How to Study the Bible: A Practical Guide

To get to the treasure of the Bible, you’ve got to do some digging.

All believers are students of the Bible. We can and must develop our skills in digging into the true meaning of Scripture. Then we will get the treasure.

In this book you will learn how to…

choose which translation(s) you use

observe the facts

understand the flow of meaning of a biblical book

develop your biblical vocabulary

study a topic in the Bible

study a Bible passage

use the basic skills of Bible interpretation

apply the truths of Scripture to your life

recognize false teaching

and much more…

The Bible has changed history, shaped civilizations, given hope to hundreds of millions of people. Its descriptions of truth give us a reliable map for the paths of our lives, leading us to blessings and warning us away from destruction. Its message of grace and love heals us and guides us into authentic relationship with God.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mel Lawrenz trains an international network of Christian leaders, ministry pioneers, and thought-leaders. He served as senior pastor of Elmbrook Church in Brookfield, Wisconsin, for ten years, having succeeded Stuart Briscoe, and now serves as Elmbrook’s minister at large. He has a Ph.D. in the history of Christian thought (Marquette University) and is on the adjunct faculty of Trinity International University. He has authored or co-authored 18 books.

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READERS’ COMMENTS ABOUT HOW TO UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE: A SIMPLE GUIDE (WordWay, 2014)

“Clear, easy to read, great explanations… and in everyday language. It provides a ‘big picture’ of the Bible and how I can understand it better. It’s a resource I’ll refer to quite often… and encourage others to also. This is a MUST READ!”

“Rarely have I seen a book take something as misunderstood as the Bible and make it so simple to understand. It is clear, concise, interesting and well written. It’s gave me both an explanation of all aspects of the Bible and the encouragement to approach God’s word with confidence.”

“This is a GREAT resource for ANYONE. If you are new to reading the Bible or if you’ve been reading it for years … there’s good information in this book for you.”

CHAPTERS

Part I. Being a Student of Scripture

1. It’s All About Zeal

2. Which Bible?

3. How Scripture Examines Us

4. Facts and Faith

5. Observation

6. Curiosity

7. Understanding the Intent of the Biblical Authors

Part II. The Ways of Studying the Bible

8. The Many Genres of Scripture

9. Approaching a Biblical Book

10. Understanding the Flow of Meaning of a Biblical Book

11. Studying a Particular Bible Passage

12. The Meaning of Specific Words in the Bible

13. Do We Need to Know Hebrew and Greek?

14. Developing Our Biblical Vocabulary

15. Two Approaches: Discovery and Questions

16. How to Do a Topical Study of Scripture

17. Using Bible Commentaries

18. Studying a Biblical Character

Part III. Interpreting and Applying the Bible

19. The Basics of Bible Interpretation

20. Let Scripture Interpret Scripture

21. Illumination and the Study of Scripture

22. One Meaning, Many Applications

23. The Indwelling Word

24. Avoiding Mistakes in the Application of Scripture

25. Devotional Reflection

26. How to Recognize False Teaching

27. We Are in This Together

28. Conviction and Commitment