How To Study The Bible (Value Books)

I found HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE after reading two excellent study guides while looking for a book my church might use. They were THE NAVIGATOR BIBLE STUDIES HANDBOOK The Navigator Bible Studies Handbook (LifeChange) and RICK WARREN'S BIBLE STUDY METHODS Rick Warren's Bible Study Methods: Twelve Ways You Can Unlock God's Word . First let me say I did not find a single book that would fill the bill. All three books aim to help people to study the Bible on their own, without needing a teacher to ask study questions or assigned passages to be interpreted neatly. All three emphasize the need to prepare oneself spiritually for Bible study, so that it will have depth and resonance -- in effect, so that it will be a conversation with God. Most important, all three underscore the vital point that Bible study's goal is application of what one has learned so that it affects one's life in specific and planned ways, rather than developing an ability to argue theology. And all three share the same biblical basis for that goal -- biblical knowledge not put into practice loses its value, and if someone uses it just to win an argument or quotes it out of context, its effect is most likely unfortunate. I think that I am going to recommend HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE as the main reading, to be supplemented by lessons the teacher or moderator (or the study group,itself) believes the study group needs -- such as positive group processes, use of the Bible dictionary, learning from contextual clues, use of a concordance, following the logic of punctuation in biblical text, and ways to meditate on a verse from the Bible (a great section in Rick Warren's chapter about "The Devotional Method of Bible Study"). THE NAVIGATOR BIBLE STUDIES HANDBOOK mentions that its blanks and forms for personal Bible study may be reproduced. As a retired teacher of literature, I appreciate the thought behind both those forms and the very detailed examples in RICK WARREN'S BIBLE STUDY METHODS. I do not know whether everyone likes forms as well as an empty sheet of paper; for me, a sheet of tablet paper often works as well. That's another reason I think HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE is my choice, supplemented by lessons and examples from the moderator. Finally there is the issue of audience. I have attended or been a member of churches in large and small towns, and the congregations have seen themselves demographically as professional, working class, even university faculty. My thought, based on my experience, is to go with a book that appeals to the most diverse group possible. I look for clear logic, but not exercises in higher level reasoning or unneeded demonstrations of theological terms. I appreciate proper English that is hard to misconstrue. And in matters of faith, I look for straightforward expressions of the Bible's content, as free as possible from one or another doctrinal influence. And so I would buy the three books, but offer HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE, reserving the other two as references for the moderator, at least until the group began to make decisions about how it wanted to function and what it would study next

This is a great overview for a beginner, or anyone wanting to learn the foundations of Bible study. I was overwhelmed by the wealth of info available on this and related subjects, so for me it was a welcome relief. I found it to be the best beginner "directory." I'm putting together my own study notes, and "how to", and have started with the principles of this book, which discussed the Inductive Study method, as well as other approaches to use at a later stage, to balance one's knowledge and approach. A broad outline of this book: . The Inductive Study Method (summary of strategies for each of the three stages - enough to start you off) . Once you've completed that, move onto other methods of study (which also has suggestions for study books) . Great resources to aide your study (a lot of them free, and others are highly recommended by many, and will in the end save you spending money on less worthwhile resources . Getting organised (if, like me, you're completely overwhelmed, the more basic the advice (of course it has to be adept too), the better! Wonderful start to what I'm hoping will be a continuous journey, with the right resources...

This brand-new guide provides a brief, concise overview of personal Bible study for the layperson. Long-time Bible teacher Robert West gives insight into the types, tools, and techniques of personal study, for which i am currently doing. This book really helps you get organized for your own personal bible study. He has packed this book full of resources, to help your bible study effective. For instance, his suggestions for the importance of, commentaries, concordances, a bible dictionary, bible study methods, and opposing views of bible study, bible study encouragement, a wonderful list of study bibles with english translation, bible study resources, a wide array of bible study help websites, and packed full of bible verses to lead u to a good bible study plan. Robert West really did his homework, for directing the lay person, useful info for understanding the bible !!! Could not believe it was only 99 cents !!!

Learning the Bible and drawing closer with the Lord and His word, is simple to do, Now to use this new knowledge to set a baseline

Packed well

Although middle aged, I am fairly new to the Bible. I attempted a few times to read and understand it but always fell short, got sidetracked or simply lost interest. This book puts so much into perspective. It is written in layman terms and really relieves anxiety that most have about reading the Bible. I wish that i had read this book before my first attempt. Better late than never!

Good read with clarity

While I didn't get anything new from this book, it could be a good starting place for someone who has done little Bible study. West covers the reasons why one should study the Bible. I like his Top 10 Reasons to Study the Bible. He also included six principles of interpretation and six Bible study methods. The plus of the book is the number of Bible references he uses to support his points. The negative is there is just not enough detail to help one use these different methods. For myself, I would give it one star, but, acknowledging that it could be a good starting point for others, I gave it 3 stars. Just know that after this, you will need some other, more detailed books to help you apply his ideas.

Everything a spirit filled believer needs to know. Good for the born again Christian. Blindly go for it

This book is good to have because it allows me to be able to have historical context and this helps me to understand better the setting when I am studying a Bible Book in the Bible

sono molto contento di aver preso questo libra elettronico, contiene molti suggerimenti e consigli buoni.

Such an easy to read book, yet so much truth and helpful advice. This read is for any Christian, serious on knowing the Bible. A real blessing and a challenge

Excellent. Short but yet very indepth and thorough ways of studying the bible. Takes bible study to whole new level and aids in avoiding misinterpretations. I plan on reading this a few times a year as there's so much in this little book, just to keep my bible study habits strong.