Using Questions to Conduct an
Inductive Bible Study via E-mail

Free E-mail Bible Study Bible study Apostle Peter: Disciple Lessons from the Rock

Our inductive Bible studies work this way: The week's lesson consists of questions on Monday through Friday. We ask you to try to give an answer to each question, and post your answers to the list, which will in turn e-mail your comments to everyone in the group. You'll find this a very intense but rich experience, a kind of "non-stop Bible study." Anyone who can send and receive e-mail can be a participant, anywhere in the world.

Our focus is not on opinion, but on what the text itself says and means. Leave your Sunday school answers at the door, please. Parroting answers doesn't lead to understanding. But if you are willing to engage your heart and mind and spirit in serious Bible study, you will find this series richly rewarding. By God's grace, you'll be different when you finish than when you began.

Typically, the days will be divided as follows, with two to four questions each day:

Monday

Level 1: Observation Questions. What does the text say? We begin by surveying the ground so we are acquainted with the content of the passage.

Tuesday through Thursday

Level 2: Interpretation Questions. What does the text mean? Here is where we dig into the text to ferret out its meaning. We won't tolerate much "proof-texting" from other parts of the Bible. We'll be staying in the announced text for the week. This way we're all on common ground, from the newest Christian to the most mature. We encourage you to use Bible study tools, but not to quote commentaries or study Bible footnotes in the discussion. You may also want to purchase a commentary at a discount to help you with your study.

Friday

Level 3: Application Questions. What does the text mean to me? Until we apply the truths to our life, Bible study is merely an intellectual exercise. Here is the place for honesty and self-examination -- and growth!

Copyright © 2025, Ralph F. Wilson. <pastor@joyfulheart.com> All rights reserved. A single copy of this article is free. Do not put this on a website. See legal, copyright, and reprint information.

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Jesus' Parables for Disciples, by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
Discipleship for New Believers


In-depth Bible study books

You can purchase one of Dr. Wilson's complete Bible studies in PDF, Kindle, or paperback format -- currently 48 books in the JesusWalk Bible Study Series.

Old Testament

  1. Abraham, Faith of
  2. Jacob, Life of
  3. Moses the Reluctant Leader
  4. Joshua
  5. Gideon
  6. David, Life of
  7. Elijah
  8. Psalms
  9. Solomon
  10. Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120-134)
  11. Isaiah
  12. 28 Advent Scriptures (Messianic)
  13. Daniel
  14. Rebuild & Renew: Post-Exilic Books

Gospels

  1. Christmas Incarnation (Mt, Lk)
  2. Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5-7)
  3. Luke's Gospel
  4. John's Gospel
  5. Seven Last Words of Christ
  6. Parables
  7. Jesus and the Kingdom of God
  8. Resurrection and Easter Faith
  9. Apostle Peter

Acts

  1. Early Church (Acts 1-12)
  2. Apostle Paul (Acts 11-28)

Pauline Epistles

  1. Romans 5-8 (Christ-Powered Life)
  2. 1 Corinthians
  3. 2 Corinthians
  4. Galatians
  5. Ephesians
  6. Philippians
  7. Colossians, Philemon
  8. 1 & 2 Thessalonians
  9. 1 &2 Timothy, Titus

General Epistles

  1. Hebrews
  2. James
  3. 1 & 2 Peter, Jude
  4. 1, 2, and 3 John

Revelation

  1. Revelation
  2. Conquering Lamb of Revelation

Topical

  1. Glorious Kingdom, The
  2. Grace: Favor for the Undeserving
  3. Great Prayers of the Bible
  4. Holy Spirit, Disciple's Guide
  5. Humility
  6. JesusWalk: Beginning the Journey
  7. Lamb of God
  8. Listening for God's Voice
  9. Lord's Supper: Disciple's Guide
  10. Names and Titles of God
  11. Names and Titles of Jesus

Pastor Ralph Wilson's books are available in paperback and Kindle from Amazon.com.
My books are available in paperback and Kindle from Amazon.