As we stand at the threshold of a new year, many of us are drawn to the idea of starting something or ending something—a fresh start, a clean slate, and the opportunity to become more like our Savior.
As we step into the new year, it’s the ideal moment to dive into the richness of the Scriptures, seeking wisdom, solace, and inspiration to grow in our relationship with God.
In this blog, we’ll explore 4 Bible studies that can have on your spiritual growth. Whether you’re a seasoned believer or new to faith, these Bible studies can illuminate your path and empower you to embrace the new year with a renewed sense of purpose. So, let’s embark on this spiritual journey together, discovering how the ancient wisdom of the Bible can bring about a new you in the coming year.
Here are the Top 4 studies from trusted teachers perfect to start off the new year.
1. Don’t Look Back – Christine Caine
With a rallying cry to “remember Lot’s wife,” Bible teacher Christine Caine motivates us to stop looking back, to let go, and to move forward into what God promises for our lives. With the strategies Christine shares, this study will equip you to:
• stop looking back and start looking to Jesus;
• invite Jesus to help you let go of whatever is holding you back;
• step into God’s plans, purposes, and promises.
Jesus told us to remember Lot’s wife because he wants us to trust him with our future and to boldly follow him into the opportunities and plans we simply don’t yet see.
Here’s Chris talking about the study:
For more on Don’t Look Back from Christine Caine, click here.
2. How (Not) to Read the Bible – Dan Kimball
Difficult questions arise when we read the Bible. Is God pro violence? Does God endorse slavery? Should we all be vegetarians? Are tattoos sinful? Why does the Bible feel so anti-women and anti-science? Questions like these have caused many to walk away from faith – likely you or someone you are close to. We need to address these issues that come up about the Bible.
In a casual and non-threatening way, pastor Dan Kimball explores these objections and more. The good news is that there are reasonable responses to these good and understandable questions. If church has burned you, bored you, or simply never been of interest, come take a deeper look at Jesus—and find out why the Bible might just be more beautiful than you can imagine.
The How (Not) to Read the Bible video series is a lifeline for individuals or groups who are confused or discouraged with questions about the Bible.
Let Dan Kimball guide you through treading the Bible:
For more on How (Not) to Read the Bible from Dan Kimball, click here
3. Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools – Tyler Staton
Prayer doesn’t begin with you; it begins with Jesus
Paul wrote, “Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us” (Romans 8:34). Interceding. That’s what Jesus is doing right now. He is praying for you. He is the bridge between the Father’s heavenly resources and your earthly life. Every prayer you have ever prayed, and every prayer you ever will pray, is a response to his prayers for you.
Join pastor and author Tyler Staton for a five-session Bible study that takes you to the starting point of a journey that will lead you from receiving the intercession of Christ to interceding with Christ. Along the way you’ll make four stops, summarizing the Lord’s Prayer that Jesus taught into four core practices: adoration, confession, petition, and intercession. But it all starts and ends not with our prayers, but with Christ’s.
Tyler invites you to join him on a quest to Pray Like Monks:
For more on Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools by Tyler Staton, click here
4. Habits of the Household – Justin Earley
Parenting happens in habits. We make meals, shuttle our kids to events, answer their questions, discipline them, and do bedtime. But did you know that even these ordinary routines can serve as extraordinary opportunities to live out God’s love in profound ways?
In Habits of the Household, you will discover simple practices you can implement around your daily routines and seemingly mundane moments that will lead to a lifetime of growing closer to God—both for you and the members of your home. Each session includes practical examples of prayers, liturgies, and activities that you and your family can put into practice right away. As you create rhythms around your everyday routines, you will find your family has a greater sense of peace and purpose as your home becomes a place where you learn how to love each other and love God.
Watch the trailer for Habits of the Household:
For more on Habits of the Household by Justin Whitmel Earley, click here
