Bible Studies

In Ephesians 1:7-10, the Apostle Paul makes clear his purpose in writing his letter to the Ephesian church: “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight… according to his purpose which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.” In our year-long study of this epistle, we will explore God’s eternal purposes in Christ, the theological foundation of our faith in Christ, and how that theology motivates our life in Christ, using the inductive method to observe and interpret the text. We will also have study questions to help us apply God’s glorious gospel to our walk with Christ.

Begins September 16
9:30-11:30am, Burke
Marty Crabtree, Michelle Boady, and Emily Manley, Leaders
($12) | Class is full

In our busy lives as women today, it is easy to lose sight of what’s really important. We sometimes feel empty and unfulfilled, which prompts the questions, “Do I have a unique purpose for my life? Does my life really count? Is it worth it?”
The Significant Woman course is a biblically based, life-coaching, discipleship resource for women developed by CRU. Its goal is to help women understand how they are uniquely designed and equipped to accomplish what God has called them to do.
The course covers six biblical principles and reinforces them with activities and group discussion. As women work their way through the course and Scripture, they will come to appreciate the way God has designed them and their lives. They are encouraged and supported by the other women in their small group as they search the scriptures together and pray for one another.
No matter what season of life you’re in, this course will help you experience a renewed passion for living, a more intimate relationship with God, and a stronger sense of God’s unique plan for your life.

Begins September 11
9:30-11:30am, A211
Angie Hemingway and Enid Orr, Leaders
($30)

Do you ever feel like the happy ending of your story is a million miles away? Then you know how the Jewish people felt when they returned to their wrecked land after exile and began rebuilding the temple. They were distracted, discouraged, and ready to throw in the towel. But the prophet Haggai reminded them they could find courage in the God who had never left them. Sometimes the landscapes of our lives feel wrecked, with our hope and purpose in shambles. We too get distracted and discouraged. However, God’s presence and promises give us courage to press on and trust Him with our story. In this study on the Book of Haggai, learn to walk confidently in your calling, stay motivated despite opposition, and courageously invest your life in God’s purposes, trusting Him for results you may never see in this lifetime. .

Begins September 11
9:30-11:30am, A209
Beth Azer and Sarah Pinkley, Leaders
($22)

As the Lord prophesied warnings about coming judgment through a shepherd, Amos, He can also send forth His word through you to save others from coming judgment. We will study how people can be prepared to meet their God. We will watch God raise up a Gentile threat (Assyria) to Israel as its kings continue the spiritual descent into idolatry begun by Jeroboam, refusing to repent at the warnings of Elijah and Elisha, and the devastating result of that disobedience. Captivity! Hosea, the last prophet to the Northern Kingdom of Israel before they were taken captive by Assyria, cried out to a nation caught up in harlotry, which chose to abandon God and go after pagan idols. In the book of Hosea you will see how God deals with those who turn away from Him and His love that will not let you go.

Begins September 11
9:30-11:45am, A206-208
Barbara Faught, Leader
($45)

This weekly Bible Study in 2 Samuel will help you behold the character of the LORD as revealed through the reign of David, a man after God’s own heart. We will discover from 2 Samuel how to follow, love, and reflect the King of Kings through the mountain tops of victory and the valleys of disappointment, suffering, and failure. Selected Psalms will be sprinkled throughout the study that correspond to key events in David’s reign. This will give us a unique look into David’s heartfelt relationship with his beloved Almighty King. Materials provided will include a 2 Samuel ESV Scripture Journal and a three-ring binder of weekly homework questions and additional study tools. The Wednesday morning group time will incorporate a time of teaching, worship, and prayer as we encourage one another to grow in Christ.

Begins September 11
9:30-11:30am, A207
Jody Lubenec, Donna Horn, and Bobbi Praske, Leaders
($20 for new students, $13 for returning students)

God’s Word is a gift to us, but how often do we take it for granted. We may have memorized verses as children, but do we make it a practice in our daily lives as adults. It doesn’t matter how old you are, how long you’ve been a Christian, how poor your memory, or how busy you are - Scripture memorization is for every believer. Storing God’s Word in our hearts and truly meditating on His Word permeates every aspect of our lives. What comes out of our mouths and what our actions show all starts from our heart and thought life. Let us fill our hearts with what is good and honorable and praiseworthy. During this semester, we will read through the book Memorizing Scripture by Glenna Marshall. We will dig into certain passages of Scripture and practice together how to meditate on God’s Word. We will keep each other accountable on memorizing Scripture during the semester and challenge each other as we grow together.

Begins September 11
9:30-11:30am, A201
Becky Evans, Leader
($15)

In this study written by Nancy Guthrie, we will peer into the lives of the apostles in the days following the resurrection and ascension of Jesus as they experienced new power from the Holy Spirit and a new understanding of the Old Testament Scriptures. We will see how those stories fit into the larger story of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, concerning the way God is working out his plan of salvation in the world.

“There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Salvation is at the heart of the promise of the book of Acts and by studying it we witness the power of the gospel as it spreads throughout the world and transforms lives. God can and does do the same through us—changing our hearts, empowering us by the Holy Spirit, and giving us a passion to spread the good news of salvation through Christ.

Begins September 12 (year-long study)
9:15-11:30am, A207-209-211
Kathy Holley, Deshua Joyce, and Laura Fay, Leaders
($20)
Note: The personal study guide includes the teaching video access.
Optional: Participants may want to purchase the ESV Scripture Journal: Acts (Saved Edition). The Acts ESV Scripture Journal is not required, but it is available for purchase in the IBC Bookstore if desired.

In these last days, God has spoken to us in His Son. What does He say about Jesus, angels, and our great salvation? Learn about Jesus' superiority to all in this exciting study of Hebrews 1- 4 that enlightens and enlivens Old Testament law and prophecy.

Begins September 12
9:15-11:45am, A206-208
Debi Davis Leader
($25)

John (the Apostle) writes “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:30-31 ESV). John provides two primary themes in his purpose statement: belief and life. We will dive deep into the “signs” and Jesus’ teaching that John chose to write about and how they relate to the primary themes of belief and life. If you are new in your understanding of who Jesus was/is or have received decades of teaching, this study will provide an opportunity to study and discuss John’s eyewitness account of who Jesus is, his life and teachings, and what “life in his name” is. This is full year study (Fall 2024 – Spring 2025) of John’s Gospel, using observation of what the text says, interpreting its meaning, and discovering it’s meaning to our lives (inductive study method). This study is a continuation of our 2023 study of John’s gospel beginning with Chapter 8, but we welcome new women to join us.

Begins September 10
7:00-8:30pm, A206
Debbie Rafi, Leader
($10 for new students, $0 for returning students)

A remnant of the Jewish people had returned to Jerusalem after 70 years in exile. They were discouraged at what they saw! Was God still working His covenant promises? What was the future for their people? And what was on God’s heart to share through His prophets before He sends His Son?

Haggai: Build my temple! (Why?) Zechariah: Live in hope! (How?) Malachi: I have loved you! (Return to me!)

Do any of these prophetic words apply to us? This will be a nine month inductive study of those last three minor prophets. Homework will be the basis for our weekly discussions. Application to our lives will be an emphasis.

Begins September 10
7:00-8:30pm, Executive Conference Room
Cindy Benson & Charlene Chesley, Leaders
($10)

In our busy lives as women today, it is easy to lose sight of what’s really important. We sometimes feel empty and unfulfilled, which prompts the questions, “Do I have a unique purpose for my life? Does my life really count? Is it worth it?”
The Significant Woman course is a biblically based, life-coaching, discipleship resource for women developed by CRU. Its goal is to help women understand how they are uniquely designed and equipped to accomplish what God has called them to do.
The course covers six biblical principles and reinforces them with activities and group discussion. As women work their way through the course and Scripture, they will come to appreciate the way God has designed them and their lives. They are encouraged and supported by the other women in their small group as they search the scriptures together and pray for one another.
No matter what season of life you’re in, this course will help you experience a renewed passion for living, a more intimate relationship with God, and a stronger sense of God’s unique plan for your life.

Begins September 10
7:00-8:30pm, A211
Enid Walker, Leader
$30

Join us on Tuesday evenings for a hybrid Zoom/in person Bible study covering the second half of Exodus using Jen Wilkin's God of Freedom as our study guide. We will complete 10 lessons and view and discuss accompanying videos over the course of two semesters/20 weeks. We will meet on Zoom the first three Tuesday’s of each month and in-person at Immanuel the fourth Tuesday.

Through this study, the group will learn details about the giving of the Ten Commandments, Israel's growth and rebellion in the desert, and the building of the tabernacle where God dwelt among His people. Throughout we will find themes of freedom, given by God the Father, made accessible to us through Christ, and worked out in our lives through the Holy Spirit. New group members are welcome and are encouraged to read through the first half of Exodus several times to prepare to study the second half together.

Begins September 10
Hybrid online / in person once a month; 7:00-8:30pm (Lobby Study)
Janice Chao, Jenn Elzea, and Lenore Webb, Leaders
$25

Are denominations biblical? For what sins can a person be excommunicated from church? Is it right for a believer to take another believer to court? What place is given to marriage in the New Testament? Should women wear head coverings in church gatherings? What is the gift of tongues? What will our resurrected bodies be like? These are just some of the questions Paul addresses in his first letter to the Corinthians. And you’ll want to know the answers, not just for yourself, but to explain them to others as well. This letter was originally written to answer certain questions that arose in the church in Corinth. But many of these issues persist among us and will continue to do so until the end of the age. Therefore, the message of 1 Corinthians is both current and eternal, from start to finish.

Begins September 3
7:00-9:00pm, A207-209
Ana Ugalde and Liz Zalles, Leaders

There is no cost for this Bible study, but the study guide (1Corintios by Emmaus) is available for purchase in our bookstore. (This study will be taught in Spanish.)

The story of Daniel teaches us that we can serve God faithfully no matter what circumstances are around us. Daniel serves as an amazing example of how to live for God in the midst of a dark world and a pagan culture. If you think you find it hard to be a light for the Lord in your culture, Daniel likely found it harder. Come learn about Daniel with us.

Begins September 11
7:00-9:00pm, A201
Bethany Barham, Leader
($0)