The LAST CLASS for the Major Wisdom through the Minor Prophets series!
Make plans to attend. The dates are: June 6, 13, 27, July 11, 18
Zechariah-Bible Study Online
Personal Study of the Bible: I Don’t Know How!
Have you ever wanted to do something, but didn’t know how? Think about it-roller blading, swimming, driving, etc. For me, I have always dreamed of ice skating. However, I don’t know how! AND I don’t dare try to do so on my own! WHY? I feel incompetent and inadequate.
I would dare to say most of us have to experience some basic type of instruction and training to learn a new skill. Think about this…We attend school most of our childhood to simply become a productive citizen and function in society. Seems as though this alone takes 13 to 17+ years!
So why do we just assume people know how to study the Bible on their own? God’s Word is the #1 life manual, yet there is little emphasis placed on training others how to study the Bible in many churches past and present.
NO matter our level of knowledge or experience, we are forever students of Scripture, growing in relationship with the Father, and strengthening our faith day by day. Therefore, why not come together in unity and share how to study God’s Word? When will we see the importance of teaching others basic Bible study skills? Will it be time consuming? Could it take more than a year? Is it time for a change?
TRANSPARENCY: I have been in church all my life. Never was I taught how to truly study the Bible and utilize it as a helpmate. Even as an adult I struggled with digging deeper, knowing how to go from text to life transformation, allowing the Holy Spirit to lead, infusing God’s beautiful guide into my everyday living, and so much more… I didn’t know how! I heard the suggestions from the pulpit, but no one ever got down to the “nitty gritty” and shared their strategies nor took the time to teach the “how to” of personal Bible study.
Out of sheer desperation for half a decade, I searched high and low to teach myself how to study and infuse God’s Word. I watched videos, enrolled in “how to” courses, read a ton of books, and tried a multitude of things! I refused to accept my deficiency and I took full ownership of my training needs.
The realization of my lack of training has placed a fire within me for others who struggle knowing how to study the Bible on their own. I never want anyone to experience my feelings of inadequacy and lack of skills.
Please understand—I am NOT an expert in the field by far!!! I am just an ordinary person with lots of experience-failures & successes, who has a heart to walk alongside others and share some of the tried-and-true methods to studying the Bible on your own. This is how Refining Ministry began.
Refining Ministry strives to bless others by showing them how to go beyond the text. We know the importance of sharing simple Bible study tools and methods to assist in transitioning from accumulating knowledge to living under Biblical authority and encountering a true and lasting transformation the LORD promises!
We would love to hear from you and your thoughts. It is our hope that you will prayerfully approach this subject and ponder its importance regarding growing in relationship with God for all levels.
Does your church offer “How to Study the Bible” classes? Is this something you can facilitate? Would you like to increase your own “how to” knowledge? How can we each take ownership in a change for future generations?
Come join one of our retreats, workshops, or online Bible studies. Reach out to us if you might have an interest in sponsoring a workshop in your area. Let us share with you some of the ways we have found to go beyond the text and keep the spiritual journey fresh and personal.
We believe GOD IS…the most valuable investment along with His Word!
We cannot wait to equip you with ways to enhance your personal Bible study.
FREE & FABULOUS: Bible Study Tips-Part 3
And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, (Colossians 1:9 ESV)
Welcome back to our FREE & FABULOUS series! I might should have entitled this Part #1/2 so it would line up in number order in which I typically use these tidbits to study. 😊 SOO…with that being said-we hope you enjoy this series of Bible Study tips and use them in any order you like.
Tip #3 (or tip #1/2) is for anyone who wants a general overview to begin a study for an entire book of the Bible. I enjoy having a brief introduction to the author, timeframe, location, original audience, etc. Since the Bible isn’t in chronological order, I tend to need a bit of background information and overview to get started. Thanks to technology and wonderful resources, these things can be available at a click of a button!
Let me introduce BibleProject About BibleProject | BibleProject™
WHAT IS IT? It is a great FREE resource for a quick overview to any book of the Bible by going direct to their website. Also, they are easily assessable through YouTube OR you can experience these animated snapshots through the YouVersion app on a mobile device.
These videos are valuable resources because they are understandable, quick, and engaging. This non-profit organization created a simple way for Scripture to be introduced without any religious denominational twist. The visual storytelling resource has only been around since 2014, but their audience has grown tremendously to over two-million viewers!!! WOW!
WHY I USE IT? I am far from a history buff! As a matter of fact, it is one of my least favorite things. However, once I began my journey of strengthening my relationship with God through the authority of His Word, my outlook on Biblical history changed completely. The quick summary helps me connect with the passage by knowing the purpose of the book, the main message, a short outline, and the writer’s delivery. These animated stories allow me to visualize the Scripture, the theme, and details which I feel I might otherwise miss through just reading through the book on my own.
It sets the tone for me. My mind begins to ask questions and my curiosity delivers motivation to dig deeper. Honestly, it is like a trailer to a new movie for me! It seems to always be action packed with a plot which leads my heart, eyes, ears, mind, and spirit to Jesus.
HOW TO USE IT?
- Click on Watch: Bible Book Overview Videos | BibleProject™
- Choose Old or New Testament
- Select the book of the Bible
- A short-written summary is given for each overview. If the video goes a bit too fast for you. Pause it-replay it-take notes-remember this is a study resource to use the way you need it.
TRY IT: Choose Amos
-Did you picture Amos looking like this?
-Can you feel the complacency from the way Jeroboam was displayed?
-What were your thoughts when the chapters were broke into three categories? Will this help you digest the material?
-Were there unknowns or concerns the video exposed?
This is what you should see:
Now this is just the beginning to Bible Project’s offerings. They have information on how to read the Bible, themes, word studies, visual commentaries, book collection videos, podcasts, bible studies, and so much more!!!
EXAMPLE OF A BIBLE STUDY: Since we have been on a journey in 2022 Discovering God Beyond the Text with our retreats, workshops, and online studies, the bible study concerning God’s attributes captured my attention. Here is the information given on the website, “Would you and your group like to learn more about God’s faithfulness? Download the BibleProject app and explore the Character of God Study, where we dive into five attributes of God that are repeated throughout the story of the Bible.” After reading this introduction, Refining may need to plan a Fall Kick-Off with this study! Would you be interested?
Once again, here is another FREE resource jam packed with a visual type of learning based solely on God’s Word! For me, it is always a welcoming way to gear up for another full book study of the Bible. It has been extremely helpful in our Major Wisdom through Minor Prophets series.
Do you have a consistent group where you strictly study God’s Word chapter by chapter each week? Share these Bible study tips with them.
If you are looking for a group, email us at refiningjourney@gmail.com. We meet every Monday night via zoom for only one hour beginning at 6:00 p.m. (CST) TOO BUSY to interact-driving home from work during this time-delivering kids to events-cooking dinner-no problem-hop on and listen. The LORD knows life can be demanding, but He loves it when we are creative and intentional in the ways we choose to know Him more.
We are truly here for you. It is our desire to walk alongside you and grow in knowledge and faith with the LORD.
Happy Bible Study journey! We will chat soon.
FREE & FABULOUS: Bible Study Tips-Part 2
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18 ESV
Hello. Thank you for joining us as we continue our FREE & FABULOUS series! Tip #1 we put into practice immediately with our Amos study group. It was delightful to find various translations of Chapters 1 & 2 as we individually studied the passage prior to Monday night’s meeting. What an amazing time to live—we have a world full of technology at our fingertips and can deepen our knowledge of Scripture at our own convenience. AND-most of these online study tools are FREE!
Tips #2 is for those who want to dig deep into the meaning of God’s Word. If you are like me, I want to consult a commentary mainly when a particular passage captures my attention. However, I don’t particularly want to always consult the set we were given years ago.
Let me introduce Study Light. https://www.studylight.org/commentary.html
WHAT IS IT? It is a verse-by-verse Bible commentary where you can search for specific Scripture and have a large collection of commentaries, concordances, dictionaries, and encyclopedias at the click of a button. Some of the Bible commentaries include Clarke, Bridgeway, Coffman, Henry, Barnes, Calvin, Smith, Gill, Kelly, etc. There are over 100 different commentaries used to build this resource. It does have pastoral resources if some of you are leading a Bible study over a particular book of the Bible and need some ideas, sermon illustrations, and the like. There are suggested daily reading plans and daily devotions if this is something you are needing. The site offers solid, foundational material for studying God’s Word.
WHY I USE IT? This online resource has become a new love of mine. In the past I have searched the internet for commentaries, sermons, and videos based on the chapter I was reading/studying. I like this site because I can drill down into the chapter verse-by-verse and receive some of the world’s greatest Bible scholar’s comments all in one location. I have enjoyed finding meaning over a particular verse which stood out to me each week. (Sidenote: I use a Scripture Notebooking plan) It is user friendly and doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles to sidetrack my attention. Although I have my favorite commentaries, this site has given me the opportunity to see Scripture through other’s eyes which I probably would not have entertained/found/read on my own.
HOW TO USE IT?
- Click on Bible Study Tools. Then choose your resource (commentary, concordance, dictionary, encyclopedia)
- When choosing Bible Commentary-now click on the book of the Bible, the chapter, and then the verse.
TRY IT: Choose Bible Commentary-New Testament 1 John-Chapter 1-Verse 1
Scroll down and look at Barnes’ Notes. You will the verse is broken down into small parts and each is explained in depth. Most of the commentaries give you cross references as well as other Bible study tools to use. I really like this style of commentary because it reminds me a lot of Verse Mapping.
This is what you should see:
Barnes’ Notes on the Whole Bible
That which was from the beginning – There can be no doubt that the reference here is to the Lord Jesus Christ, or the “Word” that was made flesh. See the notes at John 1:1. This is such language as John would use respecting him, and indeed the phrase “the beginning,” as applicable to the Lord Jesus, is unique to John in the writings of the New Testament: and the language here may be regarded as one proof that this Epistle was written by him, for it is just such an expression as “he” would use, but not such as one would be likely to adopt who should attempt to palm off his own writings as those of John.
This is one you need to experience. Play around with it a bit and see what commentaries you like best. Like I said, this is a new resource for me! There is a wealth of knowledge on this site. It has been around for over 20 years so I am sure you will find a lot more offered than the small tip I have shared. I will continue tapping into this free resource as I drill down weekly into my Holy Spirit guided Scripture study method.
Let us know what you liked about Study Light.
Happy Bible Study journey!!
FREE & FABULOUS: Bible Study Tips-Part 1
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15
Happy Friday Friends! Welcome to our FREE & FABULOUS series to help you discover fresh new ways to strengthen your personal Bible Study. Just like you, we are continually searching for tips to assist our personal study of God’s Word. Regardless of the techniques you incorporate during your personal study of God’s Word, it is always fun to discover FREE online study tools to deepen your understanding.
We love FREE! And-what is better than ONLINE & FREE? Just like you-we understand a limited budget and need for convenience. We invite you to walk alongside of us for the next few weeks as we investigate some great resources available to enhance your quiet time in God’s Word.
Let me introduce Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/
WHAT IS IT? A website where you can search, read, and/or listen to various translations of the Bible as well as different language offerings. It provides a variety of ways to study and engage with Scripture, reading plans, mobile apps, keyword search, topical index, signup for daily devotionals & newsletters, audio series, blog posts, recent podcasts, and so much more!
WHY I USE IT? This online resource is my first go to when focusing on a particular verse which stood out to me each week. (Sidenote: I use a Scripture Notebooking plan) Bible Gateway gives me a quick way to read/listen to another translation outside of my study Bible. I love the ease of use and how readily available numerous translations are at my fingertips.
HOW TO USE IT?
- Enter your passage location, keyword, or topic AND select the translation.
- You can even select all English translations once the passage is revealed.
TRY IT: type in 1 John 1:1 and select NIV (hit the search button)
You will see the verse and an option to read the entire chapter. Also, you will have the opportunity to view 1 John 1:1 in all English translations. At the click of a button-every English translation is listed on one entire page!
- Use the advanced search option to the left and you will be given cross references and footnotes!
This is what you should see:
1 That which was from the beginning,(A) which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes,(B) which we have looked at and our hands have touched(C)—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.
Cross references
- 1 John 1:1 : S Jn 1:2
- 1 John 1:1 : S Lk 24:48; Jn 1:14; 19:35; Ac 4:20; 2Pe 1:16; 1Jn 4:14
- 1 John 1:1 : Jn 20:27
- Type in keywords and/or topics and choose your translation
This will give you the OT & NT verses which include the word or topic. I will occasional use this feature if a particular word or attribute of God becomes apparent when reading the various translations. I don’t necessarily use this site for word study, but I do use it for cross referencing.
SO, there is your first FREEBIE for our Bible Study tips. Give it a try. See what you like best. I only touched the surface of what the website has to offer. Remember, I am limited in full knowledge of this free resource because I only use it for a quick reference for other translations and cross references when studying a particular Scripture.
Let us hear from you. We would love to know what you find helpful when using Bible Gateway.
Looking forward to sharing more with you soon.
Happy Bible Study journey!!
HOSEA Study & Scripture Notebooking
And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.
Are you ready to take your Bible intake to a new level? Come join us via Zoom every Monday night for seven weeks. We will show you how to digest Scripture differently through your very own handwriting.
Grab your Bible, your favorite pen, and a small notebook. You don’t want to miss out on this opportunity. See you soon!
How Visual Bible Intake Changed My Life
Wow! What an amazing fall day we are experiencing here. Crisp air, warm sun, slight breeze, and brilliant colors. It is days like these I want to capture and relive over and over because of the peace it seems to stir within my soul. The calmness of the weather washes over me in such a way that it fills me with tranquility despite any of life’s storms fulminating around me or within. Funny how quickly days like these can be wiped away when the 50 mph winds begin to blow and the temperatures drop into the single digits. This glorious day becomes an extreme distant memory I can barely revive.
When I encounter days like today, it brings me back to a time in my life where I desperately needed to encounter God and His Word differently. I longed to find true peace, joy, harmony, and calmness. I wanted it so infused into my veins that it would never leave my thoughts. There was a deep desire to seize the goodness of the LORD in such a way that I could seriously retain what the Father revealed to me through His Word.
That was three years ago! In 2018, God opened the doors to many things and the Holy Spirit revealed a way for me to go beyond my stagnant spiritual intake. It took me getting really honest with the LORD and confessing my issues. (I had a lot & still do, my friend) Permit me to share one of the biggest issues.
Have you ever attended a Bible study, sermon series, or studied a book of the Bible and in the midst of it been blessed beyond measure? I know I have over and over. That feeling is like experiencing the most impeccable day. You feel empowered and encouraged. It always fired me up for the next book, sermon, bible study, etc.
However, for me, months down the road I could only say, “Yes, that was a good study.” I could not truly verbalize my take away or seem to pinpoint the personal message for me. The only recollect was “it was good while it lasted”-much like a triple chocolate ice cream cone with a dark chocolate shell on a hot summer’s day. I felt like I was just going through the motions and then forgetting the goodness of God and His promises.
Now let me be very transparent, this journey hasn’t been easy but God answered my request. He has gently and ever so patiently been revealing ways for me to visualize my relationship with Him. The LORD has shown me methods to remember beyond the sermon, book study, etc. and how to hold myself accountable. He has given me a beautiful gift beyond my wildest imagination. I am slowly learning to infuse more of Him into my daily living while leaving a visual legacy of my relationship with the LORD for generations to come.
The Refining Ministry will be sharing these simple, creative techniques through workshops and retreats in 2022. We are super excited about the new year and what God has in store. Let us show you how your individual Bible intake can be memorable through fresh and creative means. Be on the lookout for details coming your way in January.
November Online Study-Malachi
Come join a three week study over Malachi! Let us show you how to enhance your Bible intake.
Only one hour once a week for three weeks! Send us an email and let us know you are interested: refiningjourney@gmail.com.
You will be glad you did.
ZEPHANIAH: 3 week study
Happy July friends!
It is that time again–to gear back up and continue the online Bible study series, Major Wisdom through the Minor Prophets. This month’s study will only be three weeks and focus on one chapter a week.
Together we will embrace Bible intake and discuss our reflections from personal readings via Zoom. Weekly, we will uncover the original meaning from the author and uncover the takeaways for each of us individually. Digging into Scripture with like-minded sisters in Christ is a powerful experience.
Come join us for three weeks-one hour a week. Zephaniah will begin July 12th at 6:00 p.m.
July 12th –Chapter 1
July 19th –Chapter 2
July 26th –Chapter 3
Please email the Refining Ministry, refining.journey@gmail.com by July 11th if you would like to participate. We will send you the link and additional materials for the study once we hear from you.
Let us know if you have any questions! Also, if you know of anyone who might be interested in attending, please forward this information to them.
In His Name,
Genna Stotts
HABAKKUK: 3 week study
Hello everyone!
We are so excited to continue an online Bible study series, Major Wisdom through the Minor Prophets. Each month we are focusing on one minor prophet by walking through a chapter weekly. The monthly study in June will only last three weeks.
Together we will discuss and reflect on our readings via Zoom. In each study, we will dig deep into Scripture and practice embracing the AMPS Bible intake method. Feel free to join us for a month at a time. Habakkuk will begin June 14th at 6:00 p.m. Again, this study will only last three weeks and each meeting will only be one hour in length.
June 14th–Chapter 1
June 21st–Chapter 2
June 28th–Chapter 3
Please email the Refining Ministry by June 11th if you would like to participate in this study. We will send you the link and additional materials for the study once we hear from you. Let us know if you have any questions! Also, if you know of anyone who might be interested in attending, please forward this information to them.
In His Name,
Genna Stotts
P. S. – Refining now has a direct email account: refining.journey@gmail.com
Refining [Spiritual Growth] 