When building pages we need to consider brain-health, character logistics, ethics, spiritual health and the Socratic method. As well as economy, logistics, and user experience. I want to focus on brain health and character logistics. Are we causing good brain health? Are we building brains with good things to make it more healthy. Are we doing things in our lives that cause us to think for ourselves and come about answers the way we need for a healthy body? Are we reading enough books? Are we exercising are we staying active. I know I get lazy with Facebook. I may stay off Facebook.
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Have dinner with me
We can do lunch somewhere. I don't make much money so if you want to invite me out and I know you I'll eat with you. text me at 8304448433
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
5 Steps to Start a Bible Study on Prophecy
5 Steps to Start a Bible Study on Prophecy
A Bible study on prophecy can help a church group understand God’s promises and see how they point to Jesus. It does not need to be complicated. You do not need a large library or an advanced Bible degree.
You need a clear plan, an open Bible, and a group that is ready to learn together.
We have put together these five steps for small-group leaders, pastors, teachers, and disciples who want to begin studying the prophecies of Jesus.
1. Set a clear purpose
Start by deciding why your group will study prophecy.
Prophecy can cover many subjects. It can include promises about the coming Messiah, the life and ministry of Jesus, His suffering and resurrection, His return, and the hope of God’s kingdom. A clear purpose will help your group stay focused.
You might use a purpose statement like this:
> “We will study key biblical prophecies about Jesus and their fulfillment so that we grow in understanding, faith, worship, and obedience.”
Keep Jesus at the center from the beginning. The goal is not to build a timeline of world events or debate every detail of the end times. The goal is to know Christ and trust the promises of God.
A short study series is often easier to organize than an open-ended meeting. Consider starting with six or eight sessions. Tell people how long the study will last, what passages you will cover, and what they should bring.
A clear plan helps people make a real commitment.
Decide what your group should gain
Before the first meeting, write down two or three outcomes. For example, your group may want to:
Understand how Old Testament passages point to Jesus.
Learn how to read prophetic passages in context.
Compare prophecy with its New Testament fulfillment.
Grow in hope and confidence in God’s Word.
Practice applying Scripture to daily life.
Encourage one another through prayer and discussion.
These goals will guide your questions and help you know whether the study is staying on track.
2. Choose your passages and format
Once your purpose is clear, choose the passages for the study.
Start with a manageable number of prophecies. You can pair an Old Testament passage with a New Testament passage that shows how it relates to Jesus.
Here is one possible starting list:
The promised seed: Genesis 3:15
The prophet like Moses: Deuteronomy 18:15–18
The promised Son of David: 2 Samuel 7:12–16
The virgin birth and promised Son: Isaiah 7:14 and Isaiah 9:1–7
The suffering servant: Isaiah 52:13–53:12
The Messiah’s birthplace: Micah 5:2
The humble King: Zechariah 9:9
The pierced one: Zechariah 12:10
You can then read related New Testament passages such as Matthew 1–2, Luke 1–2, John 19, Acts 3, and 1 Peter 2.
Do not try to cover every passage in one meeting. It is better to study a few verses carefully than to rush through a long list.
Use a simple study pattern
A three-part framework works well for groups:
Observation: What does the passage say?
Interpretation: What does the passage mean?
Application: How should we respond?
For observation, ask:
What words or ideas are repeated?
Who is speaking?
Who is being addressed?
What promises, warnings, or descriptions appear?
What details stand out?
For interpretation, ask:
What was happening when this passage was written?
What did it mean to the original audience?
What does the surrounding chapter teach?
How does the New Testament connect this passage to Jesus?
What other Scriptures help explain the passage?
For application, ask:
What does this teach us about Jesus?
What does it show us about God’s character?
How should this affect our faith and hope?
Is there something we need to believe, change, or obey?
How can we pray in response?
This approach gives your group a clear path. It also helps prevent the discussion from becoming only a conversation about theories.
3. Prepare the leader and the materials
A good group study begins with personal preparation.
Read the selected passage several times before the meeting. Pray for wisdom and humility. Write down the main points you want the group to understand. Also note areas where you may need more study.
A simple preparation list can include:
A Bible and a second translation for comparison.
A study Bible or Bible dictionary.
A concordance or Bible search tool.
A trusted commentary.
A notebook for observations and questions.
A one-page handout for group members.
You do not need to provide long lectures. Prepare a short introduction, a few open-ended questions, and a clear takeaway.
For each prophecy, consider four basic areas:
Historical context
Find out when the passage was written, who received it, and what situation shaped the message. Context helps you avoid taking a verse out of place.
Biblical connections
Look for other passages that use similar language or themes. Scripture often explains Scripture. Compare the prophecy with the Gospel accounts and other New Testament references.
Fulfillment and future hope
Some prophecies relate to events already fulfilled in the coming, death, resurrection, or ministry of Jesus. Other passages point toward future events. Be clear about what the text states and honest about what remains difficult to understand.
Practical response
Every session should move toward faith and obedience. Ask what the group can do with what it has learned. A session can end with prayer, worship, encouragement, or a simple action for the week.
Resources from ministries such as Cru’s Bible study methods and Insight for Living’s guide to leading a Bible study also emphasize preparation, observation, interpretation, correlation, and application.
4. Invite people and organize the first meeting
Now decide who will be part of the group and how the meetings will work.
A group of six to twelve people is often large enough for varied discussion and small enough for everyone to participate. You can invite people from an existing small group, church class, prayer group, or ministry team.
Choose a regular time and place. A church room, home, or online meeting can work. The most important thing is consistency and clear communication.
Tell participants:
The purpose of the study.
The start and end dates.
The meeting time and location.
The passages you will study.
What they should bring.
Whether they should read anything before the meeting.
Send a short reminder before each session. Include the passage and one question to consider. This helps people arrive prepared without placing too much pressure on them.
Use a simple first-session schedule
For a 60-minute meeting, try this format:
5 minutes: Welcome and introductions.
5 minutes: Explain the purpose of the series.
5 minutes: Opening prayer.
10 minutes: Read the passage aloud.
20 minutes: Observation and interpretation.
10 minutes: Application and personal response.
5 minutes: Prayer requests and closing prayer.
You can adjust the schedule for a 45-minute or 90-minute meeting. Keep the beginning and ending times clear. People are more likely to return when the group respects their schedules.
5. Lead each session with Jesus at the center
As the study continues, guide the conversation back to Jesus.
Prophecy discussions can easily move into arguments about dates, current events, or difficult interpretations. These questions may come up, but they should not replace the main purpose of the study.
Keep asking:
What does this passage reveal about Jesus?
How does this promise fit into God’s larger plan?
What does Jesus teach us to hope for?
How should we live as His disciples?
Give people time to answer. Some members will speak quickly. Others may need more time. Invite quieter members to share, but do not force anyone to speak.
If the discussion moves into a difficult theological issue, acknowledge the question and return to the text. You can also ask one or two members to research the issue before the next meeting.
Avoid claiming certainty where the Bible does not give it. A trustworthy leader can say, “This is one common understanding,” or, “This passage does not give us enough information to be dogmatic.”
The group does not need to agree on every detail to study faithfully. It does need to handle Scripture carefully and treat one another with patience.
End with application and prayer
A prophecy study should change more than our knowledge. It should shape how we live.
At the end of each meeting, ask every person to consider one response for the week:
Is there a promise to trust?
Is there a truth to remember?
Is there a habit to change?
Is there someone to encourage?
Is there a reason to worship or give thanks?
Then pray over those responses. Ask God to help the group understand His Word and follow Jesus with faithfulness.
A simple six-week study outline
You can begin with this schedule:
Week 1: The first promise of a Savior
Genesis 3:15 and related New Testament passages.
Week 2: The promised King
2 Samuel 7:12–16 and Luke 1:31–33.
Week 3: The coming Son
Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:1–7; Matthew 1:18–25.
Week 4: The suffering servant
Isaiah 52:13–53:12 and 1 Peter 2:22–25.
Week 5: The Messiah’s humble arrival
Micah 5:2; Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 2; John 12:12–16.
Week 6: The pierced one and future hope
Zechariah 12:10; John 19:34–37; Revelation 1:7.
Use the same pattern each week: read, observe, interpret, connect the passage to Jesus, apply, and pray.
Start with the resources you have
You can begin a Bible study on prophecy with a few people, a Bible, and a willingness to learn. Keep the structure simple. Keep the discussion centered on Scripture. Keep Jesus as the focus.
At Prophecies of Jesus, we share teaching, music, seminars, and christian discipleship materials to help believers grow in their understanding of Jesus and His promises. Visit our ministry website to explore available resources, download music, join the mailing list, and keep up with upcoming seminars and events.
Use these five steps to gather your group, open the Word, and begin. We would be glad to have you learn with us.
Monday, August 31, 2026
Sunday, August 30, 2026
Saturday, August 29, 2026
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)