How To Study The Bible (Value Books) Mass Market Paperback – September 1, 2007

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 HANDBOOKThe Navigator Bible Studies Handbook (LifeChange) and RICK WARREN'S BIBLE STUDY METHODSRick 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

Wow there is so much information in this little book. I went through and highlighted all the main points so it will be easier when I reference back.

This is a good read

After learning the amazing study methods from How to Study the Bible to Unleash Revelation Power (great book, I highly recommend it!), I realized that there was so much that I could learn from the study methods and strategies of other believers.This book is extremely well written, has great ideas and explains the different types of methods to study the Bible. The author also shares the strengths and weaknesses of each method. I thoroughly enjoyed getting the author's perspective for studying the Bible. The only thing that held me back from giving it five stars was that the author focused in the "what" to do rather than the "how" to do it. For me, a "how to" book takes me step by step on exactly how to accomplish what is being presented. Although the author doesn't do that, he still gave some amazing examples and perspectives on his methods. I recommend this book as an addition to your library of other Bible study strategy books and I agree with the author in that you should build your library of other Bible study method books. I have started myself, and am excited for the opportunities my new Kindle presents for me to have all these books at my fingertips. I hope you find this review helpful.

Very good book

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 is not only a good primer for new Christians, it's a good reminder to study and grow no matter where we are on our journey. Will be using it in a small group setting. Great resource.

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.