This Introduction to the Bible for International Students and Scholars includes 14 discussions from creation to the resurrection with lots of helpful vocabulary, background information, and leader's notes.
Introduce your international friends to the Bible with this 14-week study guide! Exploring the Bible is designed for university and college students, as well as visiting scholars, who may be studying the Bible for first time and who may speak English only as their second or third language.
The series consists of a Bible introduction discussion, six discussions that highlight key stories introducing God and tracing his plan of redemption through the Old Testament, six discussions about Jesus, and a final discussion to allow participants to consider how to respond to God. Each chapter includes discussion questions, Bible text, and discussion leader’s notes. The Bible texts are accompanied by many help notes in the side margin to assist with unfamiliar words and concepts. The application questions at the end of each discussion give opportunities to reflect on what was heard and discussed.
All of the Bible studies have been used successfully with internationals, and most have been used and improved for 12-14 years before being published. The price has been kept low so you can order a book for each participant and the group leader.
Written by Terrell Smith (editor), Sarah Boswell, Bonnie (Berggren) Moilanen, and Dean Waldenmaier.
Published by InterVarsity International Student Ministry in partnership with Bridges International.
Acknowledgments
Why Study the Bible?
How to Use This Bible Study Guide
About the Authors
1 Introduction - What is the Bible?
Who wrote the Bible? What is the Bible all about? Sample texts from the Bible
2 God and Creation
Who is God? What is God like? Genesis 1:1-31; 2:1-3, 18-25; John 1:1-5, 9-14
3 The Great Fall
What is sin? Why is there evil in the world? Genesis 2:8-9, 15-17; 3:1-24; 1 Corinthians 15:21-22
4 The Great Flood
How does evil affect people? What does God do about evil? Genesis 6:5-22; 7:1, 11-24; 8:1-22; 9:12-16; Hebrews 11:6-7
5 Abraham: A Man of Faith
How does God provide? Genesis 22:1-18; John 1:29-34
6 Moses and the Exodus
How does God rescue? Who does God rescue? Acts 7:17-35; Exodus 11:1-10; 12:1-13, 28-38; 1 Peter 1:17-21
7 The Ten Commandments
What does God require of us? Exodus 19:10-25; 20:1-21; Romans 3:19-26
8 Christmas: The Birth of Jesus
Who is Jesus? Why is he so special? Luke 1:26-38; 2:1-20; Matthew 1:18-2:12
9 Lost and Found
Why did Jesus come? What did he teach? Luke 15:1-32; 19:1-10
10 Miracles of Jesus
How far does Jesus’ authority go? What does he have the power to do? Mark 4:35-5:43
11 I Am
Who does Jesus claim to be? John 6:35-40; 8:12, 56-59; 10:7-17; 11:25-26; 14:1-9
12 Good Friday: The Death of Jesus
Why did Jesus have to die? Isaiah 53:1-12; Luke 22:66-23:27, 32-56
13 The Resurrection of Jesus
Is Jesus really alive today? Matthew 28:1-10; Luke 24:13-35; John 20:24-31
14 How May I Respond to What God Has Done?
What has God done? How may I respond? Numbers 21:4-9; Daniel 7:13-14; John 3:1-18, 36
15 Leader’s Notes
Illustrations for Sharing the Gospel
16 Maps and Resources
Timelines
Ancestor Tree
Maps
Celebration of Important Holidays
References for Further Study
Wire coil bound, so it lays open flat during discussions
206 pages, each 6.5 inches wide x 9.5 inches tall
ISBN 978-0-9835848-5-8
Retail price: $15.99
22 books per case/box
I have been utilizing Exploring the Bible with internationals and have recommended it to others in ISM work. It is a helpful overview to understand how the Bible fits together and the themes and overall story. I am currently using it with internationals. I do know each of the authors and was introduced to the book by them.
Excellent tool for sharing the Gospel wit International Students with English at best as a second language. My focus is on Chinese Students and visiting Scholars.. the book is written for international readers. One of my students reads everything on each page out loud and feels the discussion questions are aimed directly at him, so he answers them as to how they apply to him. The only problem I have is to thait would be good to have the capability of ordering pdf copies of the book. 'This would help me immensely in working with overseas students by either emailing them the pdf book or by sharing the screens of the pdf on Zoom with them. Thanks.
I really love this resource for working with international students! It is a great way to introduce the Bible to them and give them an overview of the Old Testament and the life of Jesus. It has sparked many deep questions and has helped us lead several friends to become followers of Jesus!
