Quote from Forum Archives on October 22, 2002, 1:19 pm

Posted by: Blc914 <Blc914@...>

Paula -- You know your time constraints, etc., better than anyone, so you will be the best judge at "how" to" do a study -- whether read and discuss together, read separate and then discuss etc.  You could certainly take a devotional and read it together, daily, and discuss it and let it lead you into further Bible Study etc.  You could use a classic devotion like Streams in the Desert or My Utmost for His Highest or you could find one specifically for couples -- I even think there are some for unmarried couples. 



As far as Bible Study, I love to study the Word Inductively -- using the Bible as your only text.  I also use Study Helps like a concordance, Greej/hebrew Dictionaries etc. I like doing word studies on the original meanings of words in the Bible.  You could choose a book of the Bible and set up a reading schedule -- chapter a day or whatever -- and then set a time to get together and discuss what God has shown you.  You could also chose a "topic" -- like prayer, grace, obedience, etc.  A Topical Bible could help you with this.  You could look up verses on the topic and discuss what God is showing you.  There is a Topical Bible available on line at this site -- http://www.biblestudytools.net/  You will find the link to the Naves and another Topical Bible down the page on the right.



Also, if you want some guidance, but not too much opinion, you might check into Kay Arthur's Inductive Study Series -- she takes a book of the Bible, sometimes several small books, and walks you through them -- pointing out key words and thoughts.  It is set up for independently study 6 days a week and there are questions for discussion if you are doing it with someone.  The Bible Study group I am in is using this series right now.  We have been studying the Bible Inductively on our own, but several ladies felt they needed some sort of guidance.  The work in the guides may seem a bit light to some folks, but the beauty is you can dig deeper if you want. Do not let any guide limit you in how far you delve into the Word.  If you feel led to go further, then do so!



Here is Kay's site -- you can read about her studies there.  They are available many places online and locally.



http://www.precept.org/



Also, I have to recommend a wonderful Bible Study that I think EVERYONE should do.  It is called Living God's Word and is by Waylon B.  Moore.  It is an awesome, practical study that teaches so much about Bible Study, Devotional Time, Prayer etc. You would work on your own and then come together and talk about it.  It is available through Lifeway Bookstores --  Here is their website, if you do not have a local store --



http://www.lifewaystores.com/lwstore/



And here is the info there on this particular study --



Living God's Word: Practical Lessons for Applying Scripture to Life



Author: Waylon B. Moore

Six-session interactive study demonstrates how a person moves from a Bible verse to a life change. Includes 15 minutes of personal daily study and weekly group sessions that teach prayer, meditation, Scripture memorization, claiming God's promises, Bible-study methods, and growing devotional times. Includes leader helps.



Publisher: LifeWay

Pub. Date: December 1997

ISBN: 0767326040

Price: $8.95





I will add that this study would be good for your sons also.  I have purchased it for my daughter (14) to work through. 



Hope this helps! I think it is great you are doing this together!  What a wonderful way to grow in your relationship together and with Christ!



Barb C.



Live Like a Conqueror! "In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us" Romans 8:37