Little Rock Scripture Study

Christian belief in the Holy Spirit as the Third Person of the Trinity was not officially defined by the church until the fourth century. But centuries earlier, the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament were already describing the action and presence of God's Spirit. In The Holy Spirit in the Bible, George Smiga unpacks key Scripture passages, exploring the activity of the Spirit at creation, within Israel, in the ministry of Jesus and the early church, and at the end of time. The role of the Holy Spirit in our personal and spiritual lives is also explored. Commentary, study and reflection questions, and prayers are included. 6 lessons.

The book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse, has fascinated believers for centuries. Colorful imagery, rich symbolism, layers of meaning, and brilliant allusions to the Old Testament convey the book's perennial truth: God will triumph over evil, and God's faithful ones will share in that victory. Break open this ancient text with Little Rock Scripture Study's Revelation and discover its ongoing relevance for us today. Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayers, and access to online lectures are included. 7 lessons.

The Gospel of John is a testament to the divine nature of Jesus, the Word made flesh, the Light of the World. Part One of our study (John 1—10) covers the magnificent prologue of John's Gospel and a significant portion of Jesus' ministry. This ministry is highlighted by miraculous "signs" that reveal Jesus' true nature and his relationship with the Father. Commentary, study and reflection questions, and prayers are included. 6 lessons.

Through a masterful mix of poetry and prose, the book of Isaiah gives prophetic witness to the complex story of God's judgment against ancient Israel and the enduring promise of divine redemption. Both unsettling and inspiring, Isaiah continues to enrich readers with its powerful condemnation of corruption and an uncompromising call for social justice. Part One of our study covers Isaiah 1-39, including many of the prophet's most memorable passages. Commentary, study and reflection questions, and prayers are included. 6 lessons.

Marvel at the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire in The Acts of the Apostles, Part Two (15:36-28:31). Empowered by the Holy Spirit and the deep conviction that Jesus is Lord, the first generation church continues to witness to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Paul, a model of courage and missionary spirit, becomes our primary guide as the Gospel sinks its roots into the soil of our world.

What does it mean for a community to follow Jesus? With full benefit of the Holy Spirit, the earliest believers shaped communities of faith from Jerusalem to Rome and all points in between. The Acts of the Apostles, Part One (Acts 1:1–15:35) invites us to witness the Spirit at work as the apostles of Jesus become evangelists and pastors, as communities of believers expand to include Gentiles, and as local challenges test the staying power of the young church. Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayers, and access to online lectures are included. 5 lessons.

While we may know the Bible stories of Israel's military leaders, kings, and prophets, we are often less familiar with the stories of the women who helped to establish a monarchy, defend Israel's interests, and reflect God's image in unique ways. In Women in the Old Testament, Part Two, a continuation of the classic commentary by Irene Nowell, OSB, in conversation with the contemporary voice of Jaime Waters, you will explore stories of women of the Bible such as Judith and Esther, whose complexities and gifts broke stereotypes and continue to reveal God to us. Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayers, and access to online lectures are included. 4 lessons.

In Scripture we encounter God and come to know God's people. Women in the Old Testament, Part One,takes you on a journey through Israel's beginnings, Israel's captivity and freedom, and Israel's tribal period from the perspective of the earliest women of salvation history, such as Sarah, Deborah, and Ruth. Guided by the classic commentary of Irene Nowell, OSB, and the contemporary scholarship of Jaime Waters, enter into these ancient stories of women of the Bible that remain rich and relevant for believers today. Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayers, and access to online lectures are included. 5 lessons.

The Bible is full of passages in which angelic beings are sent to accomplish God's will. Angels speak for God, direct the course of nations, and protect God's people. They worship God and deliver God's judgment. In Angels in the Bible, George Smiga examines some of the Bible's most fascinating passages about angels, exploring their ministry on God's behalf and drawing insights for our own spiritual lives. Because angels are mediators of God's presence and action, studying angels is studying God. Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayer, and access to online video lectures are included. 6 lessons.

An excellent guide for those who are new to St. Paul's letters as well as those who know them by heart, Fr. Patrick Hartin's Spirituality of Paul explores the rich and influential spiritual tradition of the Pauline letters. Learn about Paul's own encounter with the risen Christ and embrace his message about the transforming power of the cross and resurrection. This study includes profiles of individuals whose lives bore witness to this life-changing, Christ-centered spirituality, including St. Kateri Tekakwitha and Blessed Stanley Rother. Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayers, and access to online lectures are included. 7 lessons.

The Gospel of John uses rich symbolism, brilliant irony, and contrasting opposites to highlight the divine nature of Jesus. Part Two of our study (John 11—21) begins with the final "sign" of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead and takes readers to the hour of Jesus' glorification in his passion, death, and resurrection. Enter into this deeply spiritual Gospel and its remarkable account of the Son of God who is willingly "lifted up" on the cross, fully revealing the Father and drawing all people to himself. Commentary, study and reflection questions, and prayers are included. 5 lessons.

Following the oracles of destruction that dominate the earlier portion of the book of Isaiah, Part Two of our study covers Isaiah 40—66, emphasizing the majesty of God and the divine plan for Israel's restoration. Leslie Hoppe's commentary continues to explore the history, theology, and poetry of this essential prophetic work, making a case that Isaiah is not so much about divine retribution as it is about liberation and a return to God's loving embrace. Commentary, study and reflection questions, and prayers are included. 6 lessons.

Within each of the four gospels there is a foundational spirit, a rich spirituality based on each gospel's unique understanding of Jesus and what it means to be his disciple. In this study, Fr. Patrick Hartin looks at each gospel and asks such questions as Who is Jesus? and What transformation does this encounter with Jesus invite? Hartin thoroughly unpacks these questions, and then follows with examples of people who embody the transformative power of these spiritualities, from Saint Francis and Dorothy Day to Saint Augustine and Archbishop Romero. Hartin's twofold approach gives us a deeper appreciation for the spiritual dimension of the gospels and helps us to be transformed in Christ by their message and vision. Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayers, and access to online lectures are included. 6 lessons.

Open the Bible with newcomers and experienced students alike. Both will find much to learn and explore in this helpful introductory study. Stephen Binz offers clear, practical explanations that will make the Bible more familiar, giving readers a sense of the Bible's structure, a better understanding of its various themes and writing styles, and insight into how to interpret the Bible within the Catholic tradition. This study also provides direction in how to choose a Bible, how to navigate its contents, and how to get the most out of Bible study. Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayers, and access to online lectures are included. 6 lessons.

Women were essential to the ministry of Jesus and the flourishing of the early church. In Women in the New Testament, trusted guide Catherine Cory delves into the lives of the fascinating women who befriended Jesus, were healed and transformed by him, followed him as disciples, and proclaimed the good news of his resurrection. Journey through the New Testament, exploring the social and religious world of first-century Palestine and the remarkable lives of these women of faith. Six lessons survey New Testament texts about Mary the mother of Jesus, women healed by Jesus, the Samaritan woman, Mary and Martha of Bethany, Mary Magdalene, and various women of the early church, such as Priscilla and Phoebe. Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayers, and access to online lectures are included. 6 lessons.

The rosary has long held a central place in the prayer lives of Catholics. At the heart of this popular form of prayer is an invitation to focus our minds and hearts on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Son of God and Son of Mary. Through an illuminating analysis of all the relevant biblical texts, Scripture and the Rosary provides a trustworthy guide for deepening our understanding and appreciation of key events in the lives of Jesus and Mary, reflected in each set of mysteries: Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, and Glorious. Commentary, study and reflection questions, prayers, and access to online lectures are included. 4 lessons.