Book Review: Forty Bible Study Methods By Andy Deane
"Learn to Study the Bible" (ISBN 978-1-60791-576-8) is a much needed book that was
born out of the authors personal frustrations in communicating good Bible study techniques to teenagers. Adults would do well not to bypass it because of its origins! Andy Deane has given us a wealth of Bible study knowledge and how-tos in 47 digestible chapters every Christian can gain from. The book is divided into the following major topics:
Introduction Even the introduction is packed with useful instruction concerning Bible study. The author stresses the value and joy of studying Gods Word and reminds us of eight benefits of studying Gods Word: it assures of our salvation; it cleanses us from sin; it gives peace; it brings joy; if guides our decisions; it helps us in our prayers; it strengthens; it leads to success.
The Foundations of Bible Study The author follows his own advice about learning to ask questions that lead to understanding. Using the time proven method of observation, interpretation, and application we are encouraged to approach every scripture passage with three important questions: what does it say, what does it mean, and what does it ask me to do? The chapter on daily devotions encourages us to move beyond dry academics and encounter God in His Word. Some good tips are offered here on how to establish a consistent and fruitful quiet time.
Basic Bible Study Methods Though he keys on inductive Bible study, Deane emphasizes there is no one way to study Gods Word. In the Timothy Method he suggests approaching a scripture passage looking for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction. A list of exhaustive questions is given to ask as one approaches any scripture and the learner is instructed how to rethink and restate what he has read. In each instance, clear and understandable illustrations are provided.
Major Bible Study Methods In this section Deane shows how to do verse-by-verse charts, do chapter outlines and summaries, overview a book of the Bible, and how to study major topics and themes. There is also an excellent chapter on doing word studies specifically aimed at those with no formal Bible training.
Creative Bible Study Methods Recognizing different people learn different ways, Learn to Study the Bible presents various ways to approach Gods word with freshness and insight. In this section we learn everything from comparing translations to the insights we can gain from the author calls the skeptics method.
Studying Specific Passages Again, using a very hand-on approach the author deals with wisdom literature, questions Jesus asked, prayer, miracles, parables, and types in the Bible.
Study Methods for Younger Students The author returns to the subject that prompted the book and deals with how to teach teens in unique and powerful ways.
The on-line site for Learn to Study the Bible offers some fantastic tools available for free to those who purchase the book among these are: a list of recommended commentaries, tools to help complete a word-by-word passage study, a Bible translation comparison, sample thirty-one day studies to compare with your finished studies, and Andys list of favorite bible software and links. Combined with these tools and the authors refreshing style Learn to Study the Bible will keep the attention of young and old driving all to seek a deeper personal understanding of Gods Word. Has mentioned earlier, each method is followed by handwritten examples of notes a person might come up with using that method. Doing this moves the reader from bare academics to a living interaction with the book and, more importantly, the Bible. Visit http://www.biblestudybook.net to read more.
This is a great resource to encourage everyone to get back into the Scriptures and take a view them from a fresh perspective. This will be a book a serious student of the Bible will use for years to come both for him and others he is seeking to lead. Learn to Study the Bible will also make a great discipling tool in teaching others how to study the Bible for themselves.
by: John Gruenster
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