Bible studies are a way for groups of people to explore the bible as a community.  From historical facts to varying interpretations of scripture, bible studies can help the stories come alive and strengthen your faith.

When one begins to learn a foreign language, he memorizes elements of that language, then he begins to formulate sentences, etc., but when he "crosses over" and begins to think in that language, he enjoys a fullness of understanding never afforded to him before. It opens up a whole new concept of understanding. So likewise, God not only wants us to know the facts of God's Word, but He desires that we know the concepts and principles primarily, so that we can put them all together and think Biblically, as God thinks. God desires that His children have discernment in life, not just to know the facts of the Bible, so that we are able to apply these principles to life itself.

(from Biblical Principles for Christian Maturity, John H Stoll)