Emmaus Journey Bible Study Series

Emmaus Journey Bible Study

The Emmaus Journey Bible study series by Rich Cleveland is a great tool for small group Bible study. Initially designed for use as a parish Bible study in small groups, some titles in the series are useful for individuals as well. Using a practical topical approach, these Bible studies are supported with the teachings of the Church and words from Church leaders and historical figures. This Catholic Bible study guide is divided into sessions or chapters in order to assist in creating an easy-to-follow study schedule.

The name of the series, Emmaus Journey, is based upon the Gospel passage of the two followers of Jesus walking towards Emmaus, when Jesus came near and walked with them. Not recognizing Jesus, they began to speak with him, and Jesus, “beginning with Moses and all the prophets. . . interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.”

Why Study the Bible?

From the introduction to The Words of the Risen Christ, a book in the Emmaus Journey series:

“Scripture was not given simply to increase our knowledge but rather to change our lives. It is almost more damaging to study God’s words and turn from them without doing anything, than to not study Sacred Scripture at all. St James advises,

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if any one is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who observes his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But he who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer that forgets but a doer that acts, he shall be blessed in his doing. (James 1:22-25)

As you study there are two ways you can be affected: first, by the immediate application of God’s word to your life, and second by the future implications of God’s word for you.”

Features of the Emmaus Journey Study Series

Relevant Bible Passages and Quotes from Church Figures – To further understanding of Scripture within the rich tapestry of the Catholic Church and her history, this study series presents the Bible passages alongside relevant words from various church figures such as saints and popes throughout history, and excerpts from documents such as the Catechism.

Downloadable Leaders’ Guide – To help Bible study leaders carry out these Bible studies effectively within a parish or other group, the publisher provides a Leader’s Guide available to download for free from the publisher’s website.

Bible Study Topics – A unique feature of this series is the practical topical focus. The study pulls together related Scripture verses and other teachings and excerpts from documents to form a cohesive study on a particular aspect on the Catholic Faith. For example, one study is focused on conversion, while another is focused on study of the Resurrection.

Thought-Provoking Questions – Rather than simply asking the reader to repeat the Scripture passage, the thorough and innovative questions invite the reader to delve truly into the meaning of the words and to relate the meaning to his or her own life and experiences. The book includes writing spaces for answering questions.

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