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 Paul: Apostle to All the Nations

1. Saul Encounters the Risen Lord (Acts 9:1-19)

2. Saul Boldly Proclaims Jesus as the Messiah (Acts 9:19-31)

3. Paul Preaches in the Synagogue on the Sabbath (Acts 13:13-31)

4. God's Universal Mission to All Nations (Acts 13:32-52)

5. Good News of the Living God (Acts 14:8-18)

6. The Church in Jerusalem Welcomes the Gentiles (Acts 15:1-6, 12-21)

7. Paul Proclaims the God of All in Athens (Acts 17:16-31)

8. Paul Sparks a Riot in Ephesus (Acts 19:23-39)

9. Paul Bids Farewell to the Churches (Acts 20:7-24)

10. Paul Urges the Churches to Be Ready and Alert (Acts 20:25-38)

11. Paul Welcomed by the Church in Jerusalem (Acts 21:10-14, 17-26)

12. The Faithful Jew Sent to the Gentiles (Acts 21:40-22:21)

13. Paul's First Letter Expresses Joyful Thanksgiving (1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:8)

14. Waiting in Hope for the Coming of the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11)

15. Chosen as the First Fruits for Salvation (2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5)

16. It Is Christ Who Lives in Me (Galatians 2:15-21)

17. Promised Heirs of the Father (Galatians 3:23-4:7)

18. The Fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:13-26)

19. Proclaiming the Scandalous Message of the Cross (1 Corinthians 1:17-31)

20. Paul's Style and Motivation for Ministry (1 Corinthians 9:16-27)

21. The Unity and Diversity of the Spirit's Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:1-13)

22. Holding Firmly to What Is of First Importance (1 Corinthians 15:1-19)

23. A Precious Treasure in Fragile Vessels (2 Corinthians 4:1-11)

24. Boasting in Weakness, Living with Strength (2 Corinthians 11:21-30; 12:7-10)

25. Paul Addresses God's Beloved in Rome (Romans 1:1-15)

26. Jews and Gentiles Justified by Faith (Romans 3:21-31)

27. Transformed by the Love of God (Romans 5:1-11)

28. Dying and Rising with Christ in Baptism (Romans 6:3-14)

29. Confidence in God's Love Made Known in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:28-39)

30. Life in the World as Worship of God (Romans 12:1-21)

Ancient-Future Bible Study for Small Groups

Suggestions for Participating in the Group

Group Study in Six Sessions