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 Peter: Fisherman and Shepherd of the Church

1. Peter's Call to Discipleship (Matthew 4:18-22)

2. The Mission of the Twelve (Matthew 10:1-10)

3. Jesus Heals in the House of Peter (Matthew 7:24 27; Matthew 8:14-17)

4. Faith and Doubt on Troubled Waters (Matthew 14:22-33)

5. The Rock Foundation of Christ's Church (Matthew 16:13-20)

6. The Rock Becomes a Stumbling Block (Matthew 16:21-28)

7. Peter Experiences Jesus Transfigured (Matthew 17:1-9)

8. Peter Questions the Limits of Forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-35)

9. The Challenges and Rewards of Discipleship (Matthew 19:23-30)

10. Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial (Matthew 26:31-35)

11. Jesus Urges Peter to Watch and Pray (Matthew 26:36-46)

12. Peter Denies Knowing Jesus before the Cock Crows (Matthew 26:57 58, 69-75)

13. Peter Refuses to Leave Jesus (John 6:52-69)

14. Jesus Washes the Feet of Peter (John 13:3-15)

15. Peter Responds to the Arrest of Jesus (John 18:10-27)

16. Discovery of the Empty Tomb of Jesus (John 20:1-10)

17. Jesus Appears to Peter at the Sea (John 21:1-14)

18. Jesus Calls Peter to Shepherd His Flock (John 21:15-19)

19. Peter Addresses the Crowd at Pentecost (Acts 2:12 17, 21-24, 32-41)

20. Peter Raises the Lame Man to Walk (Acts 3:1-16)

21. Peter Demonstrates the Gospel's Freedom (Acts 5:12-32)

22. Peter Gives New Life in the Name of Jesus (Acts 9:32-42)

23. The Visions of Cornelius and Peter (Acts 10:1-16)

24. Peter Visits the House of Cornelius (Acts 10:17-33)

25. Peter Proclaims the Gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 10:34-48)

26. Peter Is Set Free from Prison (Acts 12:1-19)

27. The Apostolic Council at Jerusalem (Acts 15:1-12)

28. Peter Encounters Paul in Jerusalem and Antioch (Galatians 2:7-16)

29. The Church Is a Living Temple (1 Peter 2:4-10)

30. Shepherding the Flock of God (1 Peter 5:1-11)

Ancient-Future Bible Study for Small Groups

Suggestions for Participating in the Group

Group Study in Six Sessions