The Bible: True, Relevant or a Fairy Tale? — 4-Week Small Group Kit
This four-week study companion is designed for seekers and new believers who want to explore whether the Bible is trustworthy and relevant today. Each session centers on clear, Scripture-saturated teaching, gentle questions for reflection and conversation, and a simple closing to help people apply what they learn. The approach is humble and invitational: we follow what the Bible actually says and invite honest questions. For more about the author and resources, see www.robertjcottle.com or the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Bible-True-Relevant-Fairy-Tale/dp/136583770X.
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Session 1: Week 1: Why Trust the Bible? Authority and Inspiration
Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21
- What does it mean that Scripture is 'God-breathed'? How does that shape your confidence in its message?
- How do we balance the Bible's divine inspiration with the fact that it was written by human authors?
- What doubts or questions do you have about the Bible's authority? How can we bring those to God honestly?
Pray together, asking for humility and discernment. Invite participants to read 2 Timothy 3:16-17 once each day this week and journal any new questions or encouragements they find. Reminder: more background on the book is at www.robertjcottle.com.
Session 2: Week 2: Is the Bible Reliable? Evidence and Consistency
Scripture: John 20:30-31; Acts 17:10-11; Psalm 119:160
- What reasons have you heard for thinking the Bible is or isn’t reliable? Which reasons resonate with you and why?
- How does the Bereans' attitude in Acts 17:10-11 (examining the Scriptures) model a healthy approach to reading the Bible?
- What role do corroborating historical details, fulfilled prophecy, and internal consistency play in your view of the Bible's reliability?
Encourage participants to read a short Gospel passage (suggest John 3:16–21 or Luke 24:13–35) with an open, questioning heart this week. Close in prayer for clarity and for an honest search for truth.
Session 3: Week 3: Is the Bible Relevant? Guidance for Life Today
Scripture: Hebrews 4:12; Psalm 119:105; Romans 12:2
- Hebrews 4:12 says God’s word is living and active. How have you experienced Scripture changing your heart or decisions?
- In what ways does the Bible offer guidance that applies to modern issues like work, relationships, or moral choices?
- How can we read Scripture so it informs our thinking (Romans 12:2) without forcing personal opinions onto the text?
Ask each person to name one practical area in life where they’d like Scripture to speak this week. Pray for openness and for small, tangible steps to follow what they hear from God's Word.
Session 4: Week 4: Responding to the Bible—Faith, Doubt, and Next Steps
Scripture: Romans 10:17; John 20:30-31; Psalm 119:11
- What next step does the Holy Spirit seem to be inviting you to take after these sessions—read more, join a Bible study, talk to someone about faith?
- How can we hold together honest doubt and growing faith (Romans 10:17 speaks to faith arising from hearing)?
- What practices (reading, memorizing, prayer, community) would help you stay engaged with Scripture in the coming months?
Finish with a short, humble prayer asking God to deepen trust and grant courage for next steps. Invite everyone to pick one of the suggested practices (read a Gospel, memorize a verse, join a weekly group) and exchange contact info or accountability partners. Share the book link for further reading: https://www.amazon.com/Bible-True-Relevant-Fairy-Tale/dp/136583770X and www.robertjcottle.com.