Study Review: Jesus - Listening for His Voice

My attitude toward Bible studies has changed since I last reviewed a Kay and David Arthur "40 Minute" group study, so I thought I would give it another try, as I've wanted to get back into a regular reading of God's Word. I found myself once again disappointed, however, with "Jesus: Listening for His Voice."

While I enjoy the format of the study (questions with text provided), I do not see the point of asking questions like, "What did you learn from marking so and so." Other questions did not seem to have answers. The remaining questions did point me to look at the text in detail, but that was not enough to give me any actual insight, which is sorely lacking aside from an occasional side box pointing out one thing or another. With no actual teaching included, groups are left to make their own (possibly faulty) guesses.

Ultimately, though, what really bothered me about this study was that its material seems irrelevant to the promised topic. The first of six sessions did provide some explanation, defining listening as hearing God speak through His Word. Beyond this, the study seemed to expect participants to merely apply the principle of listening while reading the passages presented - something that you could do with any study.

Other small issues bothered me. Some questions had too little white space for answers while others had too much white space. And the study glosses over certain passages in favor of spending more time on other passages.

I do like how marking various words and pieces draws your attention to what is at play in each passage, but you will need a solid group with solid answers if this study is to be successful.

*Disclaimer: I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review.