Using a study
Every study has three parts: a Study Guide with the Big Idea, the sermon's main points and questions to discuss; Sermon Notes, the pastor's outline in short points; and a Transcript of the sermon.
The steps, on your own or as a group
- Attend the service, or watch the recording online, and take notes as you listen.
- Read the Sermon Notes.
- Read and answer the questions in the Study Guide.
With a group
Start with the Big Idea and read the passage together. Talk through the questions. You don't need to use every one or go in order; follow the conversation.
Close with Next steps, the things to carry into the week.
Printing copies
Press Print on any study page. You'll see a preview of the printed pages; press Print again to print them. Printouts use black ink only and have lines for your notes.
For group leaders
Each study comes in two versions: the Study Guide for everyone, and a Leader Edition. The Leader Edition has the same questions, plus prompts for guiding the discussion and encouraging people to join in, and a 45-minute plan.
To keep the Study Guide simple for group members, the Leader Edition is linked only at the very bottom of each study page. Look for "Leader Edition" in the footer. It has its own printout.
Common questions
Do I need to belong to Living Oaks?
No. Anyone is welcome to use these studies, inside or outside Living Oaks Church.
How do I get each new study?
Sign up with your email address at the bottom of any page. You'll get one email each time a new study is posted, with the link.
Why the ESV?
We use the ESV, as Living Oaks does. The church explains why on its website: livingoakschurch.org/esv ↗