Living Word Bible Studies by Kathleen Buswell Nielson
These studies guide into deeper study of God’s Word. Five days of questions in each lesson lead the way to careful textual study, with helpful context and commentary woven throughout. The aim is to read the Scriptures—and to learn to read the Scriptures—with ever increasing discernment, delight, and conviction.
If you are interested in a specific book, click on the title and you will be directed to our website, which includes for most books, a sample chapter, table of contents, and endorsements.
Old Testament:
Joshua: All God’s Good Promises
Released: June 2008
168 Pages
Joshua: All God’s Good Promises leads through a detailed study of this Old Testament book about God’s unfailing promises to his people. Close attention is given to the shape and development of the narrative—as Joshua leads across the Jordan, through the conquest of the land, and into the settled rest of the inheritance promised them. The book itself is the focus of study, although the context of Pentateuch law and the New Testament’s ultimate fulfillment in Jesus are made clear.
Nehemiah: Rebuilt and Rebuilding
Released: August 2011
160 Pages
Nielson’s study allows readers to delve into one of the most compelling Old Testament narratives, in the story of Nehemiah leading God’s people to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls after the exile. Nehemiah offers us an instructive example of great leadership, in his godly courage and prayerful spirit. But Nehemiah offers us more than an example; he also points us to God’s sovereign plan to work through his people according to his promises and for his redemptive purposes in Jesus Christ. Nielson leads us to peer into the dramatic story of God’s people led by a godly leader at a crucial point in salvation history.
Psalms Vol. 1: Songs Along the Way
Released: June 2009
128 Pages
Introduces the whole book of Psalms and then guides us through a study of selected psalms, representing types. Careful exposition is combined with personal meditation and application. Good for individuals or groups.
Psalms Vol 2: Finding the Way to Prayer and Praise
Released: March 2013
176 Pages
In this second study of the book of Psalms, Kathleen Nielson takes us on a tour of additional well-chosen individual psalms, helping us to take them in deeply, savor their poetry, and receive from them the very breath of God. Then she goes a step farther—not only teaching the Psalms to us, but teaching us how to keep teaching ourselves, by providing additional psalms for individual study. Learn from the Psalms how to praise and pray, and learn from Kathleen how to learn the Psalms.
Proverbs: The Ways of Wisdom
Released: August 2007
200 Pages
Proverbs: The Ways of Wisdom leads the reader in a detailed study of this book of wisdom literature. Early lessons explore the background, shape, and theme of the entire book. The bulk of the lessons dig into Proverbs’ poetic kaleidoscope of wisdom-themes: words, work, neighbors and friends, marriage and family, sex, money, planning for the future. This study leads readers to listen well to God’s inspired word in the book of Proverbs.
Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs: Wisdom’s Searching and Finding
Released: June 2009
200 Pages
Nielson leads the reader in a study of two of the most beautiful Old Testament poetic books, both of which deal with universal, basic human quests: for the meaning of life (Ecclesiastes) and the joy of love (Song of Songs). Careful attention to textual form and content combines with personal meditation and application.
Isaiah: The Lord Saves
Released: May 2011
384 Pages
Isaiah contains some of the most beautiful poetry in the Bible and is a theological masterpiece, presenting God’s redemptive plan. Kathleen offers depth and a clear overview, encouraging you to read with understanding and joy.
New Testament:
John: That You May Believe
Released: June 2010
336 Pages
This study guides you through what many consider to be the most artful and poetic of the gospels. Its portrait of the Word made flesh rewards careful study so “that you may believe.”
Colossians and Philemon: Continue to Live in Him
Released: August 2007
144 Pages
These studies offer a guide into deeper study of God’s Word, one whole book at a time. Five days of questions in each lesson lead the way to careful textual study, with helpful context and commentary woven throughout. The aim is to read the Scriptures—and to learn to read the Scriptures—with ever increasing discernment, delight, and conviction.
1 & 2 Thessalonians: Living the Gospel to the End
Released: June 2008
160 Pages
The apostle Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians form part of an exciting, complex story of the growth of the New Testament church. We live in a time increasingly like Paul’s, when the church all over the known world is growing amid all kinds of aggressive false teaching. What an encouragement and challenge to witness Paul’s zeal for the gospel in the midst of missionary trips, newly planted churches, and persecution from multiple directions! How gracious of God to give us Paul’s inspired words, which still speak into the church with clarity and spur it on with the hope of Jesus’ return.
A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Kathleen Nielson holds M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in literature 
from Vanderbilt University and a B.A. from Wheaton College (Illinois). She has taught in the English departments at Vanderbilt University, Bethel College (Minnesota), and Wheaton College. She is the author of numerous Bible studies, and the book Bible Study: Following the Ways of the Word, as well as various articles and poems. Kathleen has directed and taught women’s Bible studies at several churches and speaks extensively at conferences and retreats. She serves as director of women’s initiatives for The Gospel Coalition and on the board of directors of The Charles Simeon Trust.
Check out Kathleen’s website: http://kathleennielson.com/
