Village Schools of the Bible

"BEAT THE THIEF" BIBLE STUDIES

Booklets to assist in the personal study of Scripture by Monty Sholund

Take the Initiative...Seize the Opportunity to Grow Together...

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; Christ came that we might have Life and have it more abundantly. (John 10:10) This verse says it all, contrasting as it does Christ and Satan. Satan is mankind's most evil enemy, for his purpose in every life is to steal and kill and destroy.

He is the thief of Life, for "death comes through sin." (Romans 5:12)
He is the thief of Time, for "he steals away the Word." (Mark 4:15)

He is the thief of Truth, for he is the "father of lies." (John 8:44)
He is the thief of Peace and Joy, "no peace to the wicked." (Isaiah 48:22)

He is the thief of our future, our fulfillment, our significance. But he can be resisted as we know and use the Sword of the Spirit, which is the WORD OF GOD. (Ephesians 6:17)

As never before, people need the Lord. The booklets described below will help you study and apply God's precious Word, which is the gateway to Life!

OLD TESTAMENT

NEHEMIAH
Twelve studies on the theme, "The Making of the People of God". Few Old Testament books reveal so clearly what makes a person an effective servant of the Lord and what makes a group a strong witness for Him. It challenges, encourages and stretches a person's faith, in a fulfilling way.

PSALMS
Here are 13 studies on the Second Book of Psalms, Chapters 42-63. This Second Book begins with psalms of suffering, but then we see how God intervenes in the time of need and brings great joy and victory. Leads the student in deep thought and meditation.

ISAIAH
Twelve studies on this marvelous book which has been called "The Gospel of the Old Testament". Examining it in its two divisions, the Judgment of God (chapters 1-39) and the Comfort of God (chapters 40-66), this series helps the eager student grow in understanding the privilege of knowing, loving and serving the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the object of ancient prophecies and the subject of today's joy and power.

NEW TESTAMENT

ACTS
Here is a review of the Acts of the Apostles in 8 studies. It is an intensive study, focusing more on the content of the Book than on discussions regarding its significance, but it is a valuable tool, helping students grasp the principles which shaped the life of the early church.

ROMANS
On the theme, "The Righteousness of God", these 12 studies help the eager student of Scripture to understand this amazing indispensable book, which Martin Luther called, "The chief book of the New Testament". Every Christian must know and share this great letter about God and His Gospel, which can completely free a man from sin. Only as we understand the glory and power of God can we begin to enjoy the privilege of being His servants.

II CORINTHIANS
Ten studies on this important second letter of Paul to the Corinthian Church. His first letter was severe in correction; this second letter is invaluable in its great encouragement to this church in difficulty. Not to be missed!

COLOSSIANS
Twelve studies on the theme, "Christ in First Place in Our Lives". Colossians presents Christ in a way unequaled any other book. Here we focus on who He is, and who we become because of His work in us. A most valuable book for any Christian eager to really know the Lord.

THESSALONIANS
Twelve studies on the theme "Really Alive", this booklet examines Paul's first letter to an infant church, which as astonishingly effective. He called them a "model" for all believers. An exciting inquiry into what makes a young church grow, and a growing church powerful. The same principles can also be applied to the individual Christian.

TIMOTHY
Fifteen studies from Paul to his beloved disciples, Timothy. He reveals his affection for his son in the faith, and carefully instructs him how to become a strong discipler, and effective leader of people.

HEBREWS
Twelve studies on the themes, "The Superiority of Christ and the Significance of Faith". Many people think that Hebrews is a difficult book to understand. However, this booklet opens up the double-themes of the book in an exciting, effective way. Here are wonderful insights into the Lord Jesus, mingled with strong warnings about the danger of neglect.

JAMES
Twelve studies on the theme, "The Testings of Faith", help us understand that testings are not meant to destroy us but to show what God has done and is doing in our lives in times of deep difficulty. God has only one Son without sin, but He has not sons without suffering. James is a strong, practical and enormously challenging and encouraging book.

LETTERS OF JOHN
In this series of 15 studies on the letters of John, the beloved disciple, we discover the richness of all that Christ shared with this man who was perhaps His closest friend on earth. It is broad in its scope and deep in its challenges and blessing.

II PETER
Eight studies on the theme, "Add to Your Faith". Many Christians think that once they have accepted Christ that's enought. But trhe purpose of the new birth is new growth. Growth is the key to joy, to effective service, and to fruit-bearing. This booklet, whichis devoted to the sutdy orf II Peter chapter one, is a valuable guide to growing up in the Christian life.

TOPICAL STUDIES

THE CHRISTIAN MISSION TODAY
In this series of 12 studies Dr. Ralph Christensen, noted Missiologist, and Monty Sholund, of the Village Schools, explore the many New Testament teachings on the Great Commission. This is a remarkable, provocative study which not only challenges, but it gives the key to effective obedience and cooperation with the Lord of the Mission, the purpose for which we were all born anew into His Family.

FRUIT BEARING
Many people think that "bearing fruit" refers only to bringing the unsaved to a knowledge of Christ. This series of 12 studies examines most of the "other fruits" mentioned in the Bible, helping us to "lead a life worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God".

THE NEW AGE MOVEMENT
Here is an expanded record of an address given by Monty Sholund, teacher of the Village Schools, at the Annual Meeting. It describes the beginning of the New Age Movement, where it has gone, where it is going, and what we can do about it.

SERVANT OF THE LORD
Here are 12 studies on this important title, which Paul and other early disciples loved to use, "a servant of the Lord". If Christ is truly Lord, if He is owner, administrator, center of our lives, it is essential that we know what His servants should be.

SUCCESSFUL DISCIPLING
Sensitive to our Lord's last command, given in Matthew 28:19, "Go...make disciples", this study explains what successful discipling is, helps you find disciples and what the qualities of an effective discipler are. It also includes an 8 lesson study for use in your group discipling class.

TO ORDER YOUR "BEAT THE THIEF" BOOKLETS, please contact us at info@vsb.net. The booklets are available at a cost of $3 each.

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