The Great Adventure Study series is basic enough to suit those who haven’t studied the Bible before while at the same time offering ways to go deeper that will challenge the Bible study veteran. 

In The Bible Timeline, salvation history is covered from its beginning in Genesis through the coming of Christ and the establishment of the Catholic Church.  You will study key Old Testament passages in light of their fulfillment in Christ.  You will also gain a greater appreciation for and understanding of the Scripture readings you hear in Mass.  It’s a great way to encourage and be encouraged in learning how God’s Word applies to your life.  General principles for reading the Bible are taught and participants are encouraged to continue on the life-long “great adventure” of learning to know God through Scripture.  And if that all isn’t enough, it will help you lay a strong foundation for further Bible reading, meditation and study. 

Step Three in The Great Adventure Bible Study Program, Acts: The Spread of the Kingdom, builds on The Bible Timeline and Matthew: The King and His Kingdom by showing how Christ’s Kingdom on earth is empowered to carry out his work in the world. The book of Acts shows the Church, enlivened by the Holy Spirit, teaching, preaching, healing, and restoring outcasts in the same way that Jesus did on earth.

The Acts of the Apostles provides an historic framework for understanding the rest of the New Testament. Paul’s letters in particular come alive in a new way when they are read within the context of the Acts narrative.

Here’s what our 2009-10 participants said to encourage others:

Register! Register!  It is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the Scriptures and all the players who partook in its history.  (Alan)

Do not hesitate—you will not be disappointed.  Do not be concerned about the “homework” or the time requirements.  It is all worth it. (Karen)

When asked what they gained from the study they said:

I discovered that the Bible is not the mysterious book that I thought it was.  I have gained confidence in reading the bible and find it exciting rather than dull and confusing.  (Elaine)

Deeper understanding of the life and teachings of Christ; Insight and meaning of continuing challenges to serve others  (Kevin)

I gained a great deal of insight into the rituals of the Mass, the life of Jesus and my own life.  (Kim)

Materials needed:

For the Bible Timeline

•       The Bible Timeline Study Kit includes:           ($45)
•             Study Set Questions
•             Full-color Bible Timeline Chart
•             The Bible Timeline Workbook
•             Bible Memory Bookmark
•             Memory Bead Wristband
•             Three Ring Binder
•             Study Set Responses (distributed weekly)   
•  A Catholic Bible
•             Recommended:
•                   Revised Standard Version (RSV)
•                         (preferably not the NRSV-New Revised…)
•                   New American Bible (NAB)

Catechism of the Catholic Church – an online searchable version is available on a number of websites, including www.usccb.org/catechism/text and www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm

 Optional supplemental materials

For the Acts: study

•       The Matthew Study Kit includes:       ($40)
•             Study Set Questions
•             Study Set Responses (distributed weekly)
•             Three Ring Binder
•        Fee* towards cost of DVDs
•       A Catholic Bible (see above)
•       Catechism of the Catholic Church – (see above)

Note:  This study is built on the foundation laid in The Bible Timeline and we consider that to be a requirement for this study. If you believe an exception to this rule is in order, you must contact S. MaryRose

*The DVDs, because they are worthwhile, are expensive; the fee collected from everyone will most likely not cover the full cost of the DVDs but every little bit helps.