Article By: Sarah Koontz, Founder of Living by Design Ministries
I have truly enjoyed my seminary studies at Dallas Theological Seminary.
Because of my busy ministry schedule and the fact that we homeschool our children, I typically enroll in just one online class at a time.
In my first year of seminary, I took Bible Study Methods with Dr. Mark Bailey, Systematic Theology with Dr. Glenn Kreider, and Christian Life and Witness with Dr. Vic Anderson.
It was a compelling, convicting, captivating, and challenging year!
I learned, over and again, the immeasurable value of diligent study and application of God’s Word to our everyday lives.
A fresh fire was kindled in my heart for the foundational truths of Scripture.
And that fire sparked a new Bible study idea that grew into a raging wildfire as the year progressed.
This new Bible study idea is fueled by the truth of John 8:31-32, where it says, “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed Him, ‘If you continue in My Word, you really are My disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’”
Let’s break this verse down into bite-sized pieces:
- Believe in Me.
- Continue in My Word.
- Be My Disciples.
- Know the Truth.
- Be Set Free!
Freedom is a direct result of believing, continuing, discipling, and knowing the truth.
Not just any truth; the absolute truth of God’s Word.
The Greek word translated “continue” in John 8:31 is menó (pronounced men’-o) and it means, “to dwell, abide, remain.”
Sadly, many Christians have never experienced the freedom Jesus promised, because the have never been taught how to “dwell, remain, abide” in Scripture.
They believed, but because they didn’t “continue in the Word,” their growth is inhibited and they never get to the place of discipleship, knowledge, and freedom.
Our enemy knows that the Bible has the power to mend broken hearts, heal open wounds, and deliver nourishment to starved souls (Heb 4:12).
Satan’s most effective strategy is to distract Christians from undiluted truth by enticing us with a second-hand gospel, filtered through the writing, teaching, and experience of others.
In order to access the profound power of the Bible, we must seek undiluted truth straight from the Source.
Although it’s ok to seek help, guidance, and counsel as we study our Bibles—we cannot build an enduring faith on a second-hand gospel.
As a result of what I learned at DTS, our team set out to create a study that inspires Christians to dwell in the inspired Word of God all year long.
We also did everything possible to make this study so doable—so understandable, so accessible—that everyone who commits to it will be capable of finishing it.
Because we believe that even the smallest morsel of biblical truth, consumed on a daily basis, has the power to change lives forevermore.
Our desire to help you experience the freedom that comes from “continuing in the Word” led our ministry team to develop the DWELL360 Bible study.
A look inside the DWELL360 Study
The BIG IDEA behind DWELL360 is simply, “One Truth A Day For 360 Days.”
Our team knows how intimidating it can be to commit to a year-long study, and we have done everything in our power to make this study simple, satisfying, and sanctifying.
Each month of the DWELL360 Bible study, you will be introduced to a key truth from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Galatians.
Then, we will spend the rest of the month fortifying our biblical understanding of that truth by dwelling on a brief (1-2 verse) passage of Scripture each day.
Here are the important topics we will be addressing in this study:
MONTH 1 – DWELL in the GOSPEL
MONTH 2 – DWELL in FORGIVENESS
MONTH 3 – DWELL in GOD’S GRACE
MONTH 4 – DWELL in FAITH
MONTH 5 – DWELL in RIGHTEOUSNESS
MONTH 6 – DWELL in JESUS CHRIST
MONTH 7 – DWELL in YOUR INHERITANCE
MONTH 8 – DWELL in FREEDOM
MONTH 9 – DWELL in LOVE
MONTH 10 – DWELL in the HOLY SPIRIT
MONTH 11 – DWELL in HUMILITY
MONTH 12 – DWELL in UNITY
Free Printables Included in the DWELL360 Study
Our DWELL360 study is packed with free printable resources to help you succeed at dwelling in God’s Word this year. Our welcome pack and printable monthly resource kits include an assortment of helpful tools including:
- Strategy & Goal-Setting Pages
- Reflection Question Pages
- Notes & Journaling Pages
- Printable Monthly Reading Plan
- Printable Monthly Progress Chart
- Daily & Weekly Planner Pages
- Appointment Pages & To-Do List
- And so much more…
What People are Saying About the Study
Will You Join Us for DWELL360?
The DWELL360 Bible study will equip and inspire you to dwell on the foundational truths of Scripture all year long.
This e-mail based Bible Study consists of monthly lessons including a devotional from the book of Galatians, a 30-day Scripture reading plan, shareable graphic, workbook, and digital planner. The estimated time commitment is just 10-15 minutes per day.
- DWELL360 is simple.
- DWELL360 is satisfying
- DWELL360 is sustainable.
Thanks to the generous donations of our Discipleship Team and our Support Team, this study is available for FREE to anyone and everyone who has a desire to establish a habit of “continuing in the Word.”
You will receive a welcome letter (+ digital gift pack) after subscribing and the first devotional will arrive in your inbox within 24 hours. Don’t forget to invite friends! Bible study is always more fun with friends.
I hope you decide to join us for the free DWELL360 Bible study.
Together, we will learn how to “continue in the Word” and we will experience the freedom that comes from knowing God’s Truth.
This blog was originally published on January 7, 2020. During Sarah Koontz’s Sabbatical in 2024, we will be sharing some of our favorite articles and e-mails from the archives with you. Thank you for praying for Sarah and her family as they enjoy this beautiful season of Sabbath rest.
