We have updated the design of this series. Along with new covers, the binding of these Bible studies changed from metal spiral binding to layflat binding. The content of these books did not get edited or altered in any way. As we run out of stock of the old style books, we will be replacing them with the new cover. The first 3 titles are: Colossians & Philemon, Isaiah, and Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs.
Old Testament New Testament
Living Word Bible 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
This Bible Study has 10 Lessons
The apostle Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians form part of an exciting, complex story of the growth of the New Testament church. Amidst false teaching and persecution, missionary trips and newly planted churches, Paul urges the Thessalonians to walk steadfastly and points them to the ultimate hope of the gospel—the day of the Lord when Jesus will come again. Kathleen Nielson helps us dive into the excitement of the early church and challenges us to live more faithfully as members of Christ’s body, until he comes again.
This Bible Study has 10 Lessons
Colossians and Philemon are two of Paul’s “prison epistles”—letters written while he was imprisoned for preaching Jesus Christ as Lord. Even in the face of persecution, prison bars could not contain Paul’s zeal for the gospel. In his letter to the Colossian church he sounded the alarm of false teaching and encouraged the believers to find sufficiency in Christ. In his letter to Philemon he pleaded for mercy and forgiveness for a runaway slave. Kathleen Nielson helps us see how these messages are still relevant and alive in many ways.
Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs: Wisdom’s Searching and Finding
This Bible Study has 10 Lessons
Poetry speaks to us as whole people, appealing in unique ways to our imaginations and emotions as well as to our intellects. Song of Songs and Ecclesiastes are beautiful Old Testament poetic books that answer two of life’s deepest questions: “What is the meaning of life?” and “What is love?” Kathleen Nielson takes us on a journey into these image-filled Scriptures, equipping us to relish God’s Word in poetic form.
Isaiah: The Lord Saves
This Bible Study has 24 Lessons
Sometimes called the “Romans of the Old Testament,” the book of Isaiah is a theological masterpiece. Not only does it deliver some of the most beautiful poetry in the Bible, but it also gives us a glimpse into God’s perspective on human history and his magnificent redemptive plan. Kathleen Nielson helps us apply this book to ourselves as the people of God and points us to our Savior, the promised Messiah.
John: That You May Believe
This Bible Study has 20 Lessons
John: That You May Believe guides you through what many consider to be the most artful and poetic of the gospels. Opening with a remarkably beautiful, mind-stretching statement of who Jesus is, John clearly reveals Jesus’ identity as the promised Christ, the Son of God, come to bring life to those who believe in his name. Its portrait of the Word made flesh rewards careful study so “that you may believe.”
Joshua: All God’s Good Promises
This Bible Study has 10 Lessons
The book of Joshua offers adventure, great stories, vivid characters, and—above all—an amazing account of the way God fulfills his promises to his people. Joshua is not bare history; it is history with a point—and the point is that God’s Word is true—always, completely, without fail. Kathleen Nielson challenges us to live according to that Word. She reminds us that God’s promises are just as good and true for God’s people today as they were in Joshua’s day—and they are now completed and fulfilled in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Nehemiah: Rebuilt and Rebuilding
This Bible Study has 10 Lessons
Nehemiah is not only an example of great leadership; his story shows us in living color God’s sovereign plan to work through his people for his redemptive purposes in Jesus Christ. Kathleen leads us to immerse ourselves in a dramatic story of God’s people led by a godly leader at a crucial point in salvation history. As we follow the rebuilding of the wall, we witness God’s faithfulness in preserving a chosen people according to his promises, and we realize our need for a savior.
Proverbs: The Ways of Wisdom
This Bible Study has 11 Lessons
A proverb is wisdom in a poetic nutshell: it is small, like a nut, and gives more and more flavorful meaning as we keep pondering it. In the book of Proverbs we find divinely inspired observations concerning how to live rightly as the people of God. Proverbs’ wisdom is far from theoretical; wisdom given by our Creator relates to every part of his creation—from our words, to our friendships, to our money, to our marriages and children—and on and on. Kathleen Nielson guides us in how to digest the poetry of Proverbs and relish this part of God’s revelation with thankful delight. She encourages us to hear and respond to wisdom’s call and let the light of Christ illuminate our lives.
Psalms, Volume 1: Songs Along the Way
This Bible Study has 12 Lessons
The way of the Psalms is a well-traveled and blessed way! Not just the psalmists but also God’s people throughout many generations have used these words to find their way and to express their prayers and praises to their God along the way. In the Psalms we learn more about God’s ways, human experience, and the beauty of poetic language. Kathleen Nielson invites us to spend time in the Psalms—musing, marking, meditating, memorizing, and praying.
In this first volume, Kathleen Nielson gives an overview of this genre of scripture and equips the reader to explore the whole of the Psalms.
Psalms, Volume 2: Finding the Way to Prayer and Praise
This Bible Study has 12 Lessons
The way of the Psalms is a well-traveled and blessed way! Not just the psalmists but also God’s people throughout many generations have used these words to find their way and to express their prayers and praises to their God along the way. In the Psalms we learn more about God’s ways, human experience, and the beauty of poetic language. Kathleen Nielson invites us to spend time in the Psalms—musing, marking, meditating, memorizing, and praying.
In this second volume, Kathleen focuses on how to study the Psalms. Each lesson guides the study of one psalm and then provides the tools for more independent study of another thematically related psalm.
Endorsements for the Series
“Pastors and Christian educators are always on the lookout for rich, well-researched, reliable, helpful, clear teaching material that will get our people into the Word together, helping us to understand its meaning, to see its implications for us in all of life, and to pray it back to God. These studies supply us with exactly that.”
—Ligon Duncan, senior minister, First Presbyterian Church, Jackson MS
“Dr. Kathleen Nielson uses her great love for and understanding of literature to lead us into rich study of Holy Scripture. Her studies highlight the importance of meditation and self-discovery while providing just enough gentle guidance always to steer us to the Good Shepherd as our hope and strength.”
—Bryan Chapell, president, Covenant Theological Seminary
“With rich insight and wisdom, Kathleen Nielson invites her students ’to grapple with the text’ as she provides helpful contexts and comments along with stimulating study questions. Kathleen’s studies are good food for the soul— challenging, convicting, and very, very encouraging.”
—Carol Ruvolo, acclaimed author of Bible studies
“Because Kathleen Nielsen understands the structure and theology of John’s gospel as it relates to its mastering theme, and because she–a poet herself—is sensitive to John’s use of metaphor and nuanced expression, and because she is committed to letting the text speak for itself, she provides a sure-footed guide through the fourth gospel. An experienced Bible study teacher, her work on John is easy to follow and full of engaging application.”
—R. Kent Hughes, senior pastor emeritus, College Church, Wheaton, IL
“Are you tired of fill-in-the-blank Bible studies? Dr. Nielson drives you closer to the heart of God and his Word through her thoughtful studies. If you don’t want to read a lecture in the form of a commentary, but want to relish the sweeping expanse of Scripture within a book through private inquiry, here is your source.”
—Diane Poythress, Bible study and retreat leader
