INTRODUCTION

As Christ-followers we seek our inspiration, direction, and instructions from God’s word, the bible.  We can read books that others have written about the bible, but it seems logical to go straight to the source and study the scriptures ourselves.  However, we are not all bible scholars and God’s word can sometimes be challenging to us.  Fortunately, we live in the information age where explanations and answers are but a key stroke away.  That is why I created this bible study:  to show women that bible study can be easy and interesting as well as fun.  From self-study bibles and on-line bibles that enable you to search under terms, words, and topics, to Christian blogs that help explain tricky passages and endless search resources that can bring clarity to almost any question you can ask, bible study can become as in-depth as we want to take it.

The LOL Bible Study was written for a women’s group.  Besides the individual workbooks, there is a leader’s guide available that is suggested to be used by a facilitator, or leader, of the study.  Each study is written to start with discussions that include the whole large group of women who are taking part in the study, then moves onto more intimate discussion questions for individual small groups or tables of women.  Each study moves back to large group study before concluding with prayer.  The leader’s guide also suggests a craft or sometimes a specific activity for each of the eight bible study sessions.  These craft or activities are described each week in the “Homework” part of the study with simple directions of what women need to bring to the next study.   These are of course optional, but are a fun part of the study that most women will enjoy.  These fun activities may also be tweaked and customized for the particular needs of each church or group.  It is the “Laugh Out Loud” part of the “Ladies On Line” Bible Study.  Come on now … girls just want to have fun!

I have also added a column on the page of each study titled “Lookitup” with suggestions of websites or search terms that individuals may want to search under for more information.

Leaders, be sure to look at the activity for the last lesson that involves an African Violet plant.  You may want to pretty-up the bible study room by beginning the first day with a violet plant on each table.

For the LOL Bible Study, women are encouraged to bring a laptop, tablet, or other portable device that can work via wifi.  They may still actively participate if they do not have one of these devices as they can share with a friend who does have one.  Everyone should bring their bibles.   A leader is advised to help keep the discussions running smoothly and within the allotted meeting time.  The leader must also plan ahead for some of the crafts or activities.

My hope and prayer is that the LOL Bible Study will teach women how to be better students of God’s word, while experiencing fun and fellowship with other women of faith.  May you learn to live your life in a closer walk with Him and with joy in your heart.

Psalm 28:7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.

To God be all the glory.