The Joy of Discovery: Using the Thompson Chain Reference Bible

Many people have a Thompson Chain Reference Bible; far fewer know how to use the many excellent resources found in this Bible. That is why I offer a workshop entitled "The Joy of Discovery: Using the Thompson Chain Reference Bible."

This workshop is based upon the full three-day seminar that I teach to pastors and church leaders in English and French speaking Africa. It not only introduces the student to the many useful tools found in this amazing study Bible, but also covers some of the foundational principles for studying, interpreting, and communicating God's Word.

I believe that the Thompson Chain Reference Bible (TCRB) is the single best study Bible on the market today. The TCRB can be described as a miniature theological library or a mobile Bible institute. It is truly a "study" Bible, not an "answer" Bible. While many study Bibles offer a commentary (often with a particular theological orientation) to help interpret a particular verse or passage, the Thompson Bible presents a unique approach to the study of Scripture. Offering more than 4200 biblical topics that link together more than 100,000 marginal references, this unique study Bible encourages an inductive approach to biblical study and interpretation by comparing Scripture with Scripture. Furthermore, more than 600 pages of reference material in the indexes provide a wealth of information for understanding the historical and contextual background of the biblical passages.

This workshop focuses on acquiring three fundamental tools:

• The understanding and practice of basic inductive Bible study methods.

• A thorough knowledge of how to use the Thompson Chain-Reference Bible in personal and group study of the Scriptures.

• Foundational principles for effectively communicating the truth of Scripture in the context of a Sunday school class, small group Bible study, or sermon.

The well-known African adage proves true: "Give a man a fish, you feed him a meal. Teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime." Whether in the form of a mini-workshop, full-day workshop or a weekend seminar, training in the use of the TCRB will help you and the members of your church "fish" for the truths of God's Word as well as prepare spiritually nourishing "meals" for others.

Here's a summary of what is covered in the above-mentioned three workshop options along with suggested time frames:

Mini Workshop: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

• Introduction

• The Thompson Chain Reference Bible (TCRB) at a Glance

• What Makes the TCRB Unique

• Why Study and Share the Scriptures?

• How to Study a Chain

• Using the Reference Section

• Exercises using the TCRB

Full-day Workshop: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

• Introduction

• The Thompson Chain Reference Bible (TCRB) at a Glance

• What Makes the TCRB Unique

• Why Study and Share the Scriptures?

• How to Study a Chain

• Using the Reference Section

• Discover More: Learning to Observe

• Discover More: Learning to Interpret

• Discover More: Learning to Apply

• Exercises using the TCRB

Weekend Workshop: Friday evening to Sunday afternoon

• Introduction

• The Thompson Chain Reference Bible (TCRB) at a Glance

• What Makes the TCRB Unique

• Why Study and Share the Scriptures?

• How to Study a Chain

• Using the Reference Section

• Discover More: Learning to Observe

• Discover More: Learning to Interpret

• Discover More: Learning to Apply

• Five Principles of Effective Communication

• Three Tools of Effective Communication

• Exercises using the TCRB

The book of Acts reminds us that the believers of Berea "received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true" (Acts 17:11). If you would like to become a better "Berean," consider planning a Joy of Discovery workshop for your church or small group. For more information, contact me via this website or at dstevens@paraclete.net.