One to One Bible Study

There are many different ways to study the Bible, such as through personal reading and meditation, listening to sermons and lectures, discussion groups, or on a "one-to-one" basis. All are good. But our ministry is uniquely committed to one-to-one Bible study. Though we do offer group Bible studies, we find that one-to-one is the best way to accommodate the busy schedules of college students so they can have the best opportunity to read and practice the word of God. In this collective society one person can easily be ignored, but through Bible study we learn how God helped one person Abraham for 25 years, and how our Lord Jesus taught Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman one at a time. We are greatly inspired to study the Bible with each student on a one-to-one basis.

Through one-to-one Bible study, each person is a student, and each person is a teacher. This gives the opportunity for each person to study at his or her own pace, ask questions freely, and seek answers with the prayer support of a friend. We encourage those who want to engage in serious Bible study to prepare by answering study questions in advance and afterward to write a summary of what he or she has learned--including personal, practical application.

In one-to-one Bible study, usually we begin with Genesis or the book of John, in order to learn basic Christianity. We must not approach study of it critically, but prayerfully--to learn what God is saying to us and to obey Him. There are three steps:

Observation: What does it say? Pay close attention to the passage, noticing contrast, repetition and progression, as well as the facts.

Interpretation: What does it mean? Prayerfully meditate on the contents, seeking to find its meaning, particularly in context and from the author's point of view.

Application: How does it apply to me? Are there promises to be claimed, commands to be obeyed, sins to be repented of? Look for prayer topics for yourself, for others, for your family, for the country and the world.

Our one-to-one Bible studies are evangelistic in purpose, that is, we seek to lead people--one at a time--to meet the God of the Bible personally, and to come to know Jesus as Savior and Lord. This kind of Bible study is costly in that it involves investment of one's personal time, love, and care. But we believe the Bible teaches that one soul is of greater worth than the whole universe.