Growth Bible Studies

STONECROFT BIBLE STUDIES

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED?

Q. Why do we use the Good News New Testament in Stonecroft Bible Studies?

A. We use the Good News New Testament because its thought-for-thought translation makes it easy to understand. Also, by using the same version, it makes it easier to find verses by page number and discuss them in the study group.

Both the Old Testament and the New Testament are important. The New Testament holds the direct teachings of Jesus and will be used the most in Stonecroft Bible Studies. Many have found other translations helpful as well. There are occasions when you will read Old Testament verses in your study. You will find these verses printed for you at the end of each of the weekly lessons.

Q. How do I look up a Bible verse?

A. The Bible is divided into books, chapters, and verses. When you are asked to look up a verse, it will be in the following format: John 3:16. The book name (John) comes first. The first number (3) is the chapter number, and the number following the colon (16) is the verse number.

Q. Why do we study the Bible?

A. The Bible contains more than just concepts that are beneficial for knowledge. Hebrews 4:12 says the Word of God—the Bible—is alive and active. That means there is power in the words we read, and the words are applicable to us today just as they were to people thousands of years ago. The Bible aids us in living the way God instructs us to live. We find answers to many of life's difficult questions, wisdom in how to live right, understanding of God's ways, and so much more!

It is important that we not only read the Bible, but also memorize verses in order to have them available to us throughout our day. A verse found in the Old Testament book of Psalms says that we hide the Word of God in our heart so that we will not sin against God. (Psalm 119:11) By keeping God's Word in our hearts, we are able to meditate on its truth and use it as we live our lives.