Bible Study Blog

As the Easter season approaches, you may be looking for ways to make the season more meaningful for you or your group. The weeks leading up to Easter are a great time to reflect on the meaning of Jesus’ death and resurrection in a more personal way. 

With so many studies to choose from, you might feel overwhelmed. That’s why we’ve compiled four of the best Easter Bible studies for 2026, each offering a unique perspective and designed to meet different needs this season.  

Each of these studies is 4 or 5 weeks long, making them the perfect length for the weeks leading up to Easter. You can also start earlier and meet every two weeks for a slower-paced experience. They work beautifully in a group setting or for personal study, and are designed to help you slow down and reflect in a season that can often be rushed through. 

Whether your group is looking to enter into this season with a fresh perspective, seeks answers to deep questions, longs to draw closer to the heart of Christ, or is hoping for a clearer look at God’s redemptive plan, there’s a resource here to accompany you on that journey. 

Click to explore each study in detail! 

The Promise and Power of Easter by Christine Caine and Lisa Harper 

The Case for Christmas by Lee Strobel 

He Chose the Nails by Max Lucado 

Why Easter Matters by Andy Stanley 

The Promise and Power of Easter — Christine Caine & Lisa Harper 

Experience Easter with more joy and anticipation than ever before! Christine and Lisa invite you to walk through the four weeks of the Lenten season, taking in the details of Jesus’ life, the agony of His death, and the overwhelming joy of His resurrection.    

Best for: women’s groups, fans of Lisa Harper and Christine Caine, and groups wanting a renewed sense of awe in the resurrection story.  

Why it stands out: Deep Biblical wisdom blended with Lisa and Christine’s signature wit and storytelling make this an Easter Bible study you won’t forget! You’ll be compelled to look at Easter as more than just a point in history, but the entire point, driving us to not only live differently today, but every day, and to tell everyone this Good News.  

What you’ll study:  

• Session 1: God’s Redemptive Plan for the World 
• Session 2: Pursuing God’s Presence 
• Session 3: Compassion in the Shape of the Cross 
• Session 4: Come and See, Go and Tell 

Preview Session 1 now! 

The Case for Easter — Lee Strobel  

Examine the evidence of the resurrection for yourself as you learn to understand the Gospel, historical, and medical evidence that points to the conclusion that Jesus was the Son of God.   

Best for: seekers and skeptics, mixed-belief groups, or anyone who wants to gain confidence in the truth of the resurrection. 

Why it stands out: Lee Strobel combines investigative journalism with biblical truth, inviting honest discussion and critical thinking. This thoughtful approach makes tough topics approachable and invites real, lasting exploration of faith for both long-time believers and those new to the faith. 

What you’ll study:   

• Session 1: Evidence for the Resurrection 
• Session 2: An Excruciating Execution 
• Session 3: The Case for the Empty Tomb 
• Session 4: Eyewitnesses to the Resurrection 

Preview Session 1 now! 

He Chose the Nails — Max Lucado

Experience Lent as a time not to just give up something, but to prepare to receive good gifts from God. As you study the details of His death and resurrection, you’ll discover God was never more sovereign than in the details of the death of his Son. He chose the path, He selected the nails, just for you.   

Best for: mixed groups, families, those looking for comfort during the Easter season, or anyone wanting a deeper understanding of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. 

Why it stands out: Max Lucado’s tender storytelling points each symbol and event surrounding the crucifixion and resurrection back to God’s relentless love. This is a study that will help you have a deeper connection with Christ and a renewed sense of gratitude for all He gave on the cross. 

What you’ll study:  

• Session 1: He Chose to Be One of Us 
• Session 2: He Chose to Forgive Us 
• Session 3: He Chose to Invite Us into His Presence 
• Session 4: He Chose to Love Us Forever 
• Session 5: He Chose to Give Us Victory 
• Session 6: He Chose to Give Us Confidence (optional session for Week 6 of Lent) 

Preview Session 1 now! 

Why Easter Matters — Andy Stanley 

Study some of the people in the Bible whose lives intersected with Jesus in the weeks leading to his crucifixion, each of them having an agenda that put them at odds with God and Jesus. As you’ll see, there’s a little bit of them in all of us.   

Best for: mixed groups, those who want to understand the foundational truths of the resurrection, or anyone asking about the significance of Easter in their own story. 

Why it stands out: Andy’s clear, practical teaching helps groups unpack how resistance illustrates the futility of opposing God. Whether you’re a believer or not, every person experiences resistance against God, and that’s why Easter matters. 

What you’ll study:  

• Session 1: The High Cost of Following Christ 
• Session 2: The Risk of Surrendering to God 
• Session 3: The God Who Can Be Trusted 
• Session 4: The Foundation of Our Faith 

Preview Session 1 now! 

Start an Easter Bible Study today!  

Whichever resource you choose, these Bible studies are designed to help your group celebrate Easter in a powerful new way. With trusted voices and engaging content, you’ll have the tools you need to reflect, discuss, and encounter the hope of the risen Christ. 

Ready to get started? Preview Session 1 for any study and find the one that will help your group experience the promise and hope of Easter this year.  

The start of a new year often brings a desire for fresh beginnings and meaningful change. We set goals for our health, careers, and personal development. But what about our spiritual lives? This year, you can move beyond simple resolutions and build a lasting habit of Bible reading with a Bible study! 

To help you pick your New Year Bible Study, we’ve created a free “Bible Studies for the New Year” guide. It’s packed with recommendations to help you find the perfect study to match your goals – whether that’s to read the Bible more, build a habit of prayer, focus on emotional and spiritual health, and more.  

This free guide features a curated list of studies from trusted authors, categorized by theme, to help you find exactly what you need. 

Why Start a Bible Study in the New Year?

A new year feels like a blank page, making it the perfect time to establish new routines. Integrating a Bible study into your daily quiet time helps build a routine to help you remain grounded and accountable. Here are a few key benefits. 

• Consistency: Just like exercise strengthens the body, consistent time in God’s Word strengthens your faith. Whether you choose a daily devotional or a weekly group study, you are creating a dedicated space to connect with God. This regular rhythm helps keep your faith at the center of your busy life. 
• Increased Biblical Literacy: According to Barna’s 2025 State of the Church report, Bible reading is on the rise, with 42% of U.S. adults reporting they read their Bibles weekly… but at the same time, there’s a growing gap between Bible engagement and trust in its message. This reveals a “curiosity and conviction gap” that a resource like a Bible study can help address. Using a Bible study helps deepen your understanding of what you’re reading by providing new insight, historical context, and theological expertise. 
• Personal Application: It’s one thing to read the Bible, but it’s something entirely more to actually apply it to your life and let it transform you. The thoughtful questions in a Bible study will help you not only build the habit of Bible reading, but also consider how it speaks directly to your life.  

Finding the Right Bible Study for the New Year 

When you’re considering how to choose a Bible study or looking for tips on selecting the best Bible study for personal growth, it’s important to find resources that match your goals and interests. Whether you’re searching for a 52-week Bible study guide for the New Year or want to grow in a specific area, there are plenty of options to choose from! 

Year-Long Bible Studies 

If your goal is to build consistent spiritual growth in the New Year, a 52-week Bible study for women and men is an excellent choice. These year-long Bible studies are designed to guide you through Scripture every week, helping you stay committed and engaged in your faith journey for all 52 weeks. 

• Praying the Names of God for 52 Weeks by Ann Spangler 
• Experiencing the Heart of Jesus for 52 Weeks by Max Lucado 
• Jesus Calling 52 Week Bible Study by Sarah Young 
• 52 Weeks through the Bible by John MacArthur 
• Encountering God’s Love from Genesis to Revelation by Randy and Rozanne Frazee
• Seeking After the Heart of God for 52 Weeks by Max Lucado – coming soon!

30 Day and 40 Day Bible Studies 

If you want to start off with something shorter than a yearlong commitment, a 30 or 40 Day Bible study is a great option. Each of these studies focuses on a specific theme to help you navigate scripture through a specific lens for a specific amount of time.  

• 40 Days through the Bible by Lysa TerKeurst 
• 30 Days with Jesus by Lysa TerKeurst and Joel Muddamalle 
• 30 Days to Understanding the Bible by Max Anders 
• 30 Days of Prayer: A Bible Study in Psalms by Proverbs 31 Ministries 
• Praying with Women of the Bible for 30 Days by Sherry Harney 
• 40 Days through the Book series 

Explore these studies and more in the free “Bible Studies for the New Year” guide!

Embrace the New Year with Bible Study! 

Ready to find the perfect study to kickstart your year? Download our free Bible Studies for the New Year guide today. It’s full of incredible resources to help you connect with God’s Word in a fresh and meaningful way. Let this be the year you deepen your faith, one week at a time. 

Are you looking for Bible studies for couples in your church or for yourself? Whether you’re newly engaged, parenting young kids, or walking through a tough season, every couple can grow stronger when they pursue God together. 

Browse through our frequently asked questions about choosing the right Bible study for couples and marriage Bible studies, and download our FREE resource to help you recommend studies for every life stage and relational need. 

Free Resource: Bible Studies for Relationships Guide
This quick-reference tool includes studies for couples organized by life stage, spiritual focus, and relationship needs. Download now for free!

Frequently Asked Questions About Bible Studies for Couples and Marriage Ministry 

What are the best Bible studies for couples to do together or in a small group with other couples?

Marriage is rewarding, but it comes with challenges. These Bible studies help couples build a strong spiritual foundation, ideal for small groups, marriage ministries, or one-on-one mentoring.

The Marriage Course by Nicky and Sila Lee

Practical, conversation-driven, and focused on tackling issues that often get swept under the rug, like conflict, forgiveness, and sex. While the course is based on Christian principles, it is designed for couples with or without a church background. 

What makes this study unique: Couples discuss general topics during group time, but the deeper, more personal questions are reserved for private conversation using the study guide. This creates a safe and low-pressure environment, even in groups where couples may not know each other well. 

Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas 

Help couples see how their marriage can lead them to a closer walk with God. In this newly updated marriage classic, couples will discover how everything about their marriage—from the history they create, to the love they share, to the forgiveness they both offer and seek—is filled with the capacity to help them grow in Christ’s character. 

What makes this study unique: This edition of Sacred Marriage includes all-new videos from Gary. Couples will enjoy updated research and illustrations, key biblical principles about marriage, and wisdom from Gary’s more than twenty years of teaching since the study’s original release. 

The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy & Kathy Keller

A rich theological study with practical insights into God’s design for marriage. Based on the best-selling book of the same name, Timothy and Kathy Keller draw a profound portrait of marriage that neither idealizes nor rejects the institution but points us to the relationship between God and mankind. 

What makes this study unique: Great for fans of Tim Keller or those looking to reframe their modern conceptions of marriage. This study weaves in modern research to support a biblical framework for marriage. 

What Bible study should we recommend to couples who are struggling in their marriage? 

When couples are in seasons of dysfunction or difficulty, the Bible offers hope and practical tools to help bring unity back where there may be brokenness. These bible studies for struggling marriages are great in pastoral counseling settings and crisis groups, but also in marriage groups more broadly.  

The Fight for Us by Rebekah & Gabe Lyons 

For couples stuck in the “dysfunction dance,” Rebekah and Gabe Lyons encourage you to stop fighting with your spouse and start fighting for your spouse. This study helps couples strengthen their marriage and rediscover the power of us as they practice rhythms that foster unity, intentionality, and hope for the future of their relationship. 

What makes this study unique: Drawing on their mental health coaching, marriage counseling expertise, and over 20 years of personal experience, each session includes intentionally curated group discussion prompts and personal reflection questions for couples to engage in together and in prayer. 

Cherish by Gary Thomas

Teaches couples to go beyond love and learn how to cherish each other daily. Drawing on personal stories and teachings from the Bible, Gary Thomas demonstrates how cherishing can turn marriage from an obligation into a delight. 

What makes this study unique: Great for couples stuck “going through the motions” or those just starting out. This study helps rekindle affection and encourages couples to see the good in each other with fresh eyes. 

We also recommend:  

• The Meaning of Marriage – for reframing your understanding of commitment and grace. 
• The Marriage Course – practical help for restoring communication and intimacy. 
• Lightbulb Moments in Marriage (on sale Winter 2026) – helps couples break unhealthy cycles and rediscover unity. 

What premarital Bible studies should we use with engaged couples, those considering marriage, or those who are newly married? 

The season leading up to marriage is exciting and full of anticipation. It’s also a key opportunity to lay a strong spiritual foundation. These premarital Bible studies are ideal for pre-marriage counseling, pre-marriage retreats or events, and small groups of young or engaged couples. They’ll help couples step into marriage with a biblical understanding of commitment, communication, and God’s design for lifelong partnership. 

The Pre-Marriage Course by Nicky and Sila Lee 

Practical and conversation-driven, The Pre-Marriage Course is designed to help couples who are engaged or seriously considering marriage build essential relationship skills. Topics include communication, conflict, family dynamics, and intimacy. While rooted in Christian principles, the study is accessible to couples with or without a church background. 

What makes this study unique: Each session is designed like a “date night,” where couples share a meal, watch a video teaching, and discuss workbook questions privately. The teaching integrates insights from leading psychologists, authors, and psychosexual experts, offering a well-rounded, holistic approach to marriage preparation. 

Single, Dating, Engaged, Married by Ben Stuart 

Great for young adults in all relational stages, this six-session Bible study walks through the four key seasons of relational life—singleness, dating, engagement, and marriage. Pastor and bestselling author Ben Stuart helps participants understand God’s purpose for each stage and how to navigate them with intention and faith. 

What makes this study unique: No matter where they are on the relationship journey, this study equips participants with practical guidance and biblical insight, focusing on the gifts of each season rather than rushing from one stage to the next.

We also recommend:  

• Sacred Marriage – explores how marriage is designed to make us holy, not just happy. 
• The Meaning of Marriage – builds a deep theological foundation for marriage 

What Bible study should we recommend to couples who want to strengthen their marriage even more? 

Marriage ministry isn’t just for couples in crisis! Even in healthy seasons, it’s vital for couples to keep investing in their relationship. These Bible studies are great for couples who want to take their marriage from good to great.  

• Lightbulb Moments in Marriage (on sale Winter 2026) – helps couples spot the small “aha” moments that make a big difference in daily marriage dynamics. 
• The Fight for Us – great for couples who want to proactively build unity and deepen their emotional and spiritual connection before challenges arise. 
• Cherish – a favorite for couples who want to move from routine to intentional affection, learning to see and celebrate each other daily. 
• The Meaning of Marriage – for couples ready to deepen their theological understanding of marriage and rediscover God’s design for lifelong commitment. 
• Sacred Marriage – helps couples see how God uses marriage to shape our character and our relationship with Him. 

What Bible studies can we offer to parents to help their marriage and family rhythms? 

Parenting adds joy and complexity to marriage. That’s why it’s essential to offer Bible studies that support couples not just in their marriage, but in how they raise their kids together. 

These Bible studies for parents help families dive into God’s Word with a special focus on growing stronger as a couple and creating intentional rhythms for their family. They’re ideal for small groups with parents and parenting ministries. 

• Habits of the Household – encourages families to embrace intentional, faith-building routines in everyday life. Couples will explore how ordinary moments can become powerful discipleship opportunities when shaped by love and spiritual intention. 
• Parenting: Getting It Right – helps couples identify what matters most, align their values, and lead with grace and consistency, so they can parent with confidence and clarity. 
• Jesus Followers – perfect for parents or grandparents, this study focuses on passing faith to the next generation, living in a way that’s both personal and deeply influential to their children. 

What about studies that help people in relationships broadly? 

In your ministry, not every couple fits a traditional mold. These Bible studies focus on relational health in a broader sense, addressing topics like boundaries, forgiveness, emotional maturity, and community. They’re great for individuals, small groups, or even couples looking to strengthen all areas of their relational life, not just marriage. 

Bible Studies about Boundaries & Forgiveness 

• Good Boundaries and Goodbyes – helps participants understand boundaries from a Biblical perspective. 
• Forgiving What You Can’t Forget – discover what the Bible says about forgiveness and how to find the peace that comes from embracing it.  
• Boundaries – a classic resource for understanding where your responsibility ends and someone else’s begins.  

Bible Studies about Emotional & Relational Health 

• Emotionally Healthy Relationships – learn eight practical and biblically based relationship skills to develop mature, loving relationships with others.  

Bible Studies about Community & Friendship 

• Find Your People – move beyond surface-level friendships and build deep, Christ-centered community. 

How do I help couples choose the right Bible study for their season? 

We want to make choosing your next couples’ Bible study easier! That’s why we created a free downloadable guide to help ministry leaders recommend the right resource with confidence.

 This free guide includes: 

• Studies organized by life stage: married, engaged, parenting, crisis, and spiritual growth 
• Quick-reference themes and ministry uses for each study 
• Direct links to explore or order studies 

No matter what season a couple is in, God’s Word has the power to heal, restore, and strengthen their relationship. These Bible studies are tools to help couples encounter Jesus together and build marriages that last. 

You don’t need to have all the answers… You just need the right resources to equip your leaders and encourage couples along the way. 

Explore more Bible Studies on Marriage and Dating

Explore Bible Studies for Parents

Explore more Bible Studies about Relationships

If you’re searching for a Bible study on anxiety and fear, you’re not alone. As Christians, we aren’t immune to mental health struggles, but thankfully God’s Word offers peace, wisdom, and hope in the midst of difficulties and struggles.  

Whether you’re looking for a Bible study for your small group, church, or personal study, these nine Bible studies on anxiety and fear will help you prioritize your mental health and refocus your attention on the truths found in God’s word.  

How Does Bible Study Help Us Overcome Anxiety and Fear? 

God gave us Scripture to guide us through every part of life, including our mental and emotional struggles. A Bible study on anxiety and fear helps us ground ourselves in God’s truth, remember His promises, and recognize that we are not alone in our battles. Through Bible study, we come to understand our need for a Savior and see how Jesus meets us with compassion, grace, and strength. 

Here are a few key scriptures on overcoming anxiety and fear (many are included in our recommended bible studies on anxiety and fear, as well!) 

• Philippians 4:6–7 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 
• 2 Timothy 1:7 – For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 
• Psalm 34:4 – I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. 
• Isaiah 41:10 – So do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 

Studying scripture in depth through Bible study helps us retrain our thoughts, renew our trust in God, and walk in faith instead of fear. 

Find Your Next Bible Study on Anxiety and Fear 

Get Out of Your Head by Jennie Allen

Theme: Learn how to stop the spiral of toxic thoughts by studying Paul’s letter to the Philippians. 

What to Expect: In this powerful Bible study on anxiety, best-selling teacher Jennie Allen walks you through practical tools from Philippians to help you break free from negative thinking. You’ll discover how to transform your emotions, outlook, and even your circumstances by taking every thought captive to Christ. 

The study guide includes everything you need: 

• Six streaming video sessions with Jennie Allen 

• Personal Bible studies and interactive projects 

• Full Leader’s Guide with tips and group resources 

• How to Find God personal salvation guide 

Great for: Women’s small groups, individual study, or discipleship groups 

Every Thought Captive by Kyle Idleman

Theme: Learn the Biblical path to transforming how you think by taking every thought captive, found in Romans 12. 

What to Expect: In this practical and relatable Bible study, Pastor Kyle Idleman teaches how setting your thoughts on Christ can create new patterns of thought that will change your life. This isn’t a study on the power of positive thinking, but about learning how God made your brain. 

The study guide includes everything you need: 

• Five video sessions with Kyle Idleman 

• Bible study questions and personal reflection prompts 

• Scripture exercises and practical tools to help you take your thoughts captive 

Go deeper in this study with the companion book Every Thought Captive by Kyle Idleman 

Great for: Men’s and co-ed small groups, recovery groups, individual study 

Anxious for Nothing by Max Lucado

Theme: Discover God’s prescription for peace based on Philippians 4:6–7. 

What to Expect: Pastor Max Lucado teaches you how to calm your anxious heart by celebrating God’s goodness, asking for his help, leaving your concerns with him, and meditating on good things. This Bible study on anxiety and fear reminds you that no matter what chaos surrounds you, God’s peace is within reach. 

The study guide includes everything you need: 

• Five encouraging video sessions with Max Lucado 

• Bible study questions and personal reflection prompts 

• Scripture exercises additional content from Max 

Go deeper in this study with the companion book Anxious for Nothing by Max Lucado.  

Great for: Church-wide studies, small groups, anyone struggling with anxiety

Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table by Louie Giglio

Theme: Study how Psalm 23 offers insight into how to overcome the enemy’s lies and find peace and spiritual security in any circumstance or situation. 

What to Expect: Pastor Louie Giglio helps you understand how the enemy uses fear, anxiety, and lies to take over your thought life—and how to reclaim your seat at the table God has prepared for you. This study equips you to live free and secure in God’s truth. 

This best-selling five session video Bible study (over 100,000 copies sold!) offers biblical insight on how to: 

• Cancel the lies that will wreck your life and take the empowering steps to live fully alive in Christ 

• Restore peace and rest in your life by taking authority over your thoughts 

• Break free from the endless cycle of destructive thinking and recapture your emotions 

• Embrace the true purpose behind your journey through challenging circumstances 

The study guide includes everything you need, including five teaching videos with Louie and discussion questions for personal reflection. Go deeper with the companion book Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table by Louie Giglio. 

Great for: Men’s or co-ed groups, teen and young adult groups, individual study

Rhythms of Renewal by Rebekah Lyons

Theme: Replace anxiety with daily rhythms of rest, restore, connect, and create. 

What to Expect: Drawing from her own battles with depression and anxiety, Rebekah Lyons shares a pathway to establish four life-giving rhythms that quiet inner chaos and make room for a flourishing life. This unique bible study on anxiety will help you:  

• Take charge of your emotional health and inspire your loved ones to do the same. 

• Overcome anxiety by establishing daily habits that keep you mentally and physically strong. 

• Find joy through restored relationships with your family and community. 

• Walk in confidence with the unique gifts you have to offer the world. 

The study guide includes discussion questions and personal reflection questions for each session. Designed for use with the Rhythms of Renewal Video Study available on DVD or streaming video, sold separately. Go deeper with the companion book Rhythms of Renewal by Rebekah Lyons.

Great for: Anyone struggling with anxiety, women’s groups, personal study 

Out of the Cave by Chris Hodges

Theme: Study the story of the prophet Elijah to reveal how everyone is susceptible to feelings of depression.   

What to Expect: Drawing on his trademark blend of Bible-based wisdom, practical application, and personal vulnerability, in this bible study on depression, Pastor Chris Hodges will help you examine the causes of depression, the factors that contribute to it, and offer you a biblical approach to wellness—mind, body, and soul. Through deep study on the life of Elijah, you’ll discover how you don’t have to stay in the darkness of depression and loneliness; God will meet you there.  

This study guide has everything you need for a full Bible study experience, including: 

• The study guide itself—with discussion and personal reflection questions, video notes, and Scripture readings. 

• An individual access code to stream all five video sessions online (DVD also available separately). 

Go deeper with the companion book Out of the Cave by Chris Hodges.

Great for: Anyone struggling with depression, men’s or co-ed groups 

Relaxed by Megan Fate Marshman

Theme: Experience true peace by resting in the presence and promises of God. 

What to Expect: Join Megan Fate Marshman for a bible study on anxiety and discover a fresh approach to dealing with anxiety. Learn to live a relaxed life that doesn’t seek to do more but leans into trusting God more deeply. She invites you to stop striving and start surrendering, learning how to rest in God’s love even when life feels uncertain or overwhelming. 

This study guide includes everything you need, including:  

• Individual access to seven streaming video teachings from Megan 

• Group discussion questions and activities 

• In-depth personal Bible study between sessions 

• A section to track your experience as you grow in new spiritual practices 

• A series of spiritual formation practices for you to carry on well beyond the study 

Go deeper with the companion book Relaxed by Megan Fate Marshman. 

Great for: Women’s groups, individual study 

Finding Peace through Humility by Joel Muddamalle

Theme: Discover how humility is the unexpected pathway to peace by studying the book of Judges. 

What to Expect: Join Dr. Joel Muddamalle in this bible study on Judges that will give you a true understanding of the power of biblical humility and help you see the unexpected ways God can work in your life. 

Based Dr. Muddamalle’s book The Hidden Peace, this Bible study explores how humility disarms anxiety, deepens your dependence on Jesus, and transforms your relationships. You’ll discover how humility leads to security, strength, and confidence and opens the door to allow us to rely on God’s limitless resources. 

The study guide has everything you need for the study, including 

• The study guide itself—with video notes, personal study and group discussion sections, and a guide to best practices for leading a group. 

• An individual access code to stream all six video sessions online (DVD also available separately). 

Great for: Co-ed groups, discipleship groups, anyone seeking deeper spiritual growth 

When Strivings Cease by Ruth Chou Simons

Theme: Let go of the hustle for worthiness and embrace the unshakable peace of God’s grace. 

What to Expect: In this rich Bible study on anxiety, fear, and performance-driven living, Ruth Chou Simons invites you to discover how the gospel of grace frees you from striving for approval and striving to be “enough.” You’ll explore Scripture, biblical theology, and practical truth to help you rest in God’s unchanging love. 

Walk away from this study understanding more fully that the generous, unmerited favor of God is the means to the welcome, love, and approval you so deeply long for. 

The study guide has everything you need for a full Bible study experience, including: 

• The study guide itself—with warm-up, group discussion and personal reflection questions, video notes, and a leader’s guide. 

• An individual access code to stream all six video sessions online (you don’t need to buy a DVD!). 

Go deeper with the companion book When Strivings Cease by Ruth Chou Simons. 

Great for: Women’s Bible study groups, perfectionists, or anyone experiencing burnout from striving.  

Watch Session 1 of Each of These Studies Now!

No matter what you’re facing, you don’t have to walk through worry, anxiety, sadness, or fear alone. Each of these powerful Bible studies on anxiety and fear offers a Christ-centered path to peace, helping you renew your mind and grow closer to Christ.  

We all have various forms of trust issues because we’ve spent our lives interacting with other humans, and humans are prone to making hurtful, selfish choices. I want you to know that whether you were hurt years ago, or you are walking through a confusing and hurtful situation right now, I’ve dealt with broken trust in the past, and just when I think I’ve made progress in moving forward, a word or memory can trigger the pain, and the wounds feel raw. But I also know that healing is possible with God’s help. Ultimately, my hope for you is that you’ll regain the confidence that God is completely trustworthy.

Journaling Activity

Take a look at the three arenas of trust below. As you think about these arenas, in which one have you experienced trust issues more than the others? Take a few minutes to journal and summarize what you are thinking and feeling about trust in this area.

Physical

In addition to physical harm, a lack of physical safety can include when someone is dismissive over your concerns or there’s a lack of protection.

Emotional

This can include threatening, yelling, or intentionally making someone feel afraid or belittled. It can also include harmful disclosures of confidential information, disloyalty, infidelity, and dishonesty.

Spiritual

When scripture is used as a weapon or a manipulation tactic to gain control, keep power over someone, or disregard the other person’s personal dignity an value as a son or daughter of God.

Additional Resources

After thousands of hours of counseling intensives and theological research, Lysa TerKeurst has discovered how crucial it is to develop the stability you long for within yourself and with God, so you don’t become cynical and carry a broken belief system into every new relationship. Building upon and further unpacking the scriptural concepts in her book I Want to Trust You, but I Don’t, this six-session Bible study (video access included) will equip you to:

• Identify which of the 11 relational red flags are stirring up distrust, so you’re able to better pinpoint why you’re feeling uneasy.
• Recognize when it’s possible to repair a fractured relationship and how to do it with a five-step framework you can start using today.
• Understand what the Bible says about trusting God and others so you’re equipped to make decisions that are in line with Scripture.
• Learn how to know the difference between a feeling you’re having and true discernment from the Holy Spirit so you can move on from the past with more wisdom and assurance.

Watch Session 1 of “I Want to Trust You, But I Don’t”

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Advent is a season of waiting and preparation. Before the joy of Christmas morning arrives, the four weeks of Advent invite us to slow down, reflect, and remember that God keeps His promises. A Bible study for Advent is the perfect opportunity to stay rooted in Scripture during this busy season.

Unlike the rush of December, Advent creates space for expectation—for watching, waiting, and preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ. Whether you’re leading a small group, gathering with your women’s ministry, or doing a personal study, an Advent Bible Study can guide you closer to Jesus as you walk through the Christmas story, focused on hope, peace, joy, and love.

Here are some of the best Advent Bible studies to help you make the most of this meaningful season.

1. The Marvel and Miracle of Advent: Recapturing the Wonder of Jesus With Us by Christine Caine and Lisa Harper

Jesus’ arrival on earth changed the course of history forever. Not only for those who lived in the first century, but for those of us in the twenty-first century as well. The miracle and marvel of the Advent season demonstrates that we are precious to Him. He’s not a distant God. He is Emmanuel, God with us. That includes wherever you are, right now.

Throughout the Old Testament, we find descriptions, allusions, prophecies, and even foreshadowing of the long-anticipated Messiah. The Messiah is Jesus, whose purpose and promise was not limited by His humanity. In this Bible study, you will learn that it’s not your behavior that earns the kindness of a holy God; it’s the presence of Jesus coming to Earth to be with you, always.

Join Christine Caine and Lisa Harper this Christmas season for a four-session Advent Bible study like no other. Your hope and spirit will be revived as you recapture the wonder of Jesus’ obvious love for you. You’ll discover that Advent is not only a season of waiting and preparation, but also, it’s a season of action to share the hope of Jesus with everyone.

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2. Waiting Here for You: An Advent Bible Study on Hope and Expectation by Louie Giglio

A season overflowing with anticipation, Christmas comes the same time each year with great hope and promise of a baby born long ago. But this season meant for joy is often consumed by busyness, pressure, mixed emotions, and is gone as quickly as it came.

What is it all for?

In this four session Bible study for Advent, pastor Louie Giglio reminds us that it’s in the richness of Advent – a season of expectant waiting and preparation – that we find our answer. And it is throughout this waiting season that we prepare our hearts to greet December 25th with joy, peace, hope, and refreshed promise in our newborn King.

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3. Because of Bethlehem: Love is Born, Hope is Here by Max Lucado

In the Because of Bethlehem video Bible study (DVD/digital video sold separately), bestselling author and pastor Max Lucado guides you through the Advent season to its source at an unassuming stable in Bethlehem…

No one expected the Messiah to come the way he did. Yet the way he came was every bit as important as the coming itself. The manger is the message.

Because of Bethlehem, God knows what it’s like to be human. Because of Bethlehem, when we talk to him about tough times, he understands. He’s been there. He’s been here. Because of Bethlehem, we no longer have marks on our record…just grace.

For some, Christmas is a time of excitement, celebration, and family, while for others it is a time of loneliness, grief, and loss. No matter what this season holds for you, the promise of Christmas will bring you a lifetime of hope.

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4. The Case for Christmas: Evidence for the Identity of Jesus – Lee Strobel

In The Case for Christmas Bible Study (now with streaming video included!), led by New York Times bestselling author Lee Strobel, participants will dig into the true Christmas story to sort out the fact from the fiction and the hype from the holiness. This Christmas Bible study will help them reflect on the gospel story of the birth of Jesus in a focused and group-oriented way that will change the way that they view the season.

During his faith journey, Lee Strobel investigated the real meaning behind all those nativity scenes he saw outside of churches. In this four-week study, Lee reveals what he discovered from consulting experts on the Bible, archaeology, and messianic prophecy as he sought to separate the truth from the tradition.

Regardless of whether the center of your Christmas decorations is the nativity set on your mantle or the presents under the tree, The Case for Christmas study invites you to look beyond the familiar traditions of the season, challenge you to examine the evidence for yourself, and consider why Christmas really matters and why it’s still so relevant today.

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5. Who Needs Christmas by Andy Stanley

Rediscover the improbable story of Christmas.

Four thousand years ago, God promised he would do something through the bloodline of Abraham. Two thousand years later, Jesus was born. And two thousand years after that, we’re still talking about it.

Why?

The story of Jesus’ birth was not what anyone expected: a baby . . . born in the armpit of the Mediterranean . . . to save us from sins that no one thought we needed saving from.

This Christmas season, join Andy Stanley as he unpacks why the improbability of the Christmas story is what makes it so believable. No one could have or would have made it up. Designed for use with the Who Needs Christmas / Why Easter Matters Video Study, sold separately. Streaming video also available.

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Find the Perfect Bible Study for Christmas & Advent

If you’re looking for even more options, check out the full list of Advent Bible studies perfect for women’s groups, mixed groups, families, and churches. These additional studies dive deeper into the miracle of Christ’s birth and can help you keep the season centered on Jesus. Explore more Advent Bible studies here.

These studies can also be used during the entire Christmas season, since the two seasons flow together in preparing our hearts for Jesus. If you’d like to see more Bible studies for Christmas, explore our top 4 studies for Christmas.

Last updated August 2025

From its start in 1995, the Passion movement has had a singular mission—calling students from campuses across the nation and around the world to live for what matters most. For us, what matters most is the name and renown of Jesus. We believe in this generation and are watching God use them to change the climate of faith around the globe.

Since the first gathering in 1997, Passion has had the privilege of encountering millions of students and 18-25 year olds, a sea of young people whose lives have been transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Their voice is getting louder as they rise, united as a generation, bringing hope and light to the world.

Since 2007, believing worship + justice are two sides of the same coin, students at Passion have generously given over $18 million to 70 amazing partner organizations around the world.

Here are 5 Bible studies from the Passion Movement:

Since entering the ministry in 1978, Max Lucado has served churches in Miami, Florida; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and San Antonio, Texas. He currently serves as the teaching minister of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio. He is the recipient of the 2021 ECPA Pinnacle Award for his outstanding contribution to the publishing industry and society at large. He is America’s bestselling inspirational author with more than 150 million products in print.

Here are 5 essential Bible studies from Max:

What are your going to study this fall? Below are 5 ideal options, covering the book of Revelation, biblical prophecy, God’s faithfulness, understanding our emotions, and the book of Judges – a time when the country of Israel was dealing with a lack of leadership and people doing whatever they felt right in their own eyes.

Check out these 5 studies and click the links to watch full sessions to get the scope of the teaching and study.

Not only do all our newest study guides come with streaming video access, we are continually converting our top studies from a few years ago to also include streaming video. There is no additional purchase needed for the streaming video! On the inside front cover of the study guide is an access code to StudyGateway.com where you can access the video teaching for the study you own. there is no need to get a subscription or enter a credit card number! The study guide code is all you need.

Here are 5 of the most recent studies we’ve converted to include access to the streaming video. In some of these we’ve increased the size of the guides so there is more room to write.