The Bible Course | Session Host Notes

HOST NOTES | Session One – Introducing the Bible

Top tips for running Session 1.

Warm up
This is an optional question to use at the start before the video: What’s your favourite story, book or film and why?

Key themes in this session

• Introducing the Bible, its impact and influence
• Seeing the Bible as a book, a story and revelation
• Introducing the storyline
• Interpreting the Bible – ‘what’ and ‘now what’
• The inspiration of Scripture
• The reliability of the Bible

Possible issues

• While the Bible has been a force for good in the world, it has also been misused in harmful ways. It’s helpful to acknowledge this
• Some people may be concerned that the Bible has been made up by the Church and isn’t reliable. We suggest you reassure people there are good reasons to trust the Bible and point to helpful resources on the Hub and in the Guidebook

Wrap up

• Thank people for attending the group and for their contributions to discussions
• Ask people to let you know if there’s anything that can be improved for next time
• Remind the group about the Digital Hub and the daily Bible Plan throughout this week to prepare for the next session. (Make sure everyone has access to a physical or digital copy of the Bible. The course mostly uses the NIV translation).
• Convey details of any WhatsApp group you are starting and meeting details for the next session
• This session has been an introduction to the Bible, in the next session we explore the first book of the Bible – Genesis

Recommended resources

• ‘Introducing The Bible’ in The Bible: A Story That Makes Sense of Life (Andrew Ollerton, Hodder)
• Why Trust the Bible? (Amy Orr Ewing, IVP)

HOST NOTES | Session Two – Genesis: The story begins

Top tips for running Session 2.

Warm up
What’s the most inspiring or beautiful place you’ve ever visited? Where in the world would you most like to travel to and experience?

Key themes in this session

• Introducing the book of Genesis
• Is there a conflict between science and faith?
• Humanity created in God’s image
• The Fall and the consequences of sin
• God created a good world, humans made it bad, God will restore it
• Abraham, Sarah and three great promises
• The story of Joseph: blessed to be a blessing

Possible issues

• This session might raise questions about how to interpret Genesis and especially the creation stories in an age of modern science. For helpful resources for yourself and to share with those on the course, check out the Hub
• The personal story from Christine and Rodney is about freedom from debt, but also includes a reference to suicide. If debt is a challenge, you could introduce the work of CAP (Christians Against Poverty)
• Be aware of the pastoral challenges these issues might bring up and be sure to signpost people to where they can get help.

Wrap up

• Thank people for attending the group and for their contributions to discussions
• Remind the group about the Digital Hub and the daily Bible Plan in preparation for the next session
• Convey details of any WhatsApp group you are starting and meeting details for the next session
• In the next session we explore the book of Exodus

Recommended resources

• Chapter 1: ‘Can we take Genesis seriously in a scientific age?’ in Untangling Truth: Making Sense of the Bible’s Trickiest Topics (Andrew Ollerton, Hodder)
• Magisteria: The Entangled Histories of Science and Religion (Nick Spencer, Oneworld Publications)

HOST NOTES | Session Three – Exodus: The story of freedom

Top tips for running Session 3.

Warm up
What does being rescued mean to you? Have you ever rescued someone or been rescued?

Key themes in this session

• God’s people enslaved in Egypt
• The story of Moses
• The ten plagues and the Passover meal
• Towards the Promised Land and Mount Sinai
• The giving of the law, as well as animal sacrifices and the Tabernacle
• Caleb, Joshua, fear and faith

Possible issues

• This session references the issue of slavery and the practice of sabbath. Some people may feel that having a ‘switch-off’ day isn’t possible. It’s important not to be legalistic; instead encourage people to start with what is possible
• Understanding the laws given through Moses in books like Leviticus can be a tricky topic. Check out recommended resources for further guidance
  Cathleen’s personal story references themes of a sexual nature and drug addiction which might be a trigger for some people in your group

Wrap up

• Thank people for attending the group and for their contributions to discussions
• Remind the group about the Digital Hub and the Bible Plan in preparation for the next session
• Convey details of any WhatsApp group you are starting and meeting details for the next session
• In the next session we explore the time of the Judges and Israel’s Kings.

Recommended resources

• Part 2: ‘Exodus: Our human quest for freedom’ in The Bible: A Story That Makes Sense of Life (Andrew Ollerton, Hodder)
• Bearing God’s Name: Why Sinai Still Matters (Carmen Joy Imes, IVP)

HOST NOTES | Session Four – Kings: The story of power

Top tips for running Session 4.

Warm up
Think about people who are famous, influential or powerful – who would you most like to have a coffee with and why?

Key themes in this session

• God’s people are caught in negative cycles
• Introducing Judges like Gideon, Deborah and Samson
• Introducing Samuel, who anoints the first kings of Israel – Saul and David
• The significance of the Temple
• The book of Proverbs and the theme of wisdom

Possible issues

• People in your group may relate to being caught in negative cycles of bitterness, comparison, lust or greed. You may need to be sensitive and respond with compassion and understanding. Romans 8.1 is a reminder there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus
• Violence and warfare in the Old Testament can be uncomfortable issues for many people, causing them to question God’s character. For helpful resources for yourself and to share with those on the course, check out the Digital Hub
• Gary’s story mentions a particular opinion on keeping the Sabbath – be aware, some in your group may have questions about this or disagree with Gary’s approach. Be ready to listen and expand on some different views Christians might have on this issue.

Wrap up

• Thank your group for attending and contributing
• Remind them about the daily Bible Plan and further resources on the Digital Hub
• In the next session we will be exploring the themes of exile and loss

Recommended resources

• Chapter 3, ‘Does God condone warfare and violence?’ in Untangling Truth: Making Sense of the Bible’s Trickiest Topics (Andrew Ollerton, Hodder)
• Blessed are the Peacemakers: A Biblical Theology of Human Violence (Helen Paynter, Zondervan)

HOST NOTES | Session Five – Exile: The story of loss

Top tips for running Session 5.

Warm up
What’s the toughest season of life that you have experienced? What gave you hope through it?

Key themes in this session

• Exile and the end of the Old Testament
• The division of the Northern and Southern Kingdoms
• Northern Kingdom prophets like Amos, Hosea, Jonah, Elijah
• Southern Kingdom prophets like Isaiah, Micah, Habakkuk, Jeremiah
• Southern Kingdom conquered by the Babylonians and Jerusalem destroyed
• The example of Daniel as an exile in Babylon
• Returning to Jerusalem and rebuilding the Temple
• Malachi points forward to Jesus

Possible issues

• The exile raised questions and doubts about God. There may be people in your group who are suffering and wondering whether God has forgotten them. It may be appropriate to meet with them and pray outside of the session
• Dai’s personal story is about working for positive change, but there are references to abuse and trafficking which may be a trigger for some in your group

Wrap up

• Thank your group for attending and contributing. Congratulate them on their progress – they’ve made it to the end of the Old Testament!
• This was a big session with lots of details. If people are feeling a bit overwhelmed, encourage them to watch the video again on the Digital Hub
• Remind them about the daily Bible Plan and more resources on the Digital Hub
• In the next session we will be in the New Testament and the Gospels

Recommended resources

• Part 3: ‘Exile: our human longing for peace’ in The Bible: A Story That Makes Sense of Life (Andrew Ollerton, Hodder)
• Exiles on Mission: How Christians can Thrive in a Post-Christian World (Paul Williams, Brazos Press)

HOST NOTES | Session Six – Jesus: The story of rescue

Top tips for running Session 6.

Warm up
If they made a movie about your life story, what details would they need to include and who would you most like to play you?

Key themes in this session

• Introducing the Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
• The life, death and resurrection of Jesus
• Jesus’ ministry and teaching
• Jesus’ final week and the cross
• The resurrection of Jesus, good news for everyone

Possible issues

• Some people may question whether the stories about Jesus in the Gospels are historically reliable. For helpful resources for yourself and to share with others, check out the Hub
• This session includes a challenge to decide clearly to follow Jesus. Offer to talk further with people outside of the session if they would like to know more about becoming a Christian
  Alanzo’s story includes drug abuse and violence. Some may find these references challenging. Think about where you could signpost for further support.

Wrap up

• Thank your group for attending and contributing to discussions
• If appropriate, you might finish with a moment of prayer response for those people who are thinking about following Jesus
• Remind them about the daily Bible Plan and further resources on the Digital Hub
• In the next session we will be in the book of Acts

Recommended resources

• Chapter 5, ‘Do miracles really happen?’ in Untangling Truth: Making Sense of the Bible’s Trickiest Topics (Andrew Ollerton, Hodder)
• Can We Trust the Gospels? (Peter Williams, Crossway)

HOST NOTES | Session Seven – Acts: The story of mission

Top tips for running Session 7.

Warm up
If you could be a superhero, what super-power would you most like to have?

Key themes in this session

• The growth of early Christianity in the first 30 years after Jesus’ resurrection
• The Day of Pentecost and the arrival of the Holy Spirit
• The early Church and spread of the gospel
• The story of Saul/Paul
• Paul’s missionary journeys
• New Testament letters
• The book of Romans

Possible issues

• People may have questions, concerns or experiences related to the Holy Spirit. Be aware and sensitive to this in your group. There may also be questions about Church unity and why we have so many different denominations
• The session highlights the importance of Paul’s letter to the Romans. You could check out Bible Society’s The Romans Course and begin to think about running it as a follow-on to The Bible Course
• John’s personal story is about his conversion from Islam to Christianity, which some people may find challenging

Wrap up

• Thank your group for attending and contributing to discussions
• If appropriate, you might finish with a moment of prayer for people to be filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered to bring hope to the world
• Remind everyone about the daily Bible Plan and further resources on the Hub
• Next week looks at the book of Revelation and is the final session of The Bible Course

Recommended resources

• Chapter 1: ‘The Route of the Gospel’ in Romans: A Letter That Makes Sense of Life (Andrew Ollerton, Hodder)
• God is Not a White Man and Other Revelations (Chine McDonald, Hodder)

HOST NOTES | Session Eight – Revelation: The story completed

Top tips for running Session 8.

Warm up
What would be your idea of heaven on earth? Invite some humorous responses, e.g. first-class travel and no more queues.

Key themes in this session

• Introducing the book of Revelation
• How to interpret strange visions and symbols
• Encouragement for Christians suffering persecution
• The return of Jesus Christ
• Concluding The Bible Course
• Keep going with the Bible

Possible issues

• Some people have strong views about the book of Revelation. The key message in this session is that Jesus is king, and he is with us to the end
• What’s next after The Bible Course? Some people may want to do The Bible Course again as there’s a lot to take in. Others may be ready to try The Romans Course. There are also books written by Dr Andrew Ollerton that accompany both The Bible Course and The Romans Course in more detail
• Carl’s story is about living with a terminal illness. This might be a sensitive topic and some people may need pastoral support

Wrap up

• Thank your group for attending and celebrate completing The Bible Course
• Invite people to consider running the course for other people
• You could ask if people would be interested in attending The Romans Course
• Pray and thank God for the journey everyone has had together through the Bible

Recommended resources

• Chapter 7, ‘Do Heaven and Hell really exist?’ in Untangling Truth: Making Sense of the Bible’s Trickiest Topics (Andrew Ollerton, Hodder)
• Revelation: An Introduction and Commentary (Ian Paul, IVP)

Thank you for hosting The Bible Course!