Read Mark Learn Bible Study Series (4 vols.)

by William Taylor; St. Helen’s Bishopsgate

Publisher:

Christian Focus

, 2013–2018

Overview

Read Mark Learn is a small group Bible study series that is designed to equip people to study God’s Word for themselves.

In an era that claims that the Bible can say what you want it to say, it is important to re-establish the truth that you just can’t—if you explain the Scripture with honesty, fairness and in context. Each study establishes the context, aim, structure and lessons of the passage. It also shows links with the Old Testament and practical applications and suggestions. There are also conversational discussion starters and suggested questions for leading a Bible study.

Read Mark Learn has been established for over 30 years and has proved, internationally, to be a successful way to hold satisfying and enjoyable group Bible studies. It has been developed by one of London’s leading churches, St Helens, Bishopsgate.

Key Features

• Provides a thorough training in Christian doctrine and Bible study
• Contains Context, Old Testament background, Key Themes & Application, and more for each section
• Includes conversational discussion starters and suggested questions for leading a Bible study

Praise for the Print Edition

This series of books is superb for personal study, and for helping those who teach the Bible to others. I’ve been getting a lot to give away to others now. The level is accessible, the reasoning clear, the application careful. Faithful and concise, never missing the big picture. Excellent.

—Mark Dever, Senior Pastor, Capitol Hill Baptist Church and President, 9Marks.org, Washington, DC

Product Details

• Title: Read Mark Learn Bible Study Series (4 vols.)
• Series: Read Mark Learn
• Publisher: Christian Focus
• Volumes: 4
• Pages: 1,168
• Resource Type: Bible Studies

Read Mark Learn: Luke Vol. 1: A Small Group Bible Study

• Author: William Taylor
• Series: Read Mark Learn
• Publisher: Christian Focus
• Publication Date: 2017
• Pages: 224

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Chapters 1–9 of Luke’s Gospel contain four major sections, each with a distinct focus. Like all the Bible writers, Luke has carefully structured his material in order to drive home his main points. In the notes, each section is given a summary, and then there are comments on the main themes covered in that section.

These books are thorough, sound and Christ-centred. Though focused on a particular section of Scripture, they also present an overall view of the Bible. Old Testament connections to what is happening in Jesus' ministry are brought out as you go through Luke's Gospel. The book is intended for small group leaders or anyone ready for a fairly serious study. Readers will come out with a sound basic understanding of Luke and its place in God’s redemptive programme. Taylor avoids any secondary issues and sticks to the main thrusts of each passage. On the whole, this is a good book and comes warmly recommended.

—Dennis Hill, Evangelical Times

William Taylor is the minister of St. Helen's Bishopsgate, London. Previously he was an officer in the Royal Green Jackets.

Read Mark Learn: Luke Vol. 2: A Small Group Bible Study

• Author: William Taylor
• Series: Read Mark Learn
• Publisher: Christian Focus
• Publication Date: 2018
• Pages: 320

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

This second volume of studies in Luke continues on from the first volume, starting at chapter 9 verse 51, and follows as Jesus turns His attention towards Jerusalem and the cross. These 26 studies are split into 5 sections: Proclaiming the Saviour’s Kingdom, The Growth of the Saviour’s Kingdom, The Number of the Saviour’s People, The Coming of the Saviour’s Kingdom, and Salvation Accomplished. Each study establishes the context, aim, structure and lessons of the passage and shows links with the Old Testament and practical applications and suggestions. There are conversational discussion starters and suggested questions for leading a Bible study.

What a great resource! Whether for personal study, group discussion, or for preaching, this is a wonderful guide which unpacks Luke’s message in a clear and comprehensive way, sets the story in its wider Biblical frame, highlights its themes and provides key questions for reflection and discussion. But what makes this more than a study guide (though it is first rate in that regard) are the many nuggets of wisdom, the penetrating insights, and the pertinent application for today’s disciples.

—Jonathan Lamb, Minister–at–large for Keswick Ministries, IFES Vice President, and former Director, Langham Preaching

Read Mark Learn: John: A Small Group Bible Study

• Author: St. Helen’s Bishopsgate
• Series: Read Mark Learn
• Publisher: Christian Focus
• Publication Date: 2013
• Pages: 304

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

John’s Gospel has three major sections, each with a distinct point to make. Like all the NT (New Testament) writers, John has carefully structured his material in order to drive home his main points. In the notes each section is given a summary, and then there are notes on the main themes covered in that section.

The art of simplification is not an easy one, but here it is at its best, and put to excellent use. This book is designed to help serious readers come to terms with what John’s Gospel actually says, even though they have no background in reading the Bible. While encouraging readers to follow the line of thought in this Gospel, above all it encourages them to think clearly about who Jesus is. I strongly recommend it.

—D. A. Carson, Research Professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois

Read Mark Learn: Romans: A Small Group Bible Study

• Author: St. Helen’s Bishopsgate
• Series: Read Mark Learn
• Publisher: Christian Focus
• Publication Date: 2013
• Pages: 320

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Romans has been divided into 23 passages, with a study for each passage and a review study at the end (for which preparatory questions only are given in this book). The divisions correspond mainly to the apparent building blocks of Paul’s argument. But there are some exceptions: Study 3, for example, covers a long passage which could well be divided to give two studies (on 2:1–16 and 2:17–29) if time permitted, whilst study 18 focuses on just two verses, at the beginning of chapter 12. The reason for this is that these verses represent a ‘hinge’ in Romans, and we have found that studying them separately provides a useful opportunity to review what has gone before, and also to understand the principles that underlie Paul’s teaching in the rest of his letter.

An exciting commentary on Romans, very much designed to answer the questions of ordinary people. Those who want to use the material in a study group will find plenty of resources for engaging with the text.

—David Peterson, Retired Principal of Oak Hill Theological College, London