Family Bible Study - 10 Weeks

INTRODUCTION

This is a 10-week course on basic theology based on the questions of The New City Catechism. The catechism itself is not inerrant or infallible, but it is a helpful guide that will take families through many of the basic doctrines of Christian theology. There are a number of different and historic catechisms/resources that you can use for this study. Our family has used different resources over the years, finding it helpful to study fresh articulations of theology during different seasons of life. Additionally, the fact that each of these resources has specific strengths and weaknesses means that we must do the work of comparing each resource to Scripture. In other words, a variety of resources can have a sharpening effect. The value of The New City Catechism is its simplicity. It will provide basic answers for your family to learn and discuss, and it will give you the opportunity to “go deeper” should you choose to do so. In conjunction with the catechism, there is a weekly Scripture passage for each member of the family to study. The goal is for families to spend 10 weeks over the summer discussing theology and learning more about God and His word.

INSTRUCTIONS

Catechism - When studying the catechism, it is suggested that each day you meditate on one question and answer throughout the day, making sure that you are familiar with the subject. Read through it in the morning, make sure you understand it, and think back on it during the day. The New City Catechism can be accessed online at www.newcitycatechism.com as well as through the New City Catechism App.

Scripture Study - Each week a passage of Scripture is provided for the members of the family to study. This study should include daily reading, meditation, prayer, and note-taking. By the end of the week, family members should be able to explain the meaning of the passage and its significance for life and doctrine. Some example questions for your study of the passage include:

• What is the main point the author intended to communicate with this passage?

• What does this passage teach about God or his promises?

• What does this passage require you to believe about God and his truth?

• What can this text teach you about how you are to serve God and others?

Family Discipleship - Family discussion about the day's study is highly encouraged. For instance, family members can be asked to answer the catechism question for the day by quoting the answer directly or rephrasing it in their own words. Additionally, the weekly Bible verse can be discussed to see what each member of the family is gleaning from the passage.

SCHEDULE

Week 1

Catechism Questions: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Scripture Study for Week: Psalm 93

Week 2

Catechism Questions: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Scripture Study for Week: Psalm 119:97-104

Week 3

Catechism Questions: 13, 14, 15, 16, 17

Scripture Study for Week: Ephesians 2:1-10

Week 4

Catechism Questions: 18, 19, 20, 21, 22

Scripture Study for Week: Isaiah 53

Week 5

Catechism Questions: 23, 24, 25, 26, 27

Scripture Study for Week: Galatians 4:4-6

Week 6

Catechism Questions: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32

Scripture Study for Week: Romans 5:1-11

Week 7

Catechism Questions: 33, 34, 35, 36, 37

Scripture Study for Week: Titus 3:11-14

Week 8

Catechism Questions: 38, 39, 40, 41, 42

Scripture Study for Week: Romans 10:9-17

Week 9

Catechism Questions: 43, 44, 45, 46, 47

Scripture Study for Week: Romans 6:1-7

Week 10

Catechism Questions: 48, 49, 50, 51, 52

Scripture Study for Week: Ephesians 4:7-16