"It is not possible, I say not possible, ever to exhaust the mind of the Scriptures. It is a well which has no bottom." (St. John Chrysostom, Hom. XIX On Acts)
Diving in to this inexhaustible well is the goal of the Bible Study Group. Studying God's word together is not only fruitful, but it helps to grow our mutual friendships, and leads to a deeper understanding of the Lord Jesus, of our relationship with Him and His calling in our lives.
Holy Trinity provides a diversified program of studies throughout the entire year. We focus on specific books of the Bible, on specific themes or topics fitting the specific time of the year and the special structure of our congregation with so many nationalities. We will use our Bible - of course! - but also other methods, such as DVD courses, books and movies, etc. It also depends on your interest and feedback! We really want as many people as possible to join us. We would be delighted if you would!
You may join any time you want or for any series of studies that you like. If you did not enrol, just show up. If you enrol in advance with your e-mail address you will receive the materials approx. a week before the next meeting. We meet every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays in the parsonage hall. You are welcome from 19.45 and we start the study at 20.00. It ends latest at 2145.
You can find the program of studies on this webpage (scroll down!) or find it in the newsletter and on the notice board. The enrolment list will be on the table in the hall. You may also enrol by sending an email to Hans Baars ebaars@planet.nl. Hans will forward the materials to the participants.
If you have any question, suggestion or request, please feel free to contact Danielle Los or Hans Baars.
The Bible Study Team
BIBLE STUDY "AFTER PENTECOST"
Till the end of June we will continue to study the Bible texts for the coming Sunday services.
The dates will be May 28, June 11 and 25. All studies will be in the parsonage hall from 20 till 21.45 hours, coffee or tea at 19.45.
We very warmly welcome all churchgoers to come along and to bring somebody with them.
See also the announcement in the parsonage hall
Meet your fellow Christians, in an open and loving brother- and sisterhood!
Please pray also for a blessing on this part of the church's ministries.
You may enrol by mailing or contacting one of us or just join.
Danielle Los - 030 236 8572
Hans Baars, ebaars@planet.nl
Study Tools
On the Web
If you are preparing a study or are studying Scripture at home, you might find it helpful to make use of some of the tools available on the web:
- www.biblija.net - compares translations of various languages, including Dutch and English.
- www.biblestudytools.com/ - Has many, many commentaries, encyclopedias, concordances, books, and translations of the Bible available online, including interlinear versions of the Greek and Hebrew text.
- www.biblegateway.com - Has the IVP New Testament Commentaries and a number of dictionaries. There are also numerous translations. The website also includes various versions of the Greek and Hebrew text; and a concordance for searching.
- www.ccel.org - For more advanced study, the Christian Classics Library provides translations of Commentaries of Church Fathers, many other famous works by Christians in the 2000 year history of the Church, and a World Wide Study Bible.
Study Bibles
There are numerous paper Study Bibles for good prices available on the market. When studying the Bible it is good to have such an instrument aside or at home. You may bring any bible to the Bible Study. The following list of more recent study bibles is not exhaustive.
- The NLT Study Bible (2008). The NLT is a thought for thought translation, conveying the perceived meaning of the author; the Study Bible has been prepared by many scholars from various denominations; it includes also many word-studies and has thorough introductions.
- The ESV Study Bible (2008). The ESV is a word for word translation; the Study Bible has been prepared by renown evangelical scholars as J.I. Packer and J. Piper). It includes many articles on basic questions of faith, doctrine and ethics.
- The Ignatius Catholic Study Bible of the New Testament (2010) or the Navarre New Testament (2008) are something different. Most Study Bibles are protestant and evangelical. They pay a lot of attention to scientific questions, and little attention to the Church Tradition, Liturgy and Sacraments, to a mystical/allegorical interpretation of Scripture, and the early Church Fathers. These Study Bibles fill that gap by placing Scripture in the Church Community.
- Next to these general Study Bibles, numerous topical Study Bibles are published, such as the archeological Study Bible, the women Study Bible, etc.
Church Library
A number of commentaries are available on the web itself (see the websites); but we are working on creating a small library, including a commentary series which can be used in preparing and during Bible Studies. And you can always ask Fr. John or Fr. Chris for some help.