Introducing Jesus

Peter Scazzero introduces readers to his concept of investigative Bible studies as tools to introduce people to the truths of the Bible. Introducing Jesus: Starting an Investigative Bible Study for Seekers unfolds a method for evangelizing unbelievers and Christians unfamiliar with the Bible. The method of offering investigative Bible studies includes inviting people into a safe group of welcoming friends where they gain a sense of belonging. Within that context, the basics truths of the Bible are presented and discussed. The hope is that people will be drawn into the community of the faithful and will continue further Biblical studies. Scazzero asserts the necessity of such Bible studies to reach the plethora of people who are eager to learn about Jesus but are unwilling to venture inside a church. He writes, "There is an enormous well of unchurched people open to the Lord Jesus waiting to be tapped. Jesus tells us, "The fields ... are ripe for harvest" (Jn 4:35)." Investigative Bible studies are geared to tap that harvest that awaits the outward mission of the church. This book is a practical guide to help readers initiate such Bible studies with the unchurched in mind. The second half of the book includes six investigative Bible studies designed with the unchurched in mind. Church leaders often design Bible studies with mature Christians in mind. Investigative Bible studies are not designed for mature Christians. Scazzero describes his view, "An investigative Bible study is a discussion around a passage of Scripture with one primary purpose: to introduce non-Christians to the person of Jesus so that they might submit to him as Savior and Lord of their lives. An investigative Bible study is primarily concerned with people who know neither the New Testament nor Jesus." Investigative Bible studies facilitate discussion including the invitation of questions about the topic. It is as much about developing welcoming contexts for study and discussion as about the text. The authority of the studies is the Bible not the leader. The focus is on what the text teaches about Jesus. The posture of the leader of the study to the participants is one of learner to learner not teacher to pupil. Scazzero highlights the large percentage (75-90%) of people who were introduced to Christ by a friend or relative as a key indicator of how the church is to approach evangelism. Investigative Bible studies are excellent forums for people to invite their friends and relatives to learn about Jesus. Conversely, there are few people who met Jesus by walking into a church or Sunday School class on their own. Scazzero emphasizes, too, that it is the work of the Holy Spirit to bring the lost to Jesus. He sees the investigative Bible study as being a promising format to allow the Spirit to do his work. It is part of the process of leading a person to the point when he or she will reach out to Jesus. Scazzero encourages readers to be open to starting