Lesson 01

Nearly all of us have questions about life, suffering, death, and the future. We are also concerned about day-to-day matters, such as making a living or having a happy family. Many people find that the Bible not only helps them answer life’s big questions but also gives them practical advice for daily living. Do you think that the Bible can help anyone you know?

The Bible answers these important questions: How did life begin? Why are we here? Why do innocent people suffer? What happens when a person dies? If everyone wants peace, why is there so much war? What will happen to the earth in the future? The Bible encourages us to seek answers to such questions, and millions have found its answers very satisfying.

The Bible gives us good advice. For example, it teaches families how to be truly happy. It offers advice on how to deal with stress and how to enjoy our work. You will learn what the Bible teaches about these topics and much more as we discuss this material together. You may come to agree that “all Scripture [everything in the Bible] is... beneficial.” — 2 Timothy 3:16.

This publication does not replace the Bible. Rather, it encourages you to examine the Bible for yourself. Therefore, we urge you to read the scriptures that are listed in these lessons and compare them with what you are learning.

Consider how the Bible has helped people, how you can enjoy reading it, and why it is good to get help to understand it.

The Bible is like a powerful light. We can use the Bible to show us how to make good decisions and to help us see what lies ahead.

Read Psalm 119.105: Your word is a lamp to my foot, And a light for my path.

Discuss these questions:

How did the writer of this psalm view the Bible?

How do you view the Bible?

One woman found that the Bible provided answers to questions that had troubled her for many years. Play the VIDEO, and then discuss the questions that follow.

In the video, what sort of questions did this woman have?

How did studying the Bible help her?

The Bible encourages us to ask questions.

Read Matthew 7.7: “Keep on asking, and it will be given you; keep on seeking, and you will find; keep on knocking, and it will be opened to you;

Discuss the following:

What questions do you have that the Bible may be able to answer?

Many people enjoy reading the Bible and are benefiting from it. Play the VIDEO, and then discuss the questions that follow.

In the video, how did the young people feel about reading in general?

Why do they now feel differently about reading the Bible?

The Bible says it can give us instruction that comforts us and gives us hope.

Read Romans 15.4: For all the things that were written beforehand were written for our instruction, so that through our endurance and through the comfort from the Scriptures we might have hope.

Discuss this question:

Does the Bible’s promise of comfort and hope interest you?

In addition to reading the Bible on their own, many have found that discussing it with others is helpful.

Read Acts 8.26-31: However, Jehovah’s angel spoke to Philip, saying: “Get up and go to the south to the road that runs down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is a desert road.) With that he got up and went, and look! an Ethiopian eunuch, a man who had authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, and who was in charge of all her treasure. He had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and he was returning and was sitting in his chariot, reading aloud the prophet Isaiah. So the spirit said to Philip: “Go over and approach this chariot.” Philip ran alongside and heard him reading aloud Isaiah the prophet, and he said: “Do you actually know what you are reading?” He said: “Really, how could I ever do so unless someone guided me?” So he urged Philip to get on and sit down with him.

Discuss this question:

How can we understand the Bible?— See verses 30 and 31.