DESCRIPTION

Ancient-Future Bible Study incorporates contemporary study of the Bible with an experience of the church's most ancient way of reading Scripture, lectio divina. This time-honored practice consists of five basic movements: biblical study (lectio), reflection (meditatio), prayer (oratio), discernment (contemplatio), and contemplative action (operatio). In six clearly written volumes, bestselling author Stephen Binz helps readers study the Bible in a way that leads to spiritual transformation and brings them closer to God.

Binz leads readers in a vivid study of key biblical characters, including Abraham, Paul, Peter, David, the women of the Torah, and the women of the Gospels. He shows all Christians who desire to have a transforming experience with the inspired Word of God how studying Scripture through lectio divina can enrich their discipleship. This ecumenical Bible study, designed for use by individuals or groups, includes questions for personal reflection and suggested action. Each volume includes leader's notes for guiding a study over the course of six sessions.

Contents

Welcome to Ancient-Future Bible Study

      The Movements of Lectio Divina

      The Essence of Lectio Divina

      Your Personal Practice of Ancient-Future Bible Study

      Collatio--The Communal Practice of Lectio Divina

      Further Help for Groups

Introduction to Abraham: Father of All Believers

1. Abram Goes Forth at the Call of God (Genesis 12:1-9)

2. Abram and Sarai in Egypt (Genesis 12:10-20)

3. The Families of Abram and Lot Separate (Genesis 13:1-18)

4. Abram Blessed by Melchizedek (Genesis 14:17-24)

5. God Seals the Covenant with Abram (Genesis 15:1-21)

6. Hagar Gives Birth to Ishmael (Genesis 16:1-16)

7. Ancestor of a Multitude of Nations (Genesis 17:1-14)

8. Falling Down Laughing (Genesis 17:15-27)

9. Abraham Hosts the Strangers (Genesis 18:1-15)

10. Abraham Intercedes for Sodom (Genesis 18:16-33)

11. Abraham and Sarah at Gerar (Genesis 20:1-18)

12. Laughing with Sarah at Isaac's Birth (Genesis 21:1-7)

13. Banishment of Hagar and Ishmael (Genesis 21:8-21)

14. Abraham's Well at Beer-sheba (Genesis 21:22-34)

15. Abraham's Supreme Test (Genesis 22:1-8)

16. The Binding of Isaac (Genesis 22:9-19)

17. Abraham Purchases the Burial Cave at Hebron (Genesis 23:1-16)

18. Burial of Sarah and Abraham (Genesis 23:17-20; 25:7-11)

19. The Promises God Made to Abraham (Exodus 3:1-6, 13-16; 6:2-9)

20. Song of Abraham's Offspring (Psalm 105:1-11)

21. The Rock from Which We Were Hewn (Isaiah 51:1-2; Sirach 44:19-21)

22. Descendants of Abraham through Faith (Galatians 3:6-9, 15-18)

23. Our Example of Faith (Romans 4:1-12)

24. God's Promises Inherited through Faith (Romans 4:13-25)

25. Remembering the Covenant of Old (Luke 1:57-75)

26. Father Abraham Have Mercy on Me (Luke 16:19-31)

27. Doing What Abraham Did (John 8:31-42)

28. Greater than Our Father Abraham (John 8:48-59)

29. The Line of Abraham's Descendants (Acts 7:1-8)

30. The Example of Abraham's Faith (Hebrews 11:8-19)

Ancient-Future Bible Study for Small Groups

Suggestions for Participating in the Group

Group Study in Six Sessions