Saddleback Church

You were created to become like Christ. This is one of the five God-ordained purposes for your life described in The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, and it's why studying the Bible is so important. The Bible's truths will transform you, aligning you with the character and ways of Jesus as you encounter him in the Scriptures. This easy-to-understand book shows you how to study the Bible Rick Warren's way. It gives you not just one, but twelve methods for exploring the riches of Gods Word. At least one of them is exactly what you're looking for an approach that's right for you, right where you're at. Simple step-by-step instructions guide you through the how-to's of the following methods: Devotional Chapter Summary, Character Quality, Thematic, Biographical, Topical, Word Study, Book, Background, Book Survey, Chapter Analysis, Book Synthesis, and Verse Analysis. Thousands of individuals, small groups, churches, and seminary classes have used this practical manual to unlock the wonderful truths of Scripture. You can too. Rick Warren's Bible Study Methods will help you develop a customized approach to studying, understanding, and applying the Bible.

For too many of us, reading the Bible is about as enjoyable as pulling weeds. At best, it's unexciting, and sometimes, it's just plain work. But Bible scholar Walt Russell insists that when we study the Scriptures properly, it's like playing with fire—a fire that can ignite dramatic change in our souls. With a style that is both intelligent and engaging, Russell provides the tools you'll need to study different styles of biblical writing in-depth—and unlock their meaning. And with this fuller understanding of God's Word, you'll be able to unleash a heart transforming power that burns away your defenses, bringing radical change to your life! When you read your Bible, why settle for pulling weeds when you could be playing with fire?

A provocative challenge to read the Scriptures on their own terms—as God's revelation—and to live them as we read. Countering the trend toward subjective personal interpretation, Peterson suggests an alternative approach, offering fascinating insights on the nature of language, the ancient practice of lectio divina, and the role of translations, including The Message.

Both evangelicals and liberals are misreading the Bible, says the Bishop of Durham. Wright explains why both overly literal and politically correct positions are indefensible, then sheds light on how the church has grappled with the authority of Scripture over the centuries. A crucial topic.

Before you focus on legal facets in Leviticus—or reason out imagery riddles in Revelation—get the biblical back story! Penned by an international team of evangelical scholars, this masterful introduction clarifies the crucial background, themes, theology, and terms necessary to read and interpret God's Word. Accessible, comprehensive, and concise, it includes helpful maps, charts, and diagrams.

This revised edition of Gundry's Survey of the New Testament goes beyond providing background information and technical introductory material and leads students to read the New Testament itself. Whenever possible, general questions of introduction and background are tied to assigned readings covering the entire New Testament. In addition, comments on these readings help students with interpretation, and follow the flow of thought from one passage to another.

This second edition of An Introduction to the Old Testament integrates and interacts with recent developments in Old Testament scholarship. Several distinctions set it apart from other introductions to the Old Testament: It is thoroughly evangelical in its perspective It emphasizes special introduction to the study of individual books. It features points of research history and representative scholars rather than an exhaustive treatment of past scholarship. It deals with the meaning of each book, not in isolation but in context. It probes the meaning of each book in the setting of its culture. With callouts, charts, and graphs, this text is written with an eye on understanding the nature of Old Testament historiography. This upper-level introduction to the Old Testament offers students a solid understanding of three key issues: historical background, literary analysis, and theological message.

This work offers a bold and engaging examination of the Western tradition of lectio divina, the contemplative approach to sacred writings, notably the Bible and the Spiritual classics. Casey offers fascinating insights into how the prayerful experience of lectio divina can be sustained and invigorated by the techniques of sacred reading—techniques distilled from the author's deep acquaintance with the Bible and the ancient books of Western spirituality.

Recommended by Buddy Owens