The Gospel of John - Bible Study for Women with Video Access: Savoring the Peace of Jesus in a Chaotic World

by Melissa Spoelstra

Life. It seems to move at a break-neck pace. Days are filled with noise, screens, and appointments. Sometimes worry and fear are constant companions. The chaos can leave you looking for a place to be still, but that resting spot always seems to be an elusive destination. Jesus offers a different kind of life. He offers peace. He is peace.    In this 7-session study on the Gospel of John, Melissa Spoelstra will encourage you to slow down and linger with the living Word. You’ll appreciate the pace of the Savior who never hurried but completed all that the Father called Him to accomplish. As you turn the pages of John’s Gospel, you’ll be challenged to take on the posture of a learner—understanding that the peace Jesus offers is not an ease of circumstances, but a stillness of the soul. As a result, you’ll grow in intimacy with Him and learn to live, serve, and rest in His peace.       7 video sessions, 25–30 minutes each, that illustrate and unpack truths found throughout the study, available via redemption code printed in the Bible study book  6 weeks of personal study to be completed between the 7 group sessions   Extras such as a timeline, maps, and background information to help set the context and provide better understanding of the Gospel of John        Understand that peace is not a program or perspective; peace is a person    Embrace the gift of peace Jesus promises   Slow down your busy life and learn to walk in the pace of Jesus   Discover the distinctives of John’s Gospel through context and historical insights  Video Session Introduction (23:01)—Melissa begins the video teaching on the Gospel of John by setting the context for the study. She shares about who John was writing to and his purpose for writing the Gospel. She also gives an overview of the six remaining video sessions, noting the themes and memory verses. Session Peace in the Plan of Jesus (25:59)—The video teaching for Session 2 centers on savoring peace in the plan of Jesus. Melissa focuses on John 1–3 to show us how God was the orchestrator of the salvation plan set before the beginning of time. This plan was accomplished by His power, evidenced His great love for us, and displayed His glory. Session Peace in the Power of Jesus (25:28)—John 4–6 is the focal point of the teaching in Session 3 video as Melissa talks about savoring peace in the power of Jesus. She discusses three of the seven signs (miracles) found in John’s Gospel and points out three important truths for us to remember. She challenges us to rest in the truth that God is powerfully able and willing to help us in our time of need. Session Peace in the Patience of Jesus (24:46)—In the Session 4 video teaching, Melissa focuses on savoring peace in the patience of Jesus. She’ll discuss portions of John 7–9 to reveal the big idea that when we look beneath the surface of our longings, we will find Jesus as our only source of satisfaction. Session Peace in the Purposes of Jesus (31:11)—Savoring peace in the purposes of Jesus is the theme of the Session 5 video teaching. Melissa looks at portions of John 10–13 to point out that Jesus is the good Shepherd who loves, protects, and provides for us as His sheep. He came to give us abundant life. And even though our circumstances might be difficult at times, His purposes are always good. Session Peace in the Promises of Jesus (29:02)—The Session 6 video highlights truths found in Jesus’s teaching and prayer found in John 14–17 that help us savor peace in His promises. Melissa focus on three promises Jesus makes in this passage of to provide us an Advocate, to intercede for us, and to sustain us. Session Peace in the Passion of Jesus (28:53)—In the final video teaching, Melissa draws our attention to the last four chapters of John as we look at savoring peace in the passion of Jesus. She particularly focuses on the post-resurrection encounters Jesus had with Mary Magdalene, Thomas, and Peter, to show how even in our distress, doubt, and denial, Jesus is always moving toward us to redeem and restore.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2024

About the author

Melissa Spoelstra is a popular women’s conference speaker, Bible teacher, and writer who is madly in love with Jesus and passionate about helping women of all ages to seek Christ and know Him more intimately through serious Bible study. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Bible Theology and enjoys teaching God's Word to diverse groups and churches within the body of Christ. She is the author of Joseph: The Journey to Forgiveness, Jeremiah: Daring to Hope in an Unstable World, and the forthcoming Total Family Makeover: 8 Steps to Making Disciples at Home. She lives in Dublin, Ohio, with her pastor husband and four kids.

Reviews

[Natalie Shawver · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Mama Bear bookclub went through this study of John the past few months and I found it to be incredibly encouraging. The entire study focuses on different aspects of peace and Christ ... definitely timely for life's busyness and the chaos of the world.

The weekly readings were broken down into five days, with study questions, personal reflections, and an accompanying video we watched together each month as a group. It fostered great conversation for all of us.

I'm walking away with the the reminder that I can only find my peace in Christ and what a beautiful blessing that is.

Highly recommend for personal study and/or group study! Looking forward to completing others by the same author.

[April Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not my favorite Bible study. I think my issue was mostly that this study has a lot of things based on how Jesus makes you feel. I already know that. I wanted a book that was more theology less feelings. I don’t think there is anything wrong with this study, it was just not what I was looking for. For the Lifeway studies like this one, there are 5 lessons and one video per week. I felt like the videos were too long and filled with the authors personal stories. Again nothing wrong with this method, I think maybe this study may be geared for beginner learners of the Bible. If that’s you , you might really enjoy this one.

[Lynnette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very decent women's Bible study. I think the title is misleading. This isn't a study of John but of peace IN the Gospel of John. Heavy application but always with good questions that don't cause heretical interpretations. The bit of history and exegesis were good and the extra articles on the website were great. This is set up to be very easy to lead a small group or Bible study. Just not my personal favorite.

[Nancy Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting perspective from John. This was the right book at the right time for our group study. Discovering peace through Jesus. Created a lot of good discussions. This was the first Melissa Spoelstra study we had done. We enjoyed her teaching and we would like to do another of her Bible studies.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fine. Took me a long time to get through considering things my favorite gospel. Videos were a little over the top. If I had to hear the word “savor” one more time though lol. I would do another of Melissa’s studies. She had some keen insights I had missed in previous readings of John.

[Sarah Bartlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely excellent!

[Jennifer Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Melissa's book study. Great study on John.

[Jennie Veazey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great bible study! I highly recommend it. The video was awesome too!

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great study. Melissa does such a great job with her studies.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some questions are trivial. But enjoyed this study over all. The videos are nice for small groups.

[Linz · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! I definitely want to do more studies by her.

[Stephanie Tyree · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

Clarity: 5 stars
Structure: 4 stars
Perspective: 5 stars
Takeaway Strength: 5 stars
Emotional Resonance: 5 star
Engagement: 4 stars

I completed this study with my church Bible Study group, which I think always adds to a Bible Study like this. There were pieces that I really enjoyed and some really applicable takeaways. Like most Bible Studies, I think there are always some pieces/questions that are repetitive or almost unnecessary. The video messages from Melissa were really good and definitely added to the study.