Discovering God Through the Lives of Elijah and Elisha: Bible Study Guide - Paperback

by Jayna Coppedge (Author)

Knowledge is power; therefore knowing God is incredibly powerful. However, learning to recognize God's personality is life changing. Each chapter of "Discovering God Through Elijah and Elisha: Bible Study Guide," is designed to demonstrate how to recognize God's influence. The actor hidden in every Bible scene is God Himself. While studying 1 Kings 16 through 2 Kings 10, the reader learns to automatically look for God's character, values, and personality. Spiritual growth in faith, prayer, worship, and obedience result as the explorer discovers God. Special themes in the book include: How do I know if God is speaking to me? Does faith mean going against common sense? Why don't I see God at work in my life and the lives of my friends? Can I really trust God to meet my needs? How can God be both loving and wrathful? How can I choose the best version and Bible style for me? This study guide has something for every Christian. The new believer is trained to interpret scripture using other Bible passages. As the reader discovers the similarity between John the Baptist and Elijah, then compares Elisha with Joshua and Jesus, suddenly obscure Old Testament stories become understandable. Through practice the novice can find and apply biblical principles to the issues they are facing. Even those who have studied scripture for decades often confuse Elijah and Elisha. Not only are their names similar, but these prophets lived during a difficult time in biblical history. Judah and Israel had kings with similar names. Jayna not only explains the significance of each event, but also describes the culture, so that each verse is clear. The style of this book is like the workbooks written by Beth Moore and Henry Blackaby; however, there is no video to watch. Although this Bible Study is designed for an individual to meditate on scripture and write his or her answers inside the book, there are two chapters providing instructions as to how to use the book as a group Bible study. Often the thought-provoking questions will lead to a lively discussion. For an example, of how the book draws modern application from the Old Testament, CHAPTER 37 "Don't Waste Your Time on a God Substitute" reads: "When something happens in your life do you immediately call your spouse, or text a friend? When you need advice do you call your mom, search in Google, or go to Facebook? When you want prayer, do you email the prayer chain, or do you pray? If God isn't your first contact, you can learn a lot from this Shunammite mother." Jayna uses her own life experiences throughout the book to demonstrate how biblical principles are still relevant in every life. Learn to love and appreciate God as you discover Him in the lives of these miracle working men, and dedicated women. God has a mantle for you. Wear it well.

Author Biography

Although Jayna Coppedge always believed in God, she thought He was someone who she could manipulate by good behavior. Finally, in her third decade as a Christian, she started experiencing God's unconditional love. As she came to know, then trust God, she stopped worrying about the future. Teaching adults through Bible study for over two decades, Jayna has a gift of knowing what adults need. She tries to "scratch their itch" by being honest in her own spiritual struggle. Her vulnerability is one of her most obvious traits. As a children's minister for over twenty-four years, Jayna learned how to take the most difficult spiritual concepts and explain them on a fifth-grade level. This talent makes her Bible studies great for anyone regardless of their experience with scripture. Her first book, "Parenting with the End in Mind: Practical Guidance with Biblical Principles," gave her the confidence to write this Bible Study Guide, "Discovering God Through Elijah and Elisha." Currently she is writing "Mark Reveals the Gospel," a Bible study leader's guide to the book of Mark. She is a member of Toastmasters International. Her books and experiences have provided her with opportunities to speak at retreats and conferences in the US and other countries. Nothing lights her up like sharing with others what God is teaching her, except developing a relationship with those choosing to follow biblical principles in their marriage and parenting. You can contact her through Facebook.