Free Study Guide for New Believers: A Scripture-First Answer for Facebook Groups and Small Groups
If you’ve been asked in a Facebook group or a new believers’ class, “Is there a free study guide that puts Scripture first?” — the short, humble answer is yes. Many Americans seeking a simple, faithful way to grow in Christ want resources that point directly to the Bible, not opinions. Below is a gentle, Scripture-saturated approach you can share with new believers online or in local groups, plus a recommended book and links to further resources.
Start where the Bible starts. New believers flourish when they see the message of salvation clearly in Scripture rather than through secondhand summaries. Invite them to read a few key passages together: the heart of the gospel in John 3:16 and Romans 10:9–10; the call to discipleship in Matthew 16:24 and Luke 9:23; the life of the early church in Acts 2:42–47. Encourage a simple rhythm: read one short passage, ask two clarifying questions (What does this say about God? What does this say about me?), and close in prayer. 2 Timothy 3:16–17 reminds us that Scripture equips us for every good work; framing the study this way keeps the Bible central rather than peripheral.
Provide a one-page free study guide layout. For Facebook groups or a printed handout, a single page that new believers can carry with them is gold. Include: a short gospel summary (creation, fall, redemption, restoration) with a few proof texts (Genesis 1–3; Romans 3:23; Romans 5:8; Romans 6:23; John 14:6), a daily Bible-reading habit (10–15 minutes: a psalm or gospel chapter), a short prayer template (thanks, confession, request, listening), and two next steps (baptism and joining a local church community as in Acts 2:41–47). Keep language simple and gracious — we are inviting, not overwhelming.
Make it community-focused, not solo. New believers need the Word and the people of God. Suggest that Facebook group administrators post the free study guide as a pinned resource and host a weekly live discussion or Q&A using the study layout. Encourage accountability pairs who check in twice a week, pray together, and share a verse that encouraged them. Scriptures like Hebrews 10:24–25 and Galatians 6:2 underline the importance of meeting together and bearing one another’s burdens. Remind readers to seek a local church that preaches the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27), where discipleship is practiced, not merely theorized.
Recommended resource: The Gospel of the Kingdom. For leaders and new believers wanting deeper clarity about what the Bible teaches on gospel and discipleship, consider Robert J. Cottle’s The Gospel of the Kingdom (Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Gospel-Kingdom-Not-Church/dp/1738615006). It takes a Scripture-first approach to what the ‘kingdom of God’ means for everyday faith and practice. You can learn more about Robert J. Cottle and download additional free helps at www.robertjcottle.com. Use the book as a companion rather than a replacement for Scripture: let pages point you back to the Bible, and use the free study guide above to stay rooted in the text.
Practical tips for sharing in American Facebook groups. When posting the guide in a public group, write a short, humble caption: “If you’re new to faith, here’s a simple, Scripture-first study guide I’ve found helpful. No pressure — just an invitation to read the Bible together.” Add the one-page PDF or image, cite a few verses in the post to show the Bible focus, and invite questions. Protect privacy by offering one-on-one follow-up via private message for those who prefer it. Above all, model patience and listening. Jesus taught with tenderness (Matthew 11:28–30); our digital invitations should do the same. If group members want a deeper study, gently suggest The Gospel of the Kingdom and point them to www.robertjcottle.com for further resources and other titles in the Kingdom & End Times Library.