The Old Testament stories and poetry were written for a culture far different than ours. So if the message of this is still relevant to us today, how do we make sense of it? One ways is to use study and group discussion material that walks verse-by-verse through a book of the Bible. Through expert teachers, we understand more about the culture of the people we’re learning about, what dynamics the audience were facing and discover how we can apply it to our lives today.
RightNow Media, an online library of group curriculum and biblically based videos, is consistently developing quality verse-by-verse studies by well-respected pastors and teachers. Each message is approximately 12-20 minutes long and offers a handout with more discussion questions than we actually need during group time.
Here are some RightNow Media studies of Old Testament books available:
Judges
Teacher: J.D. Greear
11 sessions
Description: The book of Judges cracks a window into depths of the human soul. Watch a nation struggle with its identity and relationship to its God. Heroes and heroines arise, who seem to have the potential to save Israel. But in the end, each proves to be a broken savior that cannot deliver.
In this series, pastor and author J.D. Greear wades into the book of Judges to shine a light onto the muddy waters of human rebellion. The stories and truths within are not just archaic tales with no relevance for us today. Rather, J.D. works through each chapter unpacking the truth of God’s grace in the midst of human wickedness, and shows how only the divine can redeem the fallen.
Ruth
Teacher: Bianca Juárez Olthoff
7 sessions
Description: God can seem distant when dreams fade, people die, or careers fail. It may feel like He slammed the door in your face and walked out for good. No one knows the feeling of abandonment more than Ruth and Naomi. Their story begins with the worst—death, famine, and poverty. And God remains silent.
But the book of Ruth doesn’t end with despair. The story brims with hope because God works on behalf of the two widows in ways they least expect. In this, Bianca, speaker and author of Play with Fire, teaches through Ruth to show how God moves behind the scenes in our lives. On the surface, this book tells the story of two widows and a kind landowner. Even more, it teaches us about God’s faithfulness, love, and transforming power.
Psalm 119
Teacher: Matt Chandler
10 sessions
Description: Even the most mature believers face dark nights of the soul. During those times, God feels distant, His Word dry, and the vibrant intimacy we knew before seems absent leaving us wondering, “Where is the Lord in this?” In Psalm 119, pastor Matt Chandler aims to introduce viewers to the words of King David who experienced similar seasons of life. Serving as the anchor for the study, Psalm 119 demonstrates the power of God’s Word in the lives of believers and its ability to provide a warm blanket for the soul.
Perfect Love: Pursuing Intimacy with Christ through the Song of Solomon
Teacher: Lisa Harper
6 sessions
Description: We all want to be known and loved. Though we can experience deep relationships with others, there will always be a hole in our hearts for the perfect love of Christ. But, what does that really mean? How do we pursue intimacy with an invisible God? What if we do not feel worthy of His love? How can we respond when troubles kidnap our security in Christ?
In these sessions, author and Bible teacher Lisa Harper walks women through the Song of Solomon to answer those questions and more. Though romance and marital love are typically associated with this book, Lisa takes a Christ-centered approach to illustrate how this ancient love story is relevant to your life and relationship with Jesus today. As she brings clarity to the text and as you watch real-life stories from other women, you will learn how to embrace God’s perfect love and realize your own beauty and worth in God’s eyes.
Jonah
Teacher: Eric Mason
8 sessions
Description:
At the end of the day, God is less concerned with what we do for Him than who we are in Him. Few figures illustrate that truth better than Jonah. Focused on the prophet rather than his prophecy, the story of Jonah gives us a picture of a man on the run due to his own selfish desires. Instead of showing mercy to his enemies, he determined to keep God’s grace to himself rather than share it with those he considered undeserving. Can you relate?
In this series, pastor and author Eric Mason expands our vision to see that Jonah’s story is our own. Far more than a thrilling Sunday school adventure, it offers a profound glimpse into the conflict that occurs when God calls resistant believers to His mission. More importantly, it underscores the depths of His compassion not only in redeeming the lost, but redeeming those He has called to participate in His reconciling work.
Need a RightNow Media account so you can preview the videos? If you don’t have one already, you can create your login and account using this link.
Which series does your group need most this semester?
Note: For group leaders who are are hungry to study the Scripture further, each of these materials has a 40-60 page leaders guide. These offer context and background along with tips for leading the discussion that promotes spiritual growth. You can purchase it for approximately $7 yourself, or check with the Ministry Team Coordinator to see what we have available.
You can find out how to start a group here.
