THE E SSENT IAL 100 STUDY GUIDE 1
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\\\\\C ONTENTS Introduction 7 OLD TESTAMENT In the Beginning 13 Abraham, Isaac, Jacob 21 The Story of Joseph 29 Moses & the Exodus 37 The Law & the Land 45 The Judges 53 The Rise of Israel 61 The Fall of Israel 69 The Psalms and Proverbs 77 The Prophets 85 NEW TESTAMENT The Living Word 95 The Teachings of Jesus 103 The Miracles of Jesus 111 The Cross 119 The Church is Born 127 The Travels of Paul 135 Paul s Letters to the Churches 143 Paul s Letters to the Leaders 151 The Apostles Teaching 159 Revelation 167
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THE E SSENT IAL 100 STUDY GUIDE INTRODUCTION Welcome to the E100 Challenge Guide, the all-in-one resource for individuals and groups! In the following pages you ll find everything you need for an exciting through-the-bible experience. Most people discover the best way to take the Challenge is to combine personal Bible reading with group discussion. That s why each of the 20 sections in this book includes both a Personal Reflection Guide and a Group Discussion Guide. There are many other helpful features in this book, so let s back up and review the essential information you ll need for a successful journey through the Bible. WHAT IS THE E100? The Essential 100 (E100 ) is a carefully selected list of short Bible passages 50 from the Old Testament and 50 from the New Testament. Most are about 1-2 chapters in length, just the right amount for a busy person to read in a few minutes. The readings cover all major types of biblical writing, including the Historical Books, Poetry and Wisdom, the Prophets, the Gospels, Acts, the Epistles and Revelation. They re organized into 20 sets of 5 readings each, so you can easily get the big picture of the Bible without getting bogged down. The Essential 100 Challenge is the name of the program and accompanying resources a church or group can use to read through the E100 together. As you ll see, the plan is undated so you can use it on any time schedule, and flexible so you can use it with any Bible translation. Whether you are new to the Bible or you ve been reading it for years, you re about to discover that The Essential 100 Challenge is a unique and meaningful way to get an overview of the Bible s message. 7
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK If you are ready to take the Challenge, here are some tips to help you get the most from it. First, find a Bible that s easy for you to understand. Today there are many excellent new translations, such as the New International Version (NIV), the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), the English Standard Version (ESV) the Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB), the New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE) or the Contemporary English Version (CEV). If you are unsure about which one to use, check with your pastor, minister or priest. Next, select a quiet time and place to read the Bible by yourself each day with your morning coffee, on your lunch break, or in bed at the end of the day. Also, you ll want to get a copy of the E100 Daily Planner, the popular punch-out card that helps you track your progress. Finally, plan to take the E100 Challenge with another person (spouse, friend, work colleague), or with a group (Bible study, home group, Sunday School class, church congregation). Reading the Bible on your own, and then discussing your insights with other E100 participants, will transform your journey through the Bible into a powerful spiritual experience. PERSONAL REFLECTION GUIDE For each of the 100 readings, you ll find a Personal Reflection Guide, which is built on the Scripture Union Bible Reading Method Pray, Read, Reflect, Apply, Pray. Once you learn this simple method, you can use it anytime you read a Bible passage. Here s how it works: Pray before you read, asking God to help you understand his Word. Read the Bible passage, slowly and thoughtfully, more than once if you have time. Reflect on what you ve read by answering the questions in this Guide and by jotting notes in the Bible Journal. \\\\\ Apply what you learn from God s Word. The Guide gives you practical action steps for each reading. Pray again, asking God to help you live out his Word. 8
THE E SSENT IAL 100 STUDY GUIDE GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE Combining your personal Bible reading with group discussion is the best way to take the E100 Challenge. Here are some tips to enhance your E100 group experience. If this is a new group for the E100 Challenge, use your first meeting to answer some basic questions: who will lead or facilitate, what s the best time, place and frequency, will childcare be needed? After the logistics are set, everyone will need the following: 1) an easy-to-read version of the Bible, 2) a copy of the E100 Daily Planner and/or, 3) a copy of this E100 Challenge Guide. When you meet, keep in mind the following principles: Be Prepared. Encourage every member to read the passages for that week prior to the meeting. Be Welcoming. You might start each session with singing and worship, or refreshments and fellowship. Leave time at the end for prayer. Encourage Discussion. Start by allowing members to share what they learned from reading the passages on their own during the week. Then use the questions in the Group Discussion Guide to continue the dialog. No one should monopolize the conversation; everyone should have an opportunity to participate. Learn and Live. Encourage members to share examples of how they ve tried to live out what they ve learned. That s when the Bible will really come alive. MEETING GOD EVERY DAY As you take the E100 Challenge, remember that your goal is not just to make it through the world s greatest book, or to gain more Bible knowledge, or to become more spiritually disciplined. Those things are very important, but your higher goal is to get to know the Bible s Author, God himself. The reason God gave us the Bible is that he wants us to know who he is. It really is true: if want to know God, read his Book. At Scripture Union, our mission is to help people of all ages meet God every day in the Bible and prayer. So our hope is that over the next few months, the Bible and its timeless message will come alive for you as never before. But don t let the E100 Challenge be the end of your journey in the Bible. Let it become the beginning of a lifetime adventure of meeting God daily in the Bible and prayer. 9
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THE E SSENT IAL 100 STUDY GUIDE OLD TESTAMENT 11
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1 5 THE E SSENT IAL 100 STUDY GUIDE IN THE BEGINNING In these readings, we discover some important truths about God, the world, and people. God is the creator of the universe and everything in it. No one and no thing is above God or greater than him. Creation was perfect, without sin (disobedience and separation from God). It wasn t long before sin entered the world through Adam and Eve. After generations of wicked disobedience, God flooded the earth to wipe out all life except for Noah, his family, and enough animals to repopulate the planet. Not long after the flood, the effects of sin were again evident. In their pride, people came together to build a tower to reach up to heaven. God destroyed the tower and confused their language so they couldn t work together. God created us to be dependent on him, not independent from him. These passages explore the following important questions: How did everything begin? Do I have a purpose? What are the effects of disobedience to God? Why do I need God? 13
\\\\\ 1 IN THE BEGINNING THE VERY BEGINNING P R AY I T: God, thank you for creating me, the world, the universe. You are greater than I can imagine, help me to know you better READ I T: Genesis 1-2 THI NK ABOUT I T : God created everything: you, the world, even that annoying person in your 3rd period class. God created love and joy and fun. What does this say who God is? What kind of power does he have? T R Y I T : Three times today, make the effort to notice something beautiful and give thanks to God. WRIT E I T : Before you finish, take a little time to write your thoughts, questions, concerns, and/or prayers here M E D I TATE : Romans 1:20 14 TALK ABOUT I T : If you re using this in a group setting, we have provided some question on page 19 to help in your discussion.
THE E SSENT IAL 100 STUDY GUIDE 2 TROUBLE IN PARADISE P R AY I T: God, I love you even when I have to think about difficult truths. Help me to hear your voice today. 1 5 READ I T: Genesis 3 THI NK ABOUT I T : When you hear the word sin, what comes to mind? Why do you think we can t even measure up to our own ideas of what it means to be perfect? T R Y I T : Work to be extra aware of your temptations today. When you are faced with a decision to do something wrong, ask God for help. Ask a friend for prayer too! WRIT E I T : Before you finish, take a little time to write your thoughts, questions, concerns, and/or prayers here M E D I TATE : James 1:13 15 TALK ABOUT I T: If you re using this in a group setting, we have provided some question on page 19 to help in your discussion. 15
\\\\\ 3 THE PURGE P R AY I T: Lord, teach me to understand your ways, help me to accept the consequences for my actions. READ I T: Genesis 6:5-7:24 THI NK ABOUT I T : How does the world today compare with that in Noah s time? When was the last time you experienced a painful consequence that was the direct result of your action? What did you learn? T R Y I T : What is one new way you be a good example of what it means to love God and follow Jesus? WRIT E I T : Before you finish, take a little time to write your thoughts, questions, concerns, and/or prayers here M E D I TATE : Psalm 29:11 16 TALK ABOUT I T : If you re using this in a group setting, we have provided some question on page 19 to help in your discussion.
THE E SSENT IAL 100 STUDY GUIDE 4 GOD MAKES A PROMISE P R AY I T: Father, thank you for your promises, which you always keep. I find strength in your trustworthiness. 1 5 READ I T: Genesis 8:1-9:17 THI NK ABOUT I T : Trust is the foundation for any significant relationship. God always keeps his promises, but it s still difficult to trust God. Where is one area in your life where you can trust God more? T R Y I T : Write down one promise from God to you and put it in a place where you will read it every day for the next week. WRIT E I T : Before you finish, take a little time to write your thoughts, questions, concerns, and/or prayers here M E D I TATE : Psalm 119:50 TALK ABOUT I T : If you re using this in a group setting, we have provided some question on page 19 to help in your discussion. 17
\\\\\ 5 THE TOWER OF BABEL P R AY I T: Father, thank you for for being bigger than my understanding. Help me to know you more, forgive me when I try to limit or control you. READ I T: Genesis 11:1-9 THI NK ABOUT I T : The tower of Babel was built out of pride, a desire to be equal to or better than God. Another way to describe pride is self-sufficiency. When/where are the times in your life when you don t need God because you can handle everything on your own? T R Y I T : Find a small rock and write the word pride on it. Put it in a place where you ll see it regularly and be reminded not to build your own personal tower of Babel. WRIT E I T : Before you finish, take a little time to write your thoughts, questions, concerns, and/or prayers here M E D I TATE : James 4:10 18 TALK ABOUT I T: If you re using this in a group setting, we have provided some question on page 19 to help in your discussion.
THE E SSENT IAL 100 STUDY GUIDE GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE: IN THE BE G INNING Purpose: To understand basic truths about God, humankind and sin. 1 5 GEN E S I S 1-3 1 1. Based on these passages, what do you think God is like? 2. We were created in the image of God, what do you think that means? 3. Do you think God loves you and that you are important to him? Why or why not? 4. Write a definition of sin. What do you think most people believe about sin? 5. Why do you think sin is so attractive to Adam and Eve? GEN ESIS 6:5 9:17 6. Do you ever find yourself in a situation like Noah, where God asked you to do something big for him? 7. What makes you feel guilty? How do you handle those feelings? 8. Have you ever experienced forgiveness from someone close to you? 9. Have you ever experienced God s forgiveness? Share what you learned from these experiences. GEN ESIS 11:1-9:10 10. The motivation for building the Tower of Babel was pride. When might pride be a sin? When might it be a good thing? 11. Do you think it is always dangerous to want to make a name for yourself as the people in Babel did? Why or why not? BEFO RE THE NEXT TIM E : Read again and reflect on Genesis 1:26. Thank God that you have been made in his image and think about what difference that makes (or should make) in how you see yourself and others. 19
THE ESSENTIAL BIBLE GUIDE The E100 Bible Reading Challenge is based on the book by Scripture Union President, Whitney T. Kuniholm, entitled The Essential Bible it, Mr. Kuniholm provides devotional commentaries of the E100 passages, and includes prayers, practical applications and a helpful Bible Journal. The book is the perfect companion for those who could use life-related explanations of each Bible passage. Provides an excellent overview of God s big picture. Christianity Today To order individual or bulk discount copies: E100Challenge.com ABOUT SCRIPTURE UNION Scripture Union is an interdenominational Christian ministry with a twofold mission: helping people of all ages meet God in the Bible and prayer, and reaching at-risk children with God s Word. Scripture Union produces Bible reading programs for churches and groups, including The Essential 100 Challenge and The Essential Jesus Challenge, and publishes Bible reading guides for individuals, including Encounter with God and Discovery. Scripture Union also conducts Bible-based outreach programs for at-risk children including SuperKids summer missions, and PrimeTime after school programs. Scripture Union was founded in 1867 and has national ministries in 130 countries. For more information: ScriptureUnion.org ScriptureUnion.org 1-800-621-5267 Scripture Union, P.O. Box 215, Valley Forge, PA 19481-0215