Little Rock Scripture Study – serie

Jesus’ call to profound discipleship in the Sermon on the Mount is too often dismissed as special instructions for only the holiest and most exceptional Christians. In The Sermon on the Mount, Clifford Yeary challenges us to hear the sermon once again as Christ intended it, as our call to follow him whose life illustrated its every ideal. Yeary helps us to hear the Sermon on the Mount as a message for each of us, a challenge that is our constant call to renewal. Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayer and access to recorded lectures are included. 4 lessons.

The Gospel of Luke demonstrates the universal nature of Jesus’ mission and the compassion of God. Part One of this study includes Luke 1:1-11:54, taking the reader from the infancy narratives of John the Baptist and Jesus to their births and then to the Galilean ministry of Jesus. Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayer and access to recorded lectures are included. 6 sessions.

The Gospel of Luke demonstrates the universal nature of Jesus’ mission. In Part Two of this study (Luke 12:1-24:53), readers travel with Jesus from the region of Galilee to the city of Jerusalem where Jesus will enter into his passion and resurrection. Luke’s focus on God’s faithfulness will encourage you to trust. Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayer and access to recorded lectures are included. 5 sessions.

A study of the book of Genesis is an invitation not only to contemplate the creation story, but to remember with the Israelites their ancestors in faith. Part One of this study covers Genesis 1:1-25:18 (the “pre-history” of Israel including the creation accounts, the stories of the fall and the great flood, as well as the story of Abraham and Sarah). Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayer and access to recorded lectures are included. 5 sessions.

A study of the book of Genesis moves the reader from the cosmic creation story to the story of the creation of God’s people. Part Two of this study moves us forward from the time of Abraham to the unfolding of his family in the stories of Isaac and Jacob, as well as the story of Joseph and his brothers and their clans. Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayer and access to recorded lectures are included. 5 sessions.

Explore the sweeping saga of God’s people and their sacred journey. Panorama of the Old Testament surveys the variety of books found in the Old Testament. Uncover interwoven themes, the background of familiar characters and God’s overall plan of salvation. A perfect way to begin a great adventure or step back and see where you have been in your study of the Bible. Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayer and access to recorded lectures are included. 4 sessions.

Beginning with the Gospels and Acts and continuing through the letters and final book of the Bible, Panorama of the New Testament invites us into familiar scenes but with a wide angle lens to capture the big picture. For newcomers to Bible study, this is a wonderful place to begin to put the pieces together; for seasoned Bible students, this study identifies major themes that emerge throughout the New Testament books. Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayer and access to recorded lectures are included. 4 lessons.

Standing at the start of the New Testament, the Gospel of Matthew provides a bridge from the Jewish world awaiting a Messiah to the emerging Christian world of Jesus and his followers. This Gospel introduces us to Jesus as the Master Teacher whose words of instruction are captured in large teaching sections. Part One covers Matthew 1:1−16:28, from the birth of Jesus through much of his public teaching life, to the first prediction of his passion. Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayer and access to recorded lectures are included. 5 lessons.

Beginning with the Transfiguration of Jesus in chapter 17:1, the Gospel of Matthew continues to reveal through Jesus’ teachings what it means to be a disciple. This second part of the study of Matthew reveals a growing tension as Jesus ministers around Jerusalem, is arrested, crucified and rises to new life. Revealed as Emmanuel (God with us) at the start of the Gospel, Jesus will promise his continuing presence as the disciples are commissioned at the close of the Gospel. Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayer and access to recorded lectures are included. 4 lessons.

The exodus is the central event of the Old Testament, giving meaning to everything else we find in its pages. Part One of this study takes us through the first fifteen chapters of Exodus—from slavery to the call of Moses, from plagues to crossing the sea, from captivity to freedom in the Sinai. Discover that God hears those who are beaten down and liberates those who are in need of his justice. 5 lessons.

Part Two of this study covers the final 25 chapters of Exodus. Beginning with the insecurity of the desert wanderings, to encountering God on Sinai and then constructing the tent of dwelling, God’s people learn what it means to be part of a covenant with the one who liberates and also gives the Law to guide and direct them. 4 lessons.

Letters from Prison, Part Two provides an in-depth investigation of Paul’s letters to the Colossians and Ephesians, two letters with a great deal in common. Besides being written from prison, both letters address Gentile communities learning to live faithful Christian lives. Exploring themes such as God’s eternal plan, the unity of the church, and the fullness of life in Christ, these letters offer a sweeping and still relevant vision of faith in Christ and the church as his body.

Incarcerated numerous times “for the defense of the gospel” (Phil 1:16), Paul wrote several letters from the confines of prison. Letters from Prison, Part One explores the letters of Philippians and Philemon in four sessions, explaining the reason each letter was written and addressing various themes such as joy, unity in Christ, reconciliation, and the close relationship between Paul and his communities.

The Eucharist in Scripture explores the biblical theme of meals shared in faithful fellowship and in covenant relationship with God. Old Testament meals and promises provide a foundation for gospel meals with Jesus, culminating in the Last Supper as it is understood throughout the New Testament. Jesus’ Bread of Life discourse and the early Church’s practice of “breaking bread” are also explored.Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayer and access to recorded lectures are included. Five lessons.

Thought to be the earliest of the four Gospels, the Gospel of Mark is a fast-moving, vivid account of the ministry, suffering, and death of Jesus. Enter into a rich encounter with this preacher, wonder-worker, and messiah, whose very life delivered an urgent message about repentance, transformation, and the meaning of suffering in a life poured out for others. Part One covers Mark 1:1–9:32, providing an in-depth study of Jesus’ ministry of healing and preaching. Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayers, and access to online lectures are included. 5 lessons.

The Infancy Narratives of Jesus explores the stories of the conception and birth of Jesus in the gospels of Matthew and Luke. With clear and insightful commentary, Stephen Binz helps readers understand the Old Testament background of these texts, the distinct themes and events of the two gospel accounts, and the continuing relevance of these stories for us today. Deepen your longing for the Messiah’s coming as you encounter Jesus as Emmanuel, “God with us.” Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayers, and access to online lectures are included. 3 lessons.

The gospel stories of the passion and resurrection of Jesus are at the core of Christian faith, revealing the nature of God, the person of Jesus, and the path of every disciple. Explore these essential stories in the unique accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John with reliable guide Stephen Binz, and embrace the cross and resurrection in your own life. Ideal for Lent/Easter study. Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayers, and access to online lectures are included. 6 lessons.

What does it mean for a community to follow Jesus? With full benefit of the Holy Spirit, the earliest believers shaped communities of faith from Jerusalem to Rome and all points in between. The Acts of the Apostles, Part One (Acts 1:1–15:35) invites us to witness the Spirit at work as the apostles of Jesus become evangelists and pastors, as communities of believers expand to include Gentiles, and as local challenges test the staying power of the young church. Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayers, and access to online lectures are included. 5 lessons.

Come along on four major pilgrimages in Scripture—the journey of trust with Abraham and Sarah, the journey of freedom with Moses and the Hebrew people, the journey of exile and return with Israel, and the journey of discipleship with Jesus and his followers. God’s call sometimes leads and sometimes sends, and the destinations can be new and wondrous or even dark and dangerous. What makes the journey a pilgrimage is God’s abiding companionship.Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayer and access to recorded lectures are included. 4 lessons.

Break open the rich treasury of Paul’s letters and come to a fuller understanding of the life-changing reality of the death and resurrection of Jesus. As part of the canon of the New Testament, Paul’s Letter to the Romans is not only Paul’s word to the church in Rome, written nearly two thousand years ago; but also God’s word directed to us. In Romans, Paul takes up topics which can speak with relevance to our contemporary context as individuals, as members of the church, and as citizens. In this study, discover what Paul has to say about the themes that are most essential to Christian life: faith, salvation, relationships, and community. Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayers, and access to online lectures are included. 6 lessons.

Thought to be the earliest of the four Gospels, the Gospel of Mark is a fast-moving, vivid account of the ministry, suffering, and death of Jesus. Enter into a rich encounter with this preacher, wonder-worker, and messiah, whose very life delivered an urgent message about repentance, transformation, and the reality of suffering in the life of a disciple. Part Two explores Mark 9:33–16:20, including Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and the events of his passion, death, and resurrection. Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayers, and access to online lectures are included. 4 lessons.

Marvel at the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire in The Acts of the Apostles, Part Two (15:36–28:31). Empowered by the Holy Spirit and the deep conviction that Jesus is Lord, the first generation church continues to witness to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Paul, a model of courage and missionary spirit, becomes our primary guide as the Gospel sinks its roots into the soil of our world. Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayers, and access to online lectures are included. 4 lessons.

Open the Bible with newcomers and experienced students alike. Both will find much to learn and explore in this helpful introductory study. Stephen Binz offers clear, practical explanations that will make the Bible more familiar, giving readers a sense of the Bible’s structure, a better understanding of its various themes and writing styles, and insight into how to interpret the Bible within the Catholic tradition. This study also provides direction in how to choose a Bible, how to navigate its contents, and how to get the most out of Bible study. Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayers, and access to online lectures are included. 6 lessons.

The Bible is full of passages in which angelic beings are sent to accomplish God’s will. Angels speak for God, direct the course of nations, and protect God’s people. They worship God and deliver God’s judgment. In Angels in the Bible, George Smiga examines some of the Bible’s most fascinating passages about angels, exploring their ministry on God’s behalf and drawing insights for our own spiritual lives. Because angels are mediators of God’s presence and action, studying angels is studying God. Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayer, and access to online video lectures are included. 6 lessons.

The Gospel of John is a testament to the divine nature of Jesus, the Word made flesh, the Light of the World. Part One of our study (John 1‒10) covers the magnificent prologue of John’s Gospel and a significant portion of Jesus’ ministry. This ministry is highlighted by miraculous “signs” that reveal Jesus’ true nature and his relationship with the Father. Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayers, and access to online lectures are included. 6 lessons.

The Gospel of John uses rich symbolism, brilliant irony, and contrasting opposites to highlight the divine nature of Jesus. Part Two of our study (John 11‒21) begins with the final “sign” of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead and takes readers to the hour of Jesus’ glorification in his passion, death, and resurrection. Enter into this deeply spiritual Gospel and its remarkable account of the Son of God who is willingly "lifted up" on the cross, fully revealing the Father and drawing all people to himself. Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayers, and access to online lectures are included. 5 lessons.

2023 Catholic Media Association Second Place Award, Scripture – Popular Studies2023 Association of Catholic Publishers Second Place Award, ScriptureChristian belief in the Holy Spirit as the Third Person of the Trinity was not officially defined by the church until the fourth century. But centuries earlier, the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament were already describing the action and presence of God’s Spirit. In The Holy Spirit in the Bible, George Smiga unpacks key Scripture passages, exploring the activity of the Spirit at creation, within Israel, in the ministry of Jesus and the early church, and at the end of time. The role of the Holy Spirit in our personal and spiritual lives is also explored. Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayers, and access to online lectures are included. 6 lessons.

The book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse, has fascinated believers for centuries. Colorful imagery, rich symbolism, layers of meaning, and brilliant allusions to the Old Testament convey the book’s perennial truth: God will triumph over evil, and God’s faithful ones will share in that victory. Break open this ancient text with Little Rock Scripture Study’s Revelation and discover its ongoing relevance for us today. Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayers, and access to online lectures are included. 7 lessons.

Through a masterful mix of poetry and prose, the book of Isaiah gives prophetic witness to the complex story of God’s judgment against ancient Israel and the enduring promise of divine redemption. Both unsettling and inspiring, Isaiah continues to enrich readers with its powerful condemnation of corruption and an uncompromising call for social justice. Part One of our study covers Isaiah 1–39, including many of the prophet’s most memorable passages. Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayers, and access to online lectures are included. 6 lessons.