We're almost on the eve of a new year, looking at 2022 with curious eyes. Have you made any goals or resolutions?
I wonder if reading the Bible is on any lists? Many a Christ follower have aspirations of getting more into the Word. There are many good plans to follow to suit your season and style, whether it's a chronological plan, cover-to-cover, 5 days or 7.
When the goal becomes just about reading, I know for me, it can sometimes become a rote practice, and even frustrating if we don't understand what's going on in the passage we're reading, then struggle to find purpose or meaning in taking the time for it.
Here's a resource that can help!
Read This First: A Simple Guide to Getting the Most From the Bible by Gary Millar helps us take a step back from merely reading the Bible, to grow in our understanding. In this short book, he guides us through the importance of reading scripture, how to pick out the vibe of the passage, the meaning and the context, with practical steps in chapter 7 to begin your reading time. There are few questions at the end of each chapter to help give you opportunity to reflect on the information.
As we seek to know more about who our Lord is, in His special Word to us, this book is a great resource to help you in it!
Read This First: A Simple Guide to Getting the Most From The Bible | Book Review
Content
Content
Purpose of the Book
From the publisher: “In this book, Gary Millar shows you that the skills you need to read the Bible are not beyond your grasp. In a warm, approachable style, he gives you the tools to read and understand the Bible for yourself, helping you move from confusion to confidence as you enjoy refreshment in God’s word.”
Table of Contents
Introduction
CHAPTER 1. Why Bother with the Bible?
CHAPTER 2. Learning to Read
CHAPTER 3. What’s the Vibe?
CHAPTER 4. You Know What I Mean?
CHAPTER 5. King Context
CHAPTER 6. It’s Not about Me (Although It Is)
CHAPTER 7. Over to You
Appendix: What Is the Bible?
Recommended Resources
Summary
This is a wonderful, short resource that provides you with introductory knowledge and a practical approach to reading your Bible to gain a better understanding of God’s word. After every chapter, there’s an exercise to apply the principles to a passage with a few questions. He addresses principles of theme, meaning and context, as well as common mistakes we make in interpretation.
My Recommendation
This book is what it says it is, a short, introductory guide to the Scriptures. You’ll get an overview of why and how to read the Bible with a useful framework as you continue immersing yourself in the Word for life.
This is an ideal resource for both when you’re discipline is sluggish or you’ve set a goal and need some gusto. Also a great discipleship tool for new believers or youth groups or Sunday school classes. I highly recommend it!
Quick Stats
# of Pages: 128
Level of Difficulty: Easy
My Rating: 5 stars
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Scriptures About the Word
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Ps. 119:105)
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Heb. 4:12)
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work (2 Tim.3:16-17)
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope (Rom. 15:4)
But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matt. 4:4)
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*A big thanks to the Good Book Company for the complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to post an honest review!
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