Bible Study Made Simple

What is this class?

We believe in the God who speaks. Unlike the mute idols, the God of heaven and earth makes Himself known through spoken words. From Genesis to Revelation, God is presented to us as One who makes promises, commands, and foretells the future. God’s words have been faithfully committed to the written text. The message that had been spoken audibly or communicated directly to the recipients’ minds has been written down in a book called Bible. Although the revelation of the written word primarily addressed its original audience, it is meant to be received and applied by all future generations. Therefore, when we open our Bibles to read and study, we must be convinced that we handle the very words of God that possess the same authority and relevance for us today as they did for the original recipients.

It is vitally important that every person study the Bible properly to understand the truths it reveals. Understanding those truths, along with obedience to them, is essential to the salvation of one’s soul (John 8:32). This can only be accomplished by using the correct method of studying the Bible. In this class, you will be taught the proper steps of interpretation to study the Bible to feed yourself and help others do the same.

Who is it for?

This class is designed for every adult follower of Jesus Christ. It is open to all GraceHill members and regular attendees who desire to increase their ability to understand the Bible.

What are the expectations?

There will be reading assignments for every class session, usually around 20-30 pages. The expectation is that you will read the assigned chapters and come prepared. In addition, each student will select a passage of Scripture and each week, he/she will work through and apply the lessons taught in class. Towards the end of the course, each student will prepare a 10-minute lesson (sermonette), and depending on the size of the class, might be asked to teach the lesson in class.

Required Material

  • A good English translation of the Bible (NASB, ESV, NET); preferably MacArthur Study Bible
  • *Zuck, Roy B. Basic Bible Interpretation. Colorado Springs: Victor Books, 1991. ISBN: 978-0781438773
  • *Pickowicz, Nate. How to Eat Your Bible: A Simple Approach to Learning and Loving the Word of God. Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2021. ISBN: 978-0802420398

*Books will be offered for purchase on the first day of class. We will read selected chapters from each book.

Course Schedule (April-June, bi-monthly)

  • April 7: Importance of Proper Interpretation: Introduction
  • April 21: Steps to Proper Interpretation #1: History Matters
  • May 5: Steps to Proper Interpretation #2: This Thing Called Genre
  • May 19: Steps to Proper Interpretation #3: Context is King
  • June 2: Steps to Proper Interpretation #4: Read It Like a Book
  • June 16: Steps to Proper Interpretation #5: The Bible Is Its Own Interpreter
  • June 29: Steps to Proper Interpretation #6: So What?