Steve's Bible Questions

06/05/2026

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been sharing some thoughts here about discussion-based Bible study, meaningful group engagement, and helping teachers lead without feeling like they have to carry the entire room.

If you’ve enjoyed these conversations, I also write regularly about these ideas on the Steve’s Bible Questions blog.

Most of the articles are aimed at:

adult Sunday School teachers
small-group leaders
pastors
and discipleship leaders

…especially those who want deeper discussion without adding hours of preparation.

Link in the first comment.

06/02/2026

Many Christians turn to Scripture during anxious seasons - but how does the Bible actually help when fear and overwhelming thoughts won’t stop?

06/02/2026

Question of the Week:

“What are some signs that bitterness may be taking root in a person’s life?” (Hebrews 12:14-15)

That question led to some surprisingly honest discussion recently.

I think many people assume bitterness always looks obvious - anger, conflict, harshness.

But sometimes it shows up more quietly:

- constant irritation
- emotional distance
- cynicism
- replaying old hurts
- loss of joy

What signs do you think people most often miss in themselves?

(Also - today is the last day before the introductory pricing ends on this forgiveness lesson series I’ve been developing.) More info here: https://www.stevesbiblequestions.com/product.../forgiveness

06/02/2026

Have you ever opened your Bible because your mind simply wouldn’t slow down?

A lot of people search for Bible verses during anxious moments because they’re looking for something steady to hold onto.

Not shallow reassurance.
Not a quick slogan.
Real hope.

I just finished writing a new article exploring questions like:

Why do certain Bible passages comfort anxious people so deeply?
Can Scripture actually calm overwhelming thoughts?
Why does anxiety sometimes return even after prayer?

One thing I’ve noticed:
The Bible doesn’t pretend fear and worry aren’t real. Instead, it repeatedly points anxious people back toward God’s presence, care, and faithfulness.

And honestly, many adults in our churches need that reminder right now.

If this is a topic your class or small group has been wrestling with lately, I think this article may encourage you. Check it out here:

Many Christians turn to Scripture during anxious seasons - but how does the Bible actually help when fear and overwhelming thoughts won’t stop?

06/02/2026

One thing I discovered while developing the new Forgiveness discussion guide:

People are often far more willing to talk honestly about forgiveness when they’re responding to questions instead of listening to a lecture.

Not because teaching is unimportant…

…but because the right questions create room for people to engage Scripture personally.

That’s a dynamic I want to continue exploring in future topical studies as well.

05/29/2026

One thing that continues to encourage me about discussion-based Bible study:

People often engage Scripture more personally when they are invited to wrestle with it together instead of simply listening to someone explain it.

That doesn’t diminish good teaching. It simply changes the dynamic from:

“one person delivering content”

to:
“a group engaging truth together.”

And often, those become the moments people remember most.

05/26/2026

Teachers:

Have you ever had a discussion question unexpectedly open up the room?

One of those moments where people suddenly stopped giving “church answers” and started genuinely engaging the passage?

I’d love to hear what kind of questions tend to create that kind of discussion in your group.

05/22/2026

A teacher sent me this yesterday after using one of the discussion-based worksheets:

“Yesterday’s lesson knocked it out of the park.

Our guys discussed and commented fully on all questions. I’d like for you to have been there. I believe you would have been encouraged.

One thing I’ve done differently that works for us is I post the scripture on PowerPoint and place the appropriate questions below the sections of scripture. (Our guys are mostly visual learners.) This, with some appropriate ‘cartoonery,’ helps keep the flow moving and keeps the main objective clear.”

I especially appreciated hearing how he adapted the material to fit his own teaching style and group.

That’s really the goal.

Not to replace the teacher’s insight or personality—but to create a framework that helps people genuinely engage Scripture together.

05/19/2026

One reason I’ve become more interested in discussion-based teaching:

Real life.

Most teachers are busy - amiright?

Some are preparing lessons after long workdays.
Some get asked to fill in unexpectedly.
Some are carrying ministry responsibilities nobody else sees.

In those moments, “simple and usable” matters.

A good discussion question can do a surprising amount of heavy lifting.

Sometimes you don’t need a 12-page lecture outline . . .
You just need a place to start the conversation.