the OBSCURE bible study series
Discover Extraordinary Truths Through Ordinary People
What Can Forgotten People in the Bible Teach Us About Following God Today?
Some of the most important lessons in Scripture come from people most of us barely remember. Their names may appear only once or twice. Some are mentioned in only a single verse. Others quietly served behind the scenes while history unfolded around them. Yet God included every one of them in His Word for a reason.
The OBSCURE Bible Study Series explores these fascinating but often-overlooked people and events, revealing timeless truths about faith, courage, obedience, forgiveness, wisdom, leadership, worship, and God’s sovereign work throughout history. As you study their lives, you’ll discover something surprising. These men and women were not spiritual giants. Many were ordinary people facing ordinary struggles—just like us. And through them, God accomplished extraordinary things.
This Series Is for You If...
- You’ve studied the Bible for years and want to explore subjects you’ve never examined before.
- You enjoy discovering little-known stories in Scripture.
- You want a fresh approach to Bible study.
- You’re new to Bible study and want engaging lessons that don’t assume extensive biblical knowledge.
- You enjoy seeing how biblical truth applies to everyday life.
- You want your faith challenged and strengthened through careful study of God’s Word.
- You’re fascinated by the way God works through ordinary people.
- You believe every person mentioned in Scripture has something valuable to teach us.
Why Study Obscure Bible Characters?
Many familiar Bible studies naturally focus on well-known people like Moses, David, Peter, and Paul. Those studies are valuable. But what about Shamgar? Rizpah? Jethro? Joanna? Hathach? Tabitha? Or the many other people Scripture mentions only briefly? Why did God include them? What can we learn from lives that occupy only a few verses in the Bible? The answers are often surprising. These overlooked individuals frequently reveal profound truths about God’s character, His purposes, and the way He works through ordinary people who simply choose to trust and obey Him.
What Makes This Series Different?
The OBSCURE Bible Study Series offers a completely different approach to Bible study. Rather than repeatedly examining the same familiar stories, each study introduces fascinating people and events that many Christians have never explored in depth. Along the way you’ll discover biblical insights related to:
- Courage
- Faith
- Leadership
- Forgiveness
- Grace
- Prayer
- Worship
- God’s sovereignty
- Creation
- End Times
- Character
- Spiritual growth
Courage
Faith
Leadership
Forgiveness
Grace
Prayer
Worship
God’s sovereignty
Creation
End Times
Character
Spiritual growth
Every lesson connects biblical history with practical Christian living, making these studies both enjoyable and deeply applicable.
The books in This Series
Sometimes the people we overlook have the most important stories to tell. Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly chose ordinary people, unexpected servants, and seemingly insignificant lives to accomplish extraordinary purposes. As you explore their stories, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for God’s wisdom, His faithfulness, and His ability to work through people who simply trust Him. Perhaps you’ll discover something else as well. If God could use them…he can use you too!
Meet Shamgar, Jethro, Manoah & Hathach
An Introduction to the Series
Meet four fascinating yet often overlooked people whose lives reveal how God works through ordinary individuals to accomplish His purposes. This introductory study provides an excellent first experience with the unique approach of the OBSCURE Bible Study Series and is an ideal place to begin your journey.
Blasphemy, Grace, Quarrels & Reconciliation
The Intriguing Lives of First-Century Disciples Discover how Joseph of Arimathea, Joanna, Ananias, Hymenaeus, and Cornelius illustrate the challenges, failures, grace, and victories experienced by the earliest followers of Christ. Their stories remind us that faithful discipleship has always involved both struggle and hope.
The Beginning and the End
From Creation to Eternity
Journey from the opening chapters of Genesis to the closing vision of Revelation as you explore creation, rebellion, grace, worship, and eternity. This study provides a sweeping overview of God's redemptive plan and
His ultimate purpose for His people.
God at the center
He Is Sovereign—and I Am Not
Through stories of worship, prayer, trust, compromise, and God's sovereign rule, this study reveals that no matter what circumstances we face, God remains faithfully at work, guiding history and our lives according to His perfect purposes.
women of courage
God Did Some Serious Business Through These Women
Meet six remarkable women whose courage, faithfulness, and obedience changed lives and influenced history. Their stories continue to encourage believers today to trust God courageously and serve Him faithfully in every circumstance.
The Beginning of wisdom
Your Personal Character Counts
Explore biblical lessons on courage, loyalty, thankfulness, forgiveness, humility, and wise decision-making. Through the lives of both faithful and unfaithful individuals, you'll discover why character matters and how
wisdom provides a firm foundation for life.
Miracles & Rebellion
The Good, the Bad, and the Indifferent
Contrast stories of rebellion against God with powerful examples of faith, healing, and obedience. This study demonstrates both the consequences of rejecting God's ways and the blessings experienced by those who trust
Him.
The chosen people
There Is a Remnant
This book concentrates mostly on Israel in the Old Testament, but also covers some other interesting subjects like Lucifer, Michael the archangel, and Job's wife.
the chosen person
Keep Your Eyes on Jesus
Conclude the series by focusing on the supremacy of Jesus Christ. Through the lives of Melchizedek, Nicodemus, the disciples on the road to Emmaus, the repentant thief on the cross, and others, you'll discover why Christ stands at the center of God's plan of redemption.
Leader Guides and Worksheets
Every study in the OBSCURE Bible Study Series has a separate Leader Guide containing
discussion guidance and suggested answers for the group leader.
For those who purchase a Kindle version, you may also download free printable worksheets
from the Resources page in order to easily complete the lessons.
Continue Growing
Continue your study by exploring related Bible studies from the Jesus Follower Series that deepen many of the same themes, including courage, prayer, faithfulness, obedience, and spiritual growth.