Bible Study Guides

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Written by Luke, Acts is the continuation of his gospel narrative. In Acts we find a three-fold theme. First, it is the history of the work of the Holy Spirit. It is the fulfillment of Christ’s promise that he would pour out his Spirit on his people. Second, Acts sets forth the doctrine of the church, which in its simplicity is the model for the organization and operation of the Spirit-led church of all ages. Third, Acts is evangelistic, recording the spread of the gospel through the preaching of the word of Christ.

Thus Acts is a paradigm for the New Testament church throughout its history.

The question format of this study guide is intended to provoke study, discussion, and thought, in order to facilitate an understanding of Acts, whether in Bible studies or on a personal level.

Mark Homer Hoeksema (1949-2021) was the son of a Protestant Reformed minister. He had a great love for church history, facilitating and recording many dozens of interviews and profiles with men and women in the Reformed church tradition. Many of these can be found in the archives of the Standard Bearer and the Beacon Lights, a publication for Reformed young people of which he was editor-in-chief for some years. He also wrote numerous Bible study guides for the RFPA. 

• 176 pages
• paperback
• ISBN 978-1-936054-93-0

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The epistle to the Hebrews is one of the more difficult books of the Bible to interpret. Yet it is important to study, primarily because it helps us to understand the relation between the Old and New Testaments. Those who sometimes struggle with the interpretation, but who nevertheless persevere, will find in Hebrews the rich fruit of learning and edification. The main theme of Hebrews is the relation between the Old Testament and the New Testament. Two sub-themes present themselves. One is the concept better, a term used twelve times in the epistle to help define the relation between the testaments. The other is the emphasis on faith as contrasted with sight. This theme runs throughout the epistle and is particularly evident in the classic chapter eleven.  

• 96 pages
• paperback
• ISBN 978-1-944555-28-3

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In this first of the general or catholic epistles, James, the half brother of Jesus, writes to the Jewish converts to the Christian church scattered throughout the known world. His primary purpose is to define the relation between justification and the law. While teaching justification by faith, he also instructs that the works of the law are the fruit of a living faith.

This study guide is written in question form, which is intended to help God’s people define James’ concepts and their relation to each other. Answering these questions will lead to an understanding of the book.

• 72 pages
• paperback
• ISBN 978-1-936054-94-7

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Mere formalism in worship is a danger that the church of Christ has had to fight in every age. It is so easy for church members to become accustomed to the practice of worship such that it becomes a mere habit.

Malachi was used in a mighty way to warn the church of his day about the evil of worshiping God outwardly rather than from the heart.

In nine lessons, the author presents this study as a means to open the minds and hearts of believers to the treasures of wisdom in the prophecy of Malachi, which has special significance in being the last book of the Old Testament.

• 2nd edition
• 72 pages
• paperback
• ISBN 978-1-936054-50-3

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The first epistle written by the apostle Peter was designed to strengthen, encourage, and comfort Christians in the midst of the "fiery trial" they would endure, and to hold out to them their great hope. The author of this booklet for Bible study groups leads into the various truths of this book in 16 lessons with questions (and accompanying Scripture references) that students can research before class. Space is given to write answers and class notes.

The subject matter covered is shown in the lesson titles: Greeting and Benediction, The Joy of the New Testament Church, Hope That Never Dies, Fervent Love for the Brethren, The Chief Cornerstone, By Their Fruits Ye Shall Know Them, Patience in Suffering for God's Sake, Admonition to Wives and Husbands, A Godly Walk, A Good Confession amidst Persecution, Through Suffering to Glory, The Judge Is at the Door, Stewards in God's House, Partakers of Christ's Suffering, Admonition to Elders, and Conclusion of the Epistle.

• 80 pages
• paperback
• ISBN 978-0-916206-75-8

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Philippians is a personal letter of encouragement from Paul to a congregation he held dear.

The lessons in this booklet cover the epistle's teachings on joy and contentment, unity of the church, and fellowship in the gospel. The incarnation of Christ and call for Christians to have the mind of Christ are also treated. The student learns what pleases the Lord as Paul praises the exemplary walk of the saints in Philippi.

• 64 pages
• paperback
• ISBN 978-0-916206-37-6

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The epistle to the Romans, written by Paul from Corinth, has four main purposes. First, Paul’s purpose was to set forth in a clear and logical manner the major Christian doctrines, with emphasis on the doctrine of justification by faith alone. Second, he intends to strengthen the church in its hope. Third, he instructs the mixed Jewish and Gentile church at Rome concerning the rejection of the Jews as a nation and the inclusion of the Gentiles in the church. Fourth, he admonishes the church concerning living various aspects of the Christian life.

Answering the questions asked in this guide will lead God’s people to an understanding of both its doctrinal and practical aspects. 

• 96 pages
• paperback
• ISBN 978-1-936054-92-3

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Why is Ruth a favorite book of the Bible for Christians? We learn from the introduction to the study pamphlet that "...we are all Ruths at heart, foreigners and strangers brought into the covenant kingdom by the overwhelming grace of God." Each time we read this book of the Bible we are thrilled to see how the sovereign God directs circumstances so that the Moabitess Ruth becomes a mother in the covenant line of Jesus in his incarnation.

The book of Ruth shows how God preserves his church even in such dark times as the period of the Judges when every man did that which was right in his own eyes.

Six study lessons are included.

• 2nd edition
• 36 pages
• paperback
• ISBN 978-1-936054-49-7

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• 80 pages
• paperback
• ISBN 978-1-936054-52-7