What is Discovery Bible Study (DBS)?
Discovery Bible Study (DBS) is a method of inductive Bible study that encourages people to interact with Scripture to grow their faith and understanding. It involves discovering what God is trying to teach us in the story, seeing how it transforms our lives (application and obedience) and responding to God (prayer).
Readers are also encouraged to explore the Bible together, ask questions, and share insights, leading to a richer understanding of God’s Word.
A typical structure of a DBS has a series of set questions for readers to process the Word of God:
- What stands out in the story?
- What does the story tell us about God?
- What does the story tell us about ourselves?
- How do I respond to God's Word in obedience / What do I need to change in my life?
- Who can I share the story with?
Why Discovery Bible Study?
Discovery Bible Study is designed to be simple, very easy to learn, and suitable for both beginners and advanced learners. Even people who are totally new to the Bible can learn to read the Bible by themselves quickly, study it anywhere at any time, and even facilitate discussions with others who are interested.
The study series not only has individual lessons, but is also designed to present a bigger picture of God's will and plan for the world throughout history so that readers can see the Bible as one big story of God's love for His people.
More benefits of DBS include:Personal Discovery: DBS encourages participants to read the Bible themselves, leading to a deeper understanding of the text and a more personal connection with God.
Group Interaction: DBS takes place in small groups, fostering a sense of community and allowing for open discussion and sharing of insights.
Practical Application: DBS emphasizes applying what is learned from the Bible to daily life, leading to personal growth and transformation.
Discipleship: DBS can be a powerful tool for discipleship, as it encourages participants to share their faith with others and to grow in their understanding of the Bible.
Accessibility: DBS is simple and easy to follow, making it accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.
Empowerment: DBS empowers participants to take ownership of their spiritual growth and to lead others in Bible study.
Overall, DBS is a valuable tool for personal and spiritual growth, as well as for sharing the Gospel with others.
How is Journey with the Prophets structured as a Discovery Bible Study?
- Genesis 2-3: What is wrong with this world? - Story of Adam, sin and God's promises
- Genesis 6-9: Story of Noah - God's judgement, mercy and covenant
- Genesis 12: God chose Abraham - God's faithfulness and determination to bless mankind
- Genesis 15-17: Abraham's obedience and waiting on God's promises
- Genesis 16, 21: Story of Ishmael - God hears our cry
- Genesis 22: Abraham tested - God Himself will prepare the lamb for the sacrifice
- Exodus 2-11: God calls Moses to bring His people out of slavery
- Exodus 12-14: The battle against sin and disobedience - God's power in deliverance
- Exodus 19-20, 32-34, Numbers 21:4-9: No one can be accepted by God through his own effort
- Exodus 40, Leviticus 1: Story of Aaron - God dwells among His people and how to draw near to God
- Leviticus 16: How God deals with sin - the sacrifice that God requires
- 1 Samuel 8, 16: Story of David - God looks straight at the heart
- 1 Samuel 17, 24: David leaves his battles and vengeance to God
- 1 Chronicles 17, Psalm 2, 110: One of God's most important revelations to mankind
- 1 Kings 18: Story of Elijah - Exposing false religions and prophets
- Amos 5: How God hates religious hypocrisy
- Isaiah 53: Signs of the Anointed One from God and his suffering
- Jeremiah 1, 6, 31: We say 'Peace, Peace', but there is no peace
- Daniel 1-3, 6: Story of Daniel - visions from God in times of oppression and exile
- Daniel, 7, 9: Dreams & Visions for the Future: The Coming of 'Son of Man'
- Luke 1, 3, John 1: Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world
- John 8, Matthew 15, Luke 19: Teachings of Jesus - Sinners in God's Eyes
- John 6, 14: The Only Way to God, to Forgiveness, to Paradise
- Matthew 16-17: Who do YOU think Jesus is?
- John 13, Matthew 5, 20: Love Your Enemies
- Matthew 26-27: Jesus says, "This is My Body. This is My Blood"
- John 20-21: The most radical truth - conquering sins and death
- Matthew 7, Mark 8, Luke 14: Are You Ready to Surrender Everything?
- John 14, Acts 2:1-41, Corinthians 2: "I Will Pour Out My Spirit," Declares the Lord
- Revelation 20-22: The End Times: What do we need to know?