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Christianity 101: how to study the Bible
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Learn to Study the Bible by Andy Deane
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” - 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Christians believe in the Holy Bible as the inspired Word of God. Although the Bible is composed of many books (both in the Old and New Testaments), it is believed that each writer was divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit. In essence, God is speaking through the scriptures.
As important as the Bible is to Christians it is surprising how few actually study it. The book is inspiring, but it can also be difficult to read and understand. It requires effort to mine the great treasures found in the Bible.
Bible study can be learned. There are many ways to go about studying the Bible. It can be done chronologically by reading and studying the Bible from the beginning with Genesis through to the end with the Book of Revelation. Or you can read various parts that are connected by theme or topic, such as reading the prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel and Ezekiel, or reading the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John).
Some people study individually; others prefer a group where they can share assignments and insights.
A new book by Andy Deane, an associate pastor at Calvary Chapel Old Bridge in central New Jersey, offers readers a multitude of ways to study the Bible. Learn to Study the Bible (Xulon Press) presents “forty different step-by-step methods to help you discover, apply, and enjoy God’s Word”.
This book includes at least one helpful bible study technique for everyone (and probably several that you would benefit from using – clearly the author’s intent). Some of the techniques are for those relatively new to Bible study (Daily Bread, Rethink and Restate, Alphabet Method). Others are for people who want to go deeper (Exhaustive Questions, Verse-by-Verse Charting, Translation Comparison). There are some very creative methods and also great suggestions like studying specific themes and commands of Jesus or looking at the Biblical Types. Deane even includes study methods for teenagers.
The chapters for each of the study techniques are short and written with clear and easy to follow instructions. Additionally, at the end of each chapter there is a hand-written example from Deane. This is very helpful.
There is some overlap between some of the techniques, but the variety of study methods allows you to grow more familiar with the overall message of the Bible – that God loves and cares for us and has a plan for our lives. And using the various techniques will help you to find ways to specifically apply the Bible’s teaching to your life.
The Bible is unlike any other book. It is alive with instruction and wisdom. Two key points that the author makes that are essential are to always use prayer as part of your study of the Bible (asking for insight and openness to God’s message) and doing writing as part of your study. Writing is the transition from just reading to studying.
I can see this book being a useful resource for young people and youth ministers, new converts, pastors, small groups and seminary students.
Learn to Study the Bible is available at bookstores and online, including at Amazon.com
More information at the www.learntostudythebible.com site.
Helpful online Bible resource in multiple translations - Biblegateway.com
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