Perfect Storm of Problems

I wanted to write a teen bible study about Hannah, the mother of Samuel  because she faced a perfect storm of problems, as many teens do today. First, she suffered from a condition she could do nothing about: childlessness. Then, perhaps because of her condition, her husband took an additional wife, one who bore children easily. This dysfunctional family situation was bad enough, but the other wife, Peninnah, taunted Hannah mercilessly.

Bullied but not Defeated

Hannah provides an example of grace under pressure, not only in handling her condition and her difficult family situation, but also in dealing with the mean taunts and bullying. Everyone needs to know how to handle bullying, one of the toughest issues in schools today.

Prayer Changes Everything

When Hannah finally came ‘unhinged,’ she prayed. Hannah Unhinged, a seven-week study, covers Hannah’s reaction to her problems and God’s answer to her prayers. Samuel, the first son born to Hannah, became a key figure in the history of Israel, even selecting David as Israel’s first king. Hearing from God in the midst of chaos is always a challenge. But Samuel heard from God as a young boy in the temple. Prayer is vital. Hannah’s story proves how even one desperate heartfelt prayer can change everything.

A Study in Leadership

It’s about leadership. We know Joshua became a great leader for Israel, but this study gets into the back story. There’s a lot more to Joshua’s bio than the battle of Jericho. Joshua grew up as a slave in Egypt and spent many long years, not as leader, but as apprentice to Moses. He served faithfully as Moses’ assistant while learning the key to great leadership: a close relationship with God.

Waiting is Worthwhile

Teens want to hurry into adulthood, often overlooking the valuable lessons to be learned while waiting. I want young people to see the patient, mentoring relationship between Joshua and Moses.  Then they’ll see how Joshua’s leadership qualities blossomed from seeds planted by Moses.

Follow Joshua’s Life in this Teen Bible Study

So the eight-week teen bible study begins in Exodus, and follows Joshua’s life story through Numbers, Deuteronomy, and Joshua. Color photographs and lots of cross-testament study make the workbook both fun and challenging.

A Love Story

A love story filled with boldness and blessing, born of trust and respect. The book of Ruth is the amazing story of an outsider widow who loyally travels with her bitter mother-in-law to a whole ‘nother country. In the process she finds both a true faith and a true love.  It has a lot to attract today’s teenagers.

Excellent Character

Ruth shows the depth of her character in every action she takes. Her qualities are those of a true Proverbs 31 woman — a woman of excellence.  She doesn’t seek her own pleasure.  But God works out a beautiful marriage for her and Boaz, knowing all the while how He will use them both in his lineage for David the King.

Godly Relationships

Teens will gain valuable insights on building godly relationships with the opposite sex. The eight-week teen bible study includes a chapter on Proverbs 31.

I wrote Lydia of Philippi when a group of young girls begged me for a Saturday morning bible study. I couldn’t say no.

A Strong, Confident Woman

Though Lydia appears only briefly in scripture, we see a strong woman with beautiful character. I wanted young girls to learn from Lydia’s example. Lydia was smart, capable, confident and also gracious, inviting, and generous. The first known convert to Christianity in Europe, Lydia used her gracious hospitality and generous spirit in support of the fledgling church in Philippi founded by Paul.

“Rejoice, I Say, Rejoice”

Paul’s joy-filled letter to the Philippians has much to teach us as well. His first visit to Philippi, recorded in Acts 16, was colored with joy and pain and high drama. The church he started there was a mixed bag, and no doubt Lydia played hostess for many church events. What young girl doesn’t love parties?

Character Building in a Teen Bible Study

Hospitality, generosity, and joy – godly traits for anyone, especially young women. This teen bible study is fun and interactive, with color photographs and maps. It’s perfect for a small group to cover in eight weeks.

From Fisherman to Rock Star

How did Peter grow from rough ‘n tumble fisherman to silver-tongued preacher?  There is more to learn about Peter than his brief walk on the Sea of Galilee.  From his bold statement of faith to his bold denials of Jesus, Peter shows us that mistakes don’t keep us from following Jesus. Teens will relate to Peter’s impulsive, emotional nature and be carried along on a journey of discipleship that they can aspire to.

Peter and Jesus

Any study of Peter is also a study of Jesus and the gospel still transforms those who read it. Peter went on to do amazing things in Acts beginning with his Pentecost preaching and continuing with miracles and prison escapes.  He wrote two letters as well, from which we see a mature Peter passing on earned wisdom.

Music to Learn By

Engaging discussion questions are augmented by Christian music playlists that complement each week’s theme in this unconventional teen bible study.