than any other book. Throughout history, people have looked to it for wisdom, guidance, and inspiration. Today is no different. After watching each episode in this series, discuss and ask questions: What did you learn? What stood out to you? What did you like? What did you dislike? What other questions do you have?

• A Group of Professing ChristiansTeachers could put the following scenario before their classes: Imagine you have a friend who knows you’re a Christian and has asked you questions about your faith. They have specific questions about the Bible. This series can prep believers with answers to someone inquiring about these issues of our faith.

Further Resources• Rob Phillips Website: OnceDelivered.net• Biblica.com/bibles/about• Authors: John Stott, FF Bruce, JI Packer• Books on Christian apologetics

DIG SERIES — STUDY GUIDE

1Episode One:

Summary and Lesson

Episode SummaryEpisode One tries to answer two questions: 1. Who wrote the Bible? 2. How is the Bible put together?

Who authored the words of this ancient text? Is it one person or many? Are these a collection of manmade documents or is it really written by God? When you open the text, you’ll discover a compilation of multiple books arranged into two categories: Old Testament and New Testament. But beyond this, what else is there to discover in the pages. In this episode, experts and practitioners will attempt to address these questions.

Episode Lesson1. Group Discussion: Teachers will present the scenario as if you were talking to a friend who had questions about the faith. Then, have the class discuss how they might answer these two questions.

2. Watch Episode 1 - Introduce this as one approach to answer the questions.

3. Debrief: Ask questions like: What did you think? Did you like it? Did you dislike it? What was the one thing you would take away from it?

DIG SERIES — STUDY GUIDE

2Episode Two:

Summary and Lesson

Episode SummaryEpisode 2 answers these two questions: 1. What is the main message of the Bible? 2. Why should the Bible be an authority in my life?

Is there a larger storyline that can be pulled from the various stories and themes throughout the Bible? If so, what’s the conclusion? And what kind of weight does that carry? We usually resist authority in our culture—setting ourselves up to be the master of our own lives. But what would it look like to let these truths guide our lives? Hear how some experts and practitioners address these questions.

Episode Lesson1. Group Discussion: Teachers will present the scenario as if you were talking to a friend who had questions about the faith. Then, have the class discuss how they might answer these two questions.

2. Watch Episode 2: Introduce this as one approach to answer the questions.

3. Debrief: Ask questions like: What did you think? Did you like it? Did you dislike it? What was the one thing you would take away from it?

DIG SERIES — STUDY GUIDE

3Episode Three:

Summary and Lesson

Episode SummaryEpisode 3 answers these two questions: 1. Why are there so many translations? 2. Has the Bible changed over time?

Go to any bookstore and you’ll find there’s not just one version of the Bible. Most of the Old Testament was written in Hebrew, and the New Testament is written in Greek. Obviously, we go to find a Bible translated in English, so why are there so many to choose from? Which one is right for you? Has the text changed over time? How can we trust what we’re reading? Hear how some experts and practitioners in this field address these questions.

Episode Lesson1. Group Discussion: Teachers will present the scenario as if you were talking to a friend who had questions about the faith. Then, have the class discuss how they might answer these two questions.

2. Watch Episode 3: Introduce this as one approach to answer the questions.

3. Debrief: Ask questions like: What did you think? Did you like it? Did you dislike it? What was the one thing you would take away from it?

DIG SERIES — STUDY GUIDE

3Notes:

©2010 Brentwood Baptist Church. No part of this series may be duplicated by any means without prior written consent. All rights reserved.

7777 Concord Road, Brentwood, TN 37027 | 615.324.6100 | BrentwoodBaptist.com