Preface

To the Teacher:

The Dispensation Bible Study Part I is meant to be a useful tool to equip Apostolic Home Bible Teachers. If you have never taught a bible study, or have taught them with negative results, please try again. The days of people obeying scripture “just because” are over. People are more educated, more intelligent, and more logical today than ever before. To reach a comprehending generation, our teaching on scripture must be comprehensible. Too many times I have heard people give meandering biblical answers to queries that revealed only their lack of knowledge about God’s Word. Preaching and spirit-led exhortations are necessary and important, but I have found that there is no substitute for anointed, scripture-based teaching. Home Bible Studies are the best way to explain scriptural truths, and I always make this disclaimer in bible studies: “Don’t take my word for it, make sure it’s in the Book!” Before we discuss the format of this study, please allow me to make a few observations about how I approach bible studies in general. Most of this I learned while working under Rev. James Jackson, Associate Pastor, and Rev. Tim Wallace, Pastor of First UPC of San Antonio, Texas.

First, I do not know everything about the scriptures and neither do you. This bible study is not to “beat people up” with the scriptures. The studies are designed to invite questions, and I encourage questions while I teach. The old axiom applies: there are no dumb questions. Most questions will be answered somewhere in the series, so some basic knowledge of future lessons will help in deferring questions that might take away from the material at hand. This bible study series in not designed to replace personal study of God’s Word, but to aid and encourage personal study of God’s Word in both the student and the teacher. Occasionally I am asked a question that I do not have the answer for, my response is always that I do not know off-hand but will pray and study it out and try to have an answer next week. If the nature of the question is unanswerable, I simply say “I do not know.” Please do not make up answers to scriptural questions without a careful study of God’s Word, this will only lead to doubt in the student’s mind.

Second, if you respect people’s time and level of comprehension, then they will respect yours. If you schedule a Bible Study at 7 o’clock, DO NOT show up at 7:03! Also do not show up at 6:15. Be prompt and BE PREPARED. Few things are exciting as a well prepared bible lesson, and few things are as boring as an unprepared one. I have found it best to begin bible studies at one hour lengths or shorter. If you do not get through all of the material of a lesson in one hour, then start where you left off next week. Do not rush through the material, because then nothing is learned. As you continue teaching the lessons, the people will want you to stay longer. I have found that prime length of a personal Bible Study is around an hour and a half.

Third, I have found it best to do the bible study once a week and at a set time every week. Be sure to exchange phone numbers with the person. If you never miss a bible study, then the student will realize how important it is to you, and it will become important to them. Be Faithful!

Fourth, never argue about scripture. This does not mean that you should change your message, but rather always have scripture for everything you say. Be Prepared! This Bible Study encourages “chasing rabbits,” but if you do plan to go off on a tangent, know the scriptures ahead of time! Some minor variances of interpretation of scripture are not worth the argument. The purpose of this bible study is for a person to thoroughly understand what God requires of man to be saved. Once they are filled with God’s Spirit, then they will be much more receptive of your teaching.

Fifth, always begin each bible study with prayer. If in a group setting, I usually take prayer requests. We then pray together. Also pray for your bible studies throughout the week. The Spirit of God will help you teach if you do so. Fast for your bible studies.

Sixth, I allow everyone to read the scriptures. If in a group setting, then we go around with each person taking a set of scriptures. The studies are designed to divide the scriptures in manageable chunks. Some times a person who does not read very well will want to read: allow them. The more a person reads the scripture, particularly the King James Version, the more proficient they will become. Remember we are encouraging people to read scripture on their own, not discouraging them! If a person does not desire to read, then do not make them. The teacher will be talking most of the time, and by allowing others to read, you break up the monotony of just listening. It also helps to keep everybody following along. Occasionally there is a rather large portion of scripture to be read, when this happens, I will read it and explain it as I go.

Seventh, encourage people in the bible study to invite other people. If you get one person to come to a bible study, then it is very easy to get several of their friends to come.

Eighth, do not overly push church attendance. I know this is contrary to many people’s opinions but do not constantly bombard the students with “You need to come to church.” Let them know that they are welcome, and then continue on with the Bible Study. As God begins to work in their life because of the engrafted Word, they will come around to church.

Ninth, always present the Gospel in a positive view. Always have a smile and be friendly. If they have a dog, pet the dog. If they offer you a dessert, then eat the dessert. If you had a bad day at work that day, do not go on and on about it. Avoid arguments with your spouse and kids during or before the bible study. Live a victorious life in Christ and people will want that lifestyle for their life also. How you present the Gospel will be the main reason that they accept or reject it!

Last, allow the studies to change you also. Each time you teach the Word of God, it will refine you if you so allow. If you allow the bible studies to mold you, then they will stay fresh and exciting! God wants to use your teaching others to continue shaping you also! If I stop growing spiritually, I die!

The Dispensation Bible Study Itself:

The Study is set up both for group studies and one on one. I photocopy the actual lesson and give out a copy of each lesson to each student. At the end of the lesson, I allow the person to keep their copy. Please only photocopy the studies for students and not for other teachers. Each lesson builds upon the next, and they are in chronological order. Scriptures are always in bold print, with commentary in normal type. All emphasis is placed through italics and is mine. Each lesson has a title explaining where it logically fits in the series outline. This heading will be in bold, underlined print. Every dispensation ends with a review, a summary of which is found at the end of the series. Numerous outlines and summaries help reinforce the information as the series continues. In some cases, I do not always put all of the scripture to save space, so pay attention to Verse numbers. If several verses are not included in a section of scripture, I will place an ellipsis (. . .) to indicate the left out portion. Where I have used only the first half of a verse, will be denoted with an “a” after the reference. A “b” will follow the reference where I have only used the second half of the scripture. I will rarely do this because the lessons will emphasize taking scriptures in context. All scriptures quoted are King James Version unless otherwise noted.

Other Bible Studies:

This Bible study is intended to give a proper foundation of the scriptures. It does not try to be comprehensive, but rather relevant. I use other Bible Studies in addition to this one. Before I ever begin a Dispensation Bible Study with a person, I teach one called Salvation Made Simple. Salvation Made Simple was written by Rev. James Jackson and is the best introductory bible study that I have found. It is four lessons each of which can be taught in an hour and a half session. The first lesson deals with the Parable of the Sower and stresses the importance of understanding God’s Word and the results. The second lesson is entitled “The Spirit,” and is a superb presentation of the importance, necessity, and how to receive the Holy Ghost. The third lesson, called “The Blood,” is the best logical presentation of “Jesus name baptism,” that I have come across. The fourth lesson, “Who is Jesus Christ?,” brings everything together with an excellent basic lesson on the Oneness of God. After a person is taught these four lessons (or at least “The Blood” and “The Spirit”), I then begin the Dispensation Bible Study. Salvation Made Simple copies can be purchased from Rev. James Jackson, 350 Utopia Ln., San Antonio, TX 78223, (210) 337-6108. Additional copies of the Dispensation Bible Study Series can be purchased from Rev. Jeremiah Sibley, P.O. Box 104, Castroville, TX 78009, (830) 538-2500. May you win many souls to Christ through home bible studies!