Do you need EASY Bible Study Ideas & Free July Mass Bulletins?

Do you teach about the Bible but feel unprepared for all of the questions the kids will ask? The easiest Bible study that I’ve done is reading biblical fiction! I let those authors do all the research, and I enjoy an easy read while soaking up context and background to better understand the Bible. Then, when the students start asking about strange-sounding Levitical laws, I’ll be able to answer without floundering (or at least LESS floundering!)

It’s summer (for most of us). We’ll all offer up some prayers for those of you who are still in school into June!

Hopefully, summer is a time that you can recharge and relax. It’s also a great time to learn and prepare for the next year. If the thought of actual preparation makes you gag, I suggest READING as summer preparation. It definitely counts as Bible study—so it fits the categories of preparing for school AND deepening your faith. Plus, it’s easy, and I’ll use any excuse to sit and read.

Do you need EASY Bible Study Ideas & Free July Mass Bulletins?

If you’re ready to REALLY plan, here are some great resources to get you started on your back-to-school ideas. Then, keep reading below for a helpful book list.

Eight Books for an Easy Summer Bible Study

I’m including Amazon affiliate links, but I got all of these books from the library; so you might want to check there first. I’m also including audiobook links; I listen to more books than I read, so audio is my go-to whenever possible.

1. Connilyn Cossette – The Cities of Refuge Series (Audio)

  • The Cities of Refuge Series: This series is my favorite biblical fiction! I started reading it without any background about Cities of Refuge so the whole series was an amazing bible study as well as a beautiful view of God’s forgiveness. This series takes readers on a journey through ancient Israel, focusing on the biblical cities of refuge where those accused of manslaughter could find asylum. Each book explores themes of justice, mercy, and redemption through the lives of characters seeking safety and a new beginning. With rich historical detail and compelling storytelling, Connilyn Cossette brings the Old Testament laws and their profound impact on individuals and communities to life, making it an excellent choice for families wanting to understand more about biblical justice and God’s provision for His people.

2. Mesu Andrews – Love in a Broken Vessel (Audio)

  • Love in a Broken Vessel: I was teaching about the book of Hosea, so I needed a crash course bible study about him. This book told the story beautifully and gave so much background to the bible. This beautifully crafted novel reimagines the biblical story of Hosea and Gomer, exploring themes of unconditional love, redemption, and forgiveness. Mesu Andrews brings the ancient story to life with vivid detail and deep emotional insight, showing how God’s love can heal even the most broken relationships.

3. Francine Rivers – Redeeming Love (Audio)

  • Redeeming Love: This is another Hosea story; it’s more famous than Mesu Andrew’s book and it’s wonderful; but if you’re only going to read one Hosea story, I would read Love in a Broken Vessel. Then come back to this one. This powerful retelling of the biblical story of Hosea and Gomer is set during the California Gold Rush. The novel follows Angel, a woman sold into prostitution as a child, and Michael Hosea, a farmer who obeys God’s call to marry her. Through their tumultuous relationship, Francine Rivers masterfully explores themes of unconditional love, forgiveness, and redemption. Rivers has written a lot of biblical fiction and I’ve enjoyed all that I’ve read from her!

4. Anita Diamant – The Red Tent (Audio)

  • The Red Tent: This is the first biblical fiction that I read as an adult and I loved it. I learned so much about the culture and life during biblical times. This novel reimagines the biblical story of Dinah, the daughter of Jacob and Leah. Through Dinah’s eyes, readers experience the traditions and daily life of women in biblical times. The book offers a unique perspective on the family dynamics of the patriarchs, providing a richer understanding of the culture and the often untold stories of the women of the Bible.

5. Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins – The Left Behind Series (Audio)

  • The Left Behind Series: This is an OLD series and definitely told from a protestant perspective so keep that in mind. That said, it’s fascinating! I read this in high school and it really got me thinking about the book of revelations and the future that God has planned for us all. This popular series explores the events of the end times as described in the Book of Revelation. Following the lives of those left behind after the Rapture, the books delve into themes of faith, redemption, and the battle between good and evil. While some parts can be intense, the series provides an engaging way to think about biblical prophecies and the importance of staying true to one’s faith amidst trials and tribulations.

6. Davis Bunn and Janette Oke – The Centurion’s Wife (Audio)

  • The Centurion’s Wife: Set in the time of Jesus’ ministry, this historical novel follows Leah, a young servant who is betrothed to a Roman centurion, and her journey of faith and discovery. As Leah investigates the rumors of Jesus’ resurrection, she encounters the early Christian community and witnesses the transformative power of Christ’s message. This captivating story not only provides a rich historical context but also explores themes of love, faith, and redemption, making it a wonderful resource for families looking to deepen their understanding of biblical events and their impact on individual lives. Oke is another author that I love to read. Her stories are such quick easy reads with a feel-good message. I’m a sucker for a happy ending.

7. Ted Dekker – A.D. 33 Series (Audio)

  • A.D. 33 Series: Ted Dekker’s gripping series transports readers to the time of Jesus’ ministry, offering a fresh perspective on the life and teachings of Christ. Through the eyes of Maviah, a Bedouin slave-turned-queen, and Judah, a man seeking vengeance, Dekker weaves a tale of faith, sacrifice, and redemption. As Maviah encounters Jesus and witnesses His miracles, she grapples with questions of identity and purpose, ultimately finding hope and healing in His love. Ted Dekker’s A.D. 33 series is a captivating exploration of biblical truth and the transformative power of encountering Jesus, making it an ideal choice for families seeking to deepen their understanding of the life of Christ and its relevance today.

8. C.S. Lewis – The Chronicles of Narnia (Audio)

  • The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: This doesn’t really fit the bible study category since it’s not really about the bible. But, it IS about God and has such great themes that I thought it should be included in this list. This classic series uses the fictional world of Narnia to explore themes of good versus evil, redemption, and the power of faith. Aslan, the great lion, represents Jesus, and his sacrifice and resurrection are central to the story.

Easy Bible Study With Biblical Fiction

The Bible is full of incredible stories that teach us about God’s love, wisdom, and guidance. Sometimes, though, it can be challenging to understand all the details, especially since we don’t know the context. That’s where Christian fiction comes in! These books take inspiration from biblical stories and themes, making them more relatable and engaging. Reading these stories can help deepen your faith and understanding of God’s word.

Just remember to read through a filter; these are fictional stories, so all the details won’t be true. The author’s background will also matter—a Protestant author may interpret differently than the Catholic Church, so be ready to fact-check before making any changes to your beliefs and practices.

By integrating Christian fiction into your reading routine, you can help bring the Bible to life in a new and exciting way. These stories not only entertain but also teach valuable lessons about faith, hope, and love. They show how biblical principles can be applied to our daily lives, helping us grow closer to God.

July Catholic Kids Bulletin

The Mass is the ultimate bible study! I think we forget how much of the Mass is directly from the bible. As you get more familiar with the bible you’ll start to notice more scripture through Mass!

Enjoy our FREE Printable Catholic Kids Bulletin worksheets, aligning with weekly Mass readings. Immerse your children in the world of coloring pages that correspond to the Gospel, monthly Mass activities, Psalm copy work, and entertaining word searches. Navigate through the liturgy order provided in each bulletin to enhance your kids’ Mass experience and foster a deeper connection to worship. Uncover the intricacies of the Mass structure and delve into Catholic History with engaging coloring pages showcasing saints. Elevate your children’s Catholic education by incorporating our interactive and educational resources into their learning journey.

Have you used Catholic Kids Bulletins before? If you have questions, check here…

Click Below to Download

July Catholic Kids Bulletin

Julio Boletín para Niños Católicos

June Bulletins include…

These FREE Catholic Mass Bulletin Printables are offered each month in order to help young Catholics learn at Mass. For example, you are welcome to print and share with others. If you can afford it, click Support CKB on the left and then donate to help pay for the time and effort put into these pages. Thanks!

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