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Group Answers Podcast
April 15, 2020

Group Answers Episode 148: Trevin Wax on Bible Translations

By Group Ministry
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On this episode of Group Answers, Brian and Chris talk to Trevin Wax about the different translations of the Bible. Why are there so many? Is there one that is more accurate than the others?

Trevin Wax is senior vice president of Theology and Communications at Lifeway Christian Resources and a visiting professor at Wheaton College. He is the general editor of The Gospel Project, and the author of multiple books, including This Is Our Time, Eschatological Discipleship, and Gospel Centered Teaching.

Questions Discussed:

  • Why are there so many translations of the Bible?
  • What goes into creating a translation?
  • What are the major differences between word-for-word, thought-for-thought, and paraphrase translations?
  • What is Optimal Equivalence, and how did it play into the creation of the CSB?
  • Why should a group leader (or teacher) care about what translation they are using during the group time? How can they use different translations to help prepare?
  • How do you choose the best translation for your personal Bible study?

Resources Mentioned:

  • The Christian Standard Bible
  • The Cannon of the New Testament

Episode Sponsor:

For more than 25 years, Portable Church® has helped thousands of churches launch strong and thrive in a mobile setting. They design custom solutions that fit each budget, vision, and venue. Everything you need to launch a mobile church — an inviting worship space, kids ministry areas, welcome spaces, storage cases, etc — all in a system refined to make it fast, easy & fun for the weekly volunteer teams.

The Group Answers Podcast is a weekly show designed to resource, train, and encourage small group leaders. Each episode considers current trends and resources as well as timeless truths and methods of discipleship. It is hosted by Brian Daniel, a Bible study and discipleship expert in Lifeway’s Groups Ministry, and Chris Surratt, the small group and discipleship specialist at Lifeway and author of Leading Small Groups.

Church Leadership
August 26, 2019

What Does The Bible Say About ______?

By Group Ministry

by Will Johnston

“The Bible says that the wages of sin is death.”

“The Bible says Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.”

“The Bible says unless you repent, you will perish.”

“The Bible says…”

I sometimes cringe when I hear those words.  It’s not because I don’t believe the Bible. I do.

I cringe when Christians say them to people who don’t believe the Bible.  Think for a second about how you view religious texts you don’t believe. If someone were to quote the Koran to you, how would you respond?  Would your thought be, “Oh, wow. It was written in the Koran, so it must be true!”?

I’m guessing not.  You’d probably be skeptical.  You’d evaluate the statement against your own set of beliefs, but you wouldn’t be any more convinced of its truth just because it came from the Koran.  Quite the contrary, the fact that it came from the Koran might actually make you more skeptical.

So if we’re not convinced when someone quotes from a religious text we don’t believe is reliable, why would someone who doesn’t think the Bible is reliable be convinced when we quote from it?

So how do we use Scripture with people who aren’t convinced it’s true?

Well, first, we share our own experience and relate the Bible to our lives.

If I’m having a conversation with someone about a business deal, and they mention that they’re considering cutting corners to make more money, I could quote Proverbs 12:22, “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.”

Or, I could talk about how I try to run my business with integrity, and how that has worked out better for me in the long run. I might throw in that initially I acted with integrity because of what the Bible teaches, and I’ve continued because I’ve found that it works out better when I do.

The great part about the Bible isn’t just that it’s true. It’s that it works. When we follow what we find in the Bible, things do work better in the long run. And when we can show others how it has worked in our lives and keep the focus on the decisions we’ve made rather than using it to tell someone else what they should or shouldn’t do, people are usually a lot more receptive.

Second, we share Biblical teachings that will resonate with people.

If we catch a coworker lying to their boss, quoting Proverbs 12:22 will probably just make them feel judged and upset them.  It might be true, but it’s not helpful.

But if we’re having a conversation about homelessness in our community, and we talk about how Jesus told his followers to care for the poor (Matthew 25), the end result will likely be that people think of Jesus and people who follow Jesus as the kind of folks who care about those in need.

Or if we’re having a conversation about what to do when someone wrongs you, and we talk about how Jesus stressed the importance of forgiveness, perhaps we can help change the perception that Christians are judgmental and help them understand that we serve a God of second (and third and fourth and fifth) chances.

The goal isn’t to hide the more difficult to accept parts of the Bible, but those parts tend to make a lot more sense in context.  When we pull them out and present them as truth to someone who doesn’t know Jesus without the larger context, we often just put people off.

So, keep bringing the Bible into your conversations, but when people aren’t sure the Bible is true–and that may be some of the people in your small group–don’t just quote it at them, reference Biblical teachings in a way that helps them begin to see the Bible as both true and useful.

Will Johnston is the Director of Build Community at Eastside Community Church in Anaheim, California. Will graduated from Wheaton College with a degree in theology, did a two-and-a-half year stint on Capitol Hill, and then joined the staff of National Community Church in Washington D.C., where he oversaw small groups.
Church Leadership
July 23, 2019

Three Things That Describe A Life-Changing Bible Teacher

By Group Ministry

by David Apple

I am always interested in learning ways we can improve Bible teaching whether in a Sunday School class, small group, or one on one.  Although there are many faithful Bible teachers who have influenced us, I am amazed at what we learn and rediscover by observing Jesus as a life-changing teacher.  Among other things, we learn there are three dynamic ways we can improve teaching by learning from and following Jesus:

  1. We need to know WHAT we are teaching.  We are to teach God’s Word. We need to know the God of the Scripture and be in relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus.  We need to know the truth that comes from God through His Word.  We are not the experts, but we depend on the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us as well as the group as we investigate and apply the truth of God’s Word.   

We are to investigate the CONTENT of the Scripture passage(s).  We must understand the importance of the message and meaning of the Scripture.  We are not merely to discuss what we think it means or what we want it to mean.  

We are to identify the CONTEXT of the passage.  Take time to discover the background (including culture, location, people, history, and setting) that relates to the passage. 

Grow in understanding of WHAT we are to teach by spending time in God’s Word, reading commentary and explanation of key words, phrases, concepts, and background information in resources available.  Lifeway provides resources like the Leader Guide, Personal Study Guides and Daily Discipleship Guides, Biblical Illustrator, as well as other valuable helps like WordSearch. 

2. We need to know WHO we are teaching.  It is obvious that we need to know basic personal facts about each person (name, address, birth date, other special dates).  It is also important for the teacher to learn and develop caring connection with persons regarding other life defining aspects: life stage, spiritual journey, family, background, interests, challenges.  Yes, we teach facts, but we also teach people.  

Jesus masterfully modeled ways to teach a wide variety of individuals and groups.  There are people today in many ways like those Jesus taught.  We are to teach those who have Christian heritage as well as those who have never heard the message of God’s good news.  We are to teach those who identify as experts as well as those who are trapped or are running from God’s grace.  

3. We need to know HOW to teach.  A relatively small number of Bible teachers have been trained as professional educators.  But every Bible teacher needs to know how to use appropriate skills, methods, and ways to guide people to discover and apply God’s Word.  There are many teachers who know the facts (WHAT) but don’t engage potential learners.  There are many teachers who know and nurture the participants (WHO) but are not always intentional in leading the persons to uncover the truth of God’s Word and relate it to their lives.  The Master Teacher modeled dynamic and life changing teaching to the point most individuals or groups seldom noticed the teaching methods or processes.  Yet, they encountered God’s Word and were transformed through the Scripture and the encounter with God through His Son.  We will grow in an amazement of teaching methods as well as skills used by a life changing teacher by reviewing the methods Jesus used, whatever and whoever He taught.  Masterful!  

I join you in celebrating that we can grow in these three dynamic ways of learning from the Master, the life-changing teacher.   

Group Answers Podcast
June 26, 2019

Group Answers Episode 106: Bobby Gruenewald

By Group Ministry

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On this episode of Group Answers, Chris and Brian talk to Bobby Gruenewald about the Bible and technology.

Bobby Gruenewald serves as Pastor, Innovation Leader at Life.Church and is the founder of the YouVersion Bible App, which has been installed in every country of the world. As one of the leading voices in the Church on innovation and the use of technology, Bobby has been featured in The New York Times, TechCrunch, CNN, and more. Prior to joining the Life.Church team in 2001, he started and sold two technology companies as well as served in advisory capacities for various startups and venture capital funds. Bobby and his wife, Melissa, live in Edmond, Oklahoma with their four children.

Questions:

  • Tell us about your journey from rapper/entrepreneur to pastor.
  • What was the impetus behind creating YouVersion?
  • Why do you think people struggle with consistent engagement with the Bible?
  • What do you say to people who have issues with others reading the Bible digitally?
  • The opportunity for community is built into the YouVersion app. How can small groups take advantage of it to encourage and challenge each other?
  • How can Bible Plans help people engage with the Bible on a deeper level?
  • What is next for technology and the Church?

Quotes:

We were beginning to connect with Scripture more consistently in places we had not done that before.

It’s been a sprint of us racing to keep up with what God’s doing.

For many people, I think the Bible is a bit intimidating.

There are some things about technology that give some new opportunities for people to experience Scripture in different formats that have been very helpful for people in their consistency and their engagement.

The Bible has changed formats many times over the last few thousand years.

There are many people today who still cannot read Scripture in their own heart language.

It’s difficult today to have meaningful conversations around Scripture in some of the more public social media environments. We wanted to create a safe place for that conversation to take place.

We just see technology as a tool that can be used for the Gospel.

Church leaders need to be asking the right questions.

Sometimes the most effective thing to do is write it on a piece of paper.

This Episode’s Sponsor: Feeling unequipped for marriage ministry? Woo Marriage is here to help. Backed by research and designed with your church in mind, Woo Marriage provides Christ-centered marriage coaching for your entire church. Get your first month free with offer code LEADERSHIP at WooMarriage.com/FreeTrial.

The Group Answers Podcast is a weekly show designed to resource, train, and encourage small group leaders. Each episode considers current trends and resources as well as timeless truths and methods of discipleship. It is hosted by Brian Daniel, a Bible study and discipleship expert in Lifeway’s Groups Ministry, and Chris Surratt, the small group and discipleship specialist at Lifeway and author of Leading Small Groups.

Group Answers Podcast
November 21, 2018

Group Answers Episode 75: Power Ranking Disciple-Makers in the Bible

By Group Ministry

https://media.blubrry.com/freebibleteaching/p/s3.amazonaws.com/ministrysites/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2018/10/26101639/GA-75.mp3

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On today’s episode, Chris, Brian, and Brandon power rank disciple-makers in the Bible.

Criteria:

A. Degree of Difficulty (How challenging was their discipleship situation?)

B. Disciples’ Impact (How world-changing were their direct discipleship descendents?)

C. Paradigm Development (How much did their discipleship example shape future disciple-making ministry?)

Chris’ Top 5

  1. Jesus – 30
    Degree of Difficulty – 10
    Disciples’ Impact – 10
    Paradigm Development – 10
  2. Paul – 25
    Degree of Difficulty – 8
    Disciples’ Impact – 8
    Paradigm Development – 9
  3. Peter – 23
    Degree of Difficulty – 8
    Disciples’ Impact – 8
    Paradigm Development – 7
  4. John the Baptist – 19
    Degree of Difficulty – 9
    Disciples’ Impact – 6
    Paradigm Development — 5
  5. Elijah – 16
    Degree of Difficulty – 8
    Disciples’ Impact – 5
    Paradigm Development – 3

Brandon’s Top 5

  1. Jesus – 30
    Degree of Difficulty – 10
    Disciples’ Impact – 10
    Paradigm Development – 10
  2. Barnabas – 26
    Degree of Difficulty – 9
    Disciples’ Impact – 9
    Paradigm Development – 8
  3. Paul – 24
    Degree of Difficulty – 8
    Disciples’ Impact – 7
    Paradigm Development – 9
  4. Jethro – 18
    Degree of Difficulty – 4
    Disciples’ Impact – 4
    Paradigm Development – 10
  5. Elijah – 15
    Degree of Difficulty – 10
    Disciples’ Impact – 4
    Paradigm Development – 1

Brian’s Top 5

  1. Jesus – 30
    Degree of Difficulty – 10
    Disciples’ Impact – 10
    Paradigm Development – 10
  2. Paul – 27
    Degree of Difficulty – 8
    Disciples’ Impact – 9
    Paradigm Development – 10
  3. Moses – 26
    Degree of Difficulty – 10
    Disciples’ Impact – 10
    Paradigm Development – 6
  4. Peter – 25
    Degree of Difficulty – 9
    Disciples’ Impact – 8
    Paradigm Development – 8
  5. Aquilla and Priscilla – 18
    Degree of Difficulty – 4
    Disciples’ Impact – 9
    Paradigm Development – 5

The Group Answers Podcast is a weekly show designed to resource, train, and encourage small group leaders. Each episode considers current trends and resources as well as timeless truths and methods of discipleship. It is hosted by Brian Daniel, a Bible study and discipleship expert in Lifeway’s Groups Ministry, and Chris Surratt, the small group and discipleship specialist at Lifeway and author of Small Groups for the Rest of Us.

Church Leadership
November 19, 2018

3 Ways to use Multiple Bible Translations

By Ken Braddy

Today we are blessed to have dozens of Bible translations from which to pick. There is no shortage of good translations of Scripture. Every translation will have its pros and cons, and people often become very passionate about which one they believe is the “right” one. Truth be told, I believe it is a blessing to have multiple translations from which to choose. Some people might make a Bible translation preference a “hill to die on,” but that would be unfortunate. While some translations may be closer to the wording of the original languages of the Bible (and therefore a little harder to read and understand), other good translations translate thought-for-thought so that the Scripture is still highly accurate, but more accessible to the average reader. At the end of the day, most modern translations are going to be great translations with only minor differences.

That being said, is it a good idea to use multiple translations personally? What about using multiple translations in your Bible study group? I believe it’s a good thing to read from different versions, so here is my advice and reasoning for this practice:

  1. Memorize from one primary version. It is really hard to memorize Scripture from multiple versions! It is best if you find a version of Scripture that makes God’s Word accessible and understandable to you. When you find that version, stick with it for the long haul. Let this be the one from which you memorize Scripture.
  2. Study from multiple versions as a group leader. Sometimes the way one translation phrases a sentence can add clarity or help you understand the intended meaning of the biblical author. As you do your personal study in preparation to teach, study from different translations and note the ways translators phrase key words—the ones that are different may need further investigation on your part to uncover the original meaning of the Hebrew or Greek words that have been translated differently.
  3. Use multiple versions in your group. As you lead your group, encourage the use of multiple versions – don’t enforce your preferences on your people. If they ask which translation you prefer, tell them. But don’t be dogmatic about them all using the same one! The differences in translations will become apparent as people read verses during your Bible study. This can spur discussion. “Why does my Bible have the word X, and Bill’s version has the word Y?” Some rich theological discussions can come from this.

If you need or want a new Bible, I encourage you to take a look at the CSB (Christian Standard Bible) produced by Lifeway. It has won awards for its accuracy to the original languages of the Bible, while being the most readable version of Scripture on the market today. Click here to jump to the CSB’s landing page where you can read all about it, including FAQs that will be helpful to you.

Ken Braddy manages Lifeway’s Ongoing Bible studies, leads his church’s groups ministry, and blogs daily on Sunday School and small groups at kenbraddy.com.
Group Leadership
August 10, 2017

Two Reasons to Keep Reading Your Bible This Summer

By Rob Tims

It’s nearly the end of summer, which means that our routines are getting ready to get back into gear for the fall, including our Bible reading. Already this summer we have found ourselves several chapters “behind” where our plans tell us we should be, and no amount of alerts, notifications, or dated pages can inspire us to “catch up.” Throw in the melee of fitting in every activity possible for the remaining days of summer, and we may not read God’s Word until September.

So, rather than pile on the guilt you may already feel, can I spread a little liberty your way? Take a look at 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and be inspired to read your Bible for at least two reasons.

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

First, notice that the Bible must be read and trusted because of its origin. The Bible is inspired by God (that is, God-breathed). It is where God has spoken, and it is from where he continues to speak. As John Piper puts it, “It is a great wonder that God still speaks today through the Bible with greater force and greater glory and greater assurance and greater sweetness and greater hope and greater guidance and greater transforming power and greater Christ-exalting truth than can be heard through any voice in any human soul on the planet from outside the Bible.” Because of this, I must fight fiercely to read and trust it.

Second, the Bible must be read and trusted because of the purposes it aims to accomplish in us. The Bible equips us with what to believe and how to live by it (vv. 16-17). Teaching and rebuking are about doctrine (what we must believe and what we must not believe). Correcting and training are about our lives (what we must not do and what we must do). In doing these four things, the Bible equips us to live out our salvation, which is its ultimate aim.

Our lives are fueled by the glorious truths of the Bible. In it we hear from God, and everything He says matters more than anything else. So finish this summer strong—pick up your Bible, Christian. It can be read and trusted because God wrote it and accomplishes his work in us through it.

Rob Tims has been married to Holly for nearly 15 years. They have four children: Trey, Jonathan, Abby, and Luke. He has served in the local church for 20 years as a children’s pastor, student pastor, and senior pastor. He currently serves on a team at Lifeway Christian Resources that develops customized Bible studies for groups and teaches two classes for Liberty University School of Divinity Online. He is the author of the book Southern Fried Faith: Confusing Christ and Culture in the Bible Belt.

Online Bible Study
May 25, 2017

Announcing Our Summer Online Bible Study – The Power of God’s Names

By Group Ministry

We are so excited to announce our first online Bible study experience happening this summer!

In just five short weeks, we will begin studying The Power of God’s Names by Tony Evans right here on our blog. If you are unfamiliar with what an online Bible study is, then please allow us to explain…

An online Bible study is the perfect experience for three reasons:

  1. Summer is typically a time when churches take a break from small groups, discipleship groups, family groups, etc. An online Bible study experience allows you to work through a hearty and trustworthy Bible study with experts right at your fingertips, even if your small group has taken a few months off.
  2. If you are a Bible study leader looking for a new Bible study, then our online Bible study is the perfect place to walk through a study before taking your group through it in the fall. You’ll definitely have all the knowledge you will need to successfully lead a group and look like a Bible study pro.
  3. The online Bible study experience can be the perfect way to get your small group together, as well as provide you with some flexibility and individual study time. With our online study, group members can participate in our blog posts and take their insights to your group meetings.

Now that we’ve sold you on signing up for our online Bible study, I bet you’re looking for some information on the chosen study, The Power of God’s Names by Tony Evans.

Click on the session to see that week’s lesson on our Online Bible Study.

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3

Session 4

Session 5

Session 6

About The Power of God’s Names Bible Study

To fully grasp the significance and power of knowing God’s names, you first need to understand the context of names within biblical culture. In Old Testament times, a name was more than simply nomenclature. Rather, it was a replica and revelation of the individual or thing itself.

Words translated as a name show up over one thousand times in Scripture and routinely carry with them power, responsibility, purpose, and authority. A name not only expresses the essence and significance of what is being named, but also—when duly authorized—accesses the capacity intrinsic within it.

Because of God’s depth of character, He has a variety of names to reflect His different capacities of relating to humanity. For example, God is called Elohim when referenced as the all-powerful Creator. When you need provision, get to know the name Jehovah-jireh, which means God the Provider. God has a name for any and every situation you can find yourself in. Get to know the names of God, because it is in knowing His character and capacity that you will discover both peace and power in His covenant care.

The study examines 11 names of God.

To sign up and learn more about our online Bible study process, go to this blog post.

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