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Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
The Bible is a beautiful book. It contains poetry, history, romance, and instruction. Yet many people rarely open their bibles. They think they will be confused or they fear it will take too much time and effort. Andy Deane takes the mystery out of bible study in hopes of encouraging more people to study this magnificent book which is the Word of God.
Deane divides his book into 7 basic sections. I will briefly touch on each section.
The Foundations of Bible Study
Deane presents the benefits of Bible study. They include: assures us of salvation, guides our decisions, and cleanses us from sin, it brings us peace, joy, strength; it helps us in prayer and leads to success. He points out the big questions of life and assures us that the answers to those questions are in scripture. Who am I? Why am I here? Where did I come from? Where am I going? What should I do with my life? What’s my relationship to God? These are questions we all ask at one time or another.
Who should study the Bible? Everyone! Deane presents the reasons why.
Too often when we try to teach someone how to study the Bible we make it too difficult. There are many ways to study the Bible. There is no one perfect way to study. Deane shares not one but forty methods of Bible study.
I like that Deane points out that reading the Bible is not the same as studying the Bible. I lead an adult Sunday School Class of approximately 25 adults. We study the Bible. I have tried several forms of lessons and none of them worked for my class. They are both male and female and the majority is over 55. They are seasoned Christians. They do not want a “milk” study they want “meat”. Unfortunately, that usually means they want me to have dug deep and they just read. I’m attempting to encourage them to dig deeper before class.
I love the chapter on Daily Devotions. This is a must read chapter.
Basic Bible Study Methods
I’m going to briefly mention the 5 steps of the Daily Bread Bible Study Method. Read the book for the more in-depth description. I like this method but it is only one of 40 discussed in this book. Choose the method that best fits your learning style.
1. Choose a passage.
2. Pray—Ask God to meet with you.
3. Think about the passage you are studying.
4. Plan one application.
5. Carry your favorite verse with you.
Major Bible Study Methods
This chapter discusses the time-tested methods of Bible study. The methods include Verse-by-Verse Charting, Chapter Overview, Book Overview, Biblical Topics and one of my favorites Character Overview.
Creative Bible Study Methods
Currently I have been using what I consider a creative method to Bible Study. It includes several of the methods mentioned in this chapter.
Studying Specific Passages
I always find studying Proverbs fascinating. Meeting Jesus is another great method. I had never seen the Twenty Jesus Questions Method and I like it. I will give it a try. One interesting method is studying the Prayers. This involves the prayers of different characters from Old Testament heroes to New Testament. You will look at the prayers of Jesus, the Disciples, Paul, Abraham, Moses, etc.
Some of the methods that I have used that is mentioned here are Study the Miracles and then the Parables. These two methods were favorites of my class. Currently we are studying the Psalms.
Study Methods for Younger Students
This section was developed to assist teens in their study. I wish I had learned good
Biblical Study habits at a younger age.
Wrapping It All UP
Deane suggests building a reference library. He has an excellent list of tools that assist in Bible Study.
As you can tell I love this book. I could go on and on but you need to purchase your own copy. My copy will go in my reference library, so that I can draw on it when needed. My own comments: Bible study must become a habit. God speaks to us through His word as well as other ways. We neglect Him when we do not study His word.
I’d like to thank Andy Deane for providing readers with an excellent study tool. It will enhance and encourage Bible Study. This book is well written. It is obvious that Deane put in time and effort researching study methods. This book is written in a simple easy to read and to understand style. I cannot say enough about this book. Well done Andy Deane.
