Be Transformed by the Power of God's Word
Stepping Stones Bible Studies are unique in their design
They’re unlike any other bible study you may have seen, implementing a process termed ‘Scriptural Excavation’ that is based upon a Berean approach. These powerful studies guide the student deep into the Word of God through a reliance upon the Jesus Christ as their Teacher, developing intimacy with the Holy Spirit in an effort to achieve a personal discipleship experience. The Word of God stands only when measured against itself through the revelation of the Holy Spirit. That is the Berean approach. This deep mining of the scriptures is one the student is taught how to achieve for themselves with the appropriate lexical aids and study tools we provide online. Each study implements guidance through prayer, brief commentary, specific assignments, and powerful application exercises. Stepping Stones are self-paced studies designed for individual or group use. They are formatted in two distinct parts: Scriptural Excavation & Application.
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Teaching Others How to be Taught
PURPOSE
Jesus Christ is our Teacher — for whom there is no substitute. And we are His disciples. He gave us a command to make disciples in His name, teaching them as He taught us. That is why I believe it’s important to teach others how to be taught of Him.
As an author my gift is to teach. However, teaching the Word of God is something I take very seriously, which is why one of the core principles of Appointed Time Press is biblical literacy and accuracy. The purpose of Stepping Stones bible studies is to develop discipleship between Christ Jesus and the student (disciple) through an intimate relationship by the power of the Holy Spirit through the living Word of God. Without that core fundamental component, deception inevitably creeps into our theology, often innocently through misunderstanding and naive assumptions.
DESIGN
Stepping Stones are topical bible studies designed for what I call SCRIPTURAL EXCAVATION. Scriptural excavation is a deep and intense investigation of the scriptures which follows a Berean approach. These studies encourage and propel each student toward intimacy with the Holy Spirit, weighing, sifting, and dividing the Word of God by the Word of God. When this process is implemented appropriately, the Word of God will stand the test every single time. This is how we rightfully divide the Word of Truth. This is not about man’s opinion. This is about absolute truth which can only come through divine revelation coupled with thorough research and investigation. That is what ‘Scriptural Excavation’ is all about. Stepping Stones integrate a powerful combination of scripture-referencing, commentary, probing questions, application exercises, assignments, and prayer to bring each student truth that transforms.
All studies are based on the King James Version of the Holy Bible. And although other versions may be used, this is the one by which Appointed Time Press’ standard of accuracy is upheld.
These bible studies are called Stepping Stones because the student graduates deeper into the Word of God as they continue throughout the study. These can be done independently, with a partner, or in a group setting.
Stepping Stones are designed in a self-paced format. Although these studies are outlined, there is no structured time frame given by which you must complete any given portion. The pressure is off. You are free to set your own pace in choosing how much you will accomplish and when. That is a wonderful liberty for those with a busy life (which most of us have). Take your time, enjoy the LORD, and let Him lead you.
FORMAT
Stepping Stones are divided into two main categories: Scriptural Excavation and Application. Please note, the Application portion of each study is designed for strictly for personal use, as this portion requires a very private and hallowed intimacy with God that is not likely to be shared. (See the full format outlined below)
SUGGESTED HELPS
As anyone doing some serious digging, you will need the appropriate tools. Build your own arsenal with the free resources provided on our TOOLBOX page. Please note, the Hebrew and Greek lexicon used in our studies is available via e-Sword under ‘applications’.
A Unique Format
PART I:
Scriptural Excavation
Preparation by Prayer
Every study opens with prayer. Verses are given to read, pray and meditate upon that will prepare your heart for the material in each lesson.
Scripture Referencing with Study Questions
This is the bulk of the study where you will do your ‘Scriptural Excavation’. Passages and verses will be given to read, write, investigate and research. You will look up passages, make cross references, and define Greek and Hebrew terms for specific words. You will also do assignments, some of which are longer than others. Please note that the Greek and Hebrew referencing is not done for you. Please see our Toolbox to assemble all your study resources. For the Hebrew and Greek lexicon used in our studies you will need to download e-Sword.
Commentary
I provide commentary on topics as necessary for further insight and application as needed. These are often sidebar topics that help develop the core content. This is where the narrative of the study will be discussed at greater length providing guidance and insight. Again, always take commentary back to God in a Berean approach.
Assignments
At intervals you will find sporadic assignments. These are implemented only as needed when a full development of the topic is necessary to adequately mine the truths at hand. To perform assignments you will need to assemble your personal toolbox with the resources we freely provide. Here you will find a comprehensive library of bibles, various applications, and other necessary study tools.
Sé’ lah
In Hebrew this means “to pause”. It was used in the Psalms as a moment of reflection. The music was stopped for the purpose of meditation upon what was sung or spoken. Here you will have the opportunity to do the same. The material you study can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. There are appropriate times to stop and reflect; to ponder, pray, and process.
PART II:
Application
Prayer of Agreement
At the end of each part I will offer a prayer of agreement which you can pray and receive for yourself.
Bull’s Eye
This section presents probing personal questions for meaningful application that clearly target the heart of each lesson.
D.I.G. –Deep Into God
Here you have opportunity to excavate God’s Word by digging for related Scriptures on the topics presented, going beyond the study material already outlined. In this you will take initiative to learn how to independently search the scriptures and seek God at His word all by yourself.
M&M—Meditate and Memorize
This is where you will choose a key verse to memorize, which speaks to you personally. Ask yourself what God is highlighting or breathing revelation upon. Write it down. You may even cut it out and carry it with you, or paste it on your bathroom mirror, office computer, or fridge.
Dear to His Heart
This is an intimate journaling/conversational time with God that is entirely private. This time with Him is hallowed and sacred. It is not intended to be shared. This is your Holy of Holies where you go into that secret place and pour out your heart in the safety of His presence under the shadow of His wings.
More Like Him
This section will provide an opportunity to do official business with God. This is where you will listen and allow God to respond. Here you can do some introspection and begin to examine things closely. It’s a time of revealing, reckoning, repentance, and restoration. In light of the truth He’s revealing, key decisions for change can be made that bring genuine transformation in your life.
Stand On Your Knees
This is a time of authoritative prayer that moves beyond petition into agreement with God at His word, which brings a beautiful and appropriate closure to your study. You will learn how to use the Sword of the Spirit effectively, wielding it with precision. Target areas that God reveals by declaring His Word over your life with authority and power.
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