Lifeway Women Recommends: 5 Studies on the General Letters

This month, we’re reading through selected passages from the General Letters of the Bible—Hebrews; James; 1 & 2 Peter; 1, 2 & 3 John; and Jude.

These are beautiful, encouraging books about how God sustained the early church, always kept His promises, and never abandoned the people who were gathering together in His name.

So if you’re reading along with us this month and want a deeper dive into these books, here are 5 to get you started:

1 Peter by Jen Wilkin | 9 Sessions

Our inheritance through Christ is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. Written by a man of faith, flaws, and eyewitness account to Christ, 1 Peter challenges us to look beyond our current circumstances to a future inheritance. Over 9 sessions, study 1 Peter verse by verse for deeper understanding, touching on topics of humility, submission, and identity. Learn more about this study here.

Hebrews by Lisa Harper | 7 Sessions

The Book of Hebrews was originally written as a sermon for a specific group of people in the midst of persecution, but it hasn’t lost its relevance. It encourages us to continue walking with Jesus despite our culture or circumstances. In this 7-session study, you’ll discover how Jesus is powerful and supreme but also compassionate, empathetic, and loving to no end. He’s not a faraway God but an accessible King. Pick up this study here.

James by Beth Moore | 8 Sessions

Did you know James, Jesus’ own brother, was a skeptic? Learn more about the man through this 8-session study to see how one glimpse of the resurrected Savior turned him into a disciple. Explore topics of joy, hardship, wisdom, humility, and more, and be inspired to put your own faith into action in practical ways. You can find this study here.

James by Matt Chandler | 13 Sessions

Although covering the same book as Beth Moore’s above study, this 13-session study takes a different approach—examining the relationship between faith and works. Of our own ability, we cannot stand in the face of adversity. Without faith, we could never find the strength to trust God. We would never be able to see above the trials and keep our eyes focused on Him. This is the essence of James. We don’t work to be saved—we work because we are saved. Get your copy here.

What Love Is by Kelly Minter | 7 Sessions The Letters of 1, 2 & 3 John were written to encourage followers of Jesus to remain faithful to the truth. In this 7-session study, challenge yourself to examine contrasting themes of walking in the light instead of the dark, truth versus deception, loving God more than loving the world, and the meaning of true fellowship and community versus shallowness. This study reflects not only the heart of John but also the heart of Jesus. Shop this study here.

Which study is next on your list?