The Looking Deeper series offers great Bible teaching for Christians. Whether you are a new Christian or a mature believer, we have a range of short Bible studies on many crucial topics and questions. These booklets are quick and easy to read, offering accessible and engaging introductions and explanations about tough subjects. They are great for personal study or to facilitate discussion at your Bible study group.
Read each booklet online here, and use the order form to request your printed copies. All of the titles are also available in large print.
Make sure you keep an eye on this page as we add more and more titles to the series!
Can I be forgiven?
Whether in big things or little things, if we’re honest, we’ve all messed up. We all struggle with feelings of failure and guilt. Are any of us unforgivable? What about the shame and pain that is draining the life out of us? Have we gone ‘too far’? Can God really forgive anyone—even the worst?
The Bible tells us that those who genuinely say sorry to God, and turn back to Him in obedience, will find true forgiveness. He doesn’t have to forgive, but He promises to forgive! This short study examines what it means to be forgiven by God, what reasons we have to trust Him and what it looks like to live a forgiven life!
Can we really trust the Bible?
In our modern world, many are convinced that the Bible is nothing more than a silly old book. Its religious rambling is not based on fact or reality, and it’s only read by the few remaining religious people who want to feel better than everyone else. It’s just a mixture of myths, fairy-tales and children’s stories, all rewritten over time. It’s irrelevant, boring and totally inaccurate.
If this is true, how can we possibly take the Bible seriously? Surely it isn’t trustworthy? In fact, it could be very dangerous! So what is the truth? What possible evidence is there to support the Bible as an accurate, trustworthy book?
How can I get through my grief?
Grief is the painful process of dealing with any loss we experience in our lives. At any time of life, things can get destroyed, relationships can be broken and people can die. The closer we are to people, the harder it is when we lose them.
Even though grief is something we will all experience, no one can tell you exactly how you should grieve. Grieving after loss is a very personal thing. And there’s no single right way to grieve. This short introduction to the subject will help you understand a bit more about how grief works and will help you think about how you can cope with loss, whilst relying on God’s love and care.
Is death the end?
Almost 2,000 years ago, Jesus died on a cross. Before the sun set that day, His friends buried Him. His enemies even sealed the tomb. But the Bible tells us that He left the grave a few days later. When Jesus walked out of His own grave, He showed death was beaten; it is the moment that changed everything. It certainly changed the lives of His followers.
But how can we be certain that Jesus really did rise from the dead? What is the evidence? And what difference does it make to us today? Discover the certainty we can have of our own future resurrection and of the life that waits beyond death’s door!
Is it ever ok to not be ok?
Weakness can be frightening. We think that we need to be strong (or at least look strong) in order to stay in control and on top of things. But the truth is all of us have weaknesses and issues. Whether we choose to admit this is another matter.
Is it ever ok to not be ok? is a reminder that God uses our weaknesses as opportunities to show His power and strength. Rather than hide our weaknesses, we can present them to Him in honesty, admitting that we’re not ok. This short Bible study will help you think about your own weaknesses and problems so that you trust them to God’s love and care.
Just once more—and then I’ll quit . . .
Addiction isn’t just limited to illegal drugs or binge drinking. Mary can’t stop eating. Bill can’t stop looking at pornography. Carla can’t stop playing online bingo. The list of possible addictions is endless. But who’s to blame for them? Are they just bad habits, or are they more serious?
This short study examines God’s Word to see what causes addictions, what’s needed to break free and what hope there is for those who feel trapped.
Welcoming the stranger
How do we react when we come across people who make us feel uncomfortable, insecure or unsafe? Do we see these ‘strangers’ in our communities as God-given opportunities to present His loving care and the hope of the gospel?
Welcoming the stranger looks at how God treats strangers and outsiders, how Christians are also ‘foreigners’ in this world and how we should practically respond to and love the strangers we meet. This challenging booklet will help you think through what it means to welcome ‘strangers’ in your church and community with biblical hospitality, showing why this is a deeply important issue for God’s people to consider.
What are you worried about?
Many of us know what it’s like to lie awake at night worrying about family members, health issues, finances or a thousand other things. No matter who we are, we all have to deal with the stress and strain of worry.
What are you worried about? offers a short Bible study to show that worry shouldn’t drive us away from God in despair, but drive us to Him in hope! We do not have to wrestle our fears or confront our nightmares alone. Be challenged to turn your worry into prayer and even praise.
What happened to the soldiers who killed Jesus?
The gospels record exclamation of the Centurion who witnessed Christ’s death: “Truly this Man was the Son of God!” What led him to such a bold statement in the face of the authorities who ordered the execution? What was it about Jesus arrest, trial and execution that could so transform the perspective of a seasoned executioner?
Follow the events of the cross through the eyes of the Centurion and see afresh the central event of human history!
Who is Jesus?
Good teacher, judgemental perfectionist, some crazy guy, children’s story. There are many ‘versions’ of Jesus out there. What about the idea that this Jewish man, who lived 2,000 years ago, is actually God? How could anyone believe that!? Maybe Jesus was a good guy who lived a long time ago—but the creator of the world? Really? . . .
The belief that Jesus Christ is God is at the very heart of Christianity. But this claim sounds ridiculous to many. So, aside from the things we think we know, and the things we’ve been told by our friends or parents, who is the real Jesus?
Why doesn’t God answer me?
Do you take time to speak with God? Do you share your problems and ask for His help? Many people seem to find the experience and result of praying disappointing. If you’ve ever asked God for anything and not had a response, you may well think that God doesn’t care that much about you.
Surprisingly, the Bible contains many prayers of people struggling with this exact same issue. Psalm 77 is one such prayer, written by a man called Asaph. In his prayer Asaph is nearly driven to despair because it seems like God is ignoring him. But by the end of the prayer, Asaph moves from despair to a deeper trust of God. How’s that possible? Why doesn’t God answer me? offers a short study of Psalm 77 to find out. Discover the true purpose, privilege and power of prayer!
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