You Can Understand The Bible

Many people are often understandably intimidated or overwhelmed by the sheer size and complexity of the Bible. But now popular author and Boston University professor Peter Kreeft has written a clear road map of the Bible, focusing his keen insight and engaging wit on the core message of each book. It won't take long for you to understand why his guide to scripture has become a best-seller! Sparkling with intelligence and Kreeft's trademark humor, You Can Understand the Bible will transform dry study into spiritually satisfying adventures in God's Word. Regardless of how you approached- or didn't approach- the Bible before, you'll come away with a new appreciation of its depth and meaning. Kreeft also provides practical guidance for praying the scriptures every day, allowing the reader to delve into the messages of scripture in a manner that will surprise, delight, and reward.

In his trademark clear, friendly style, Skip Heitzig (author of Jesus Up Close) provides simple, easy-to-use tools to unlock the riches of God's Word. He inspires readers to enjoy studying the Bible as they discover its extraordinary relevance and transforming power.

Biblical interpretation is a rational and spiritual process that attempts to understand an ancient inspired writer in such a way that the message from God may be understood and applied in our day. The spiritual process is crucial but difficult to define. It does involve a yieldedness and openness to God. There must be a hunger (1) for Him, (2) to know Him, and (3) to serve Him. This process involves prayer, confession, and the willingness for lifestyle change. The Spirit is crucial in the interpretive process, but why sincere, godly Christians understand the Bible differently is a mystery. The rational process is easier to describe. We must be consistent and fair to the text and not be influenced by our personal, cultural, or denominational biases. We are all historically conditioned. None of us are objective, neutral interpreters. This commentary offers a careful rational process containing four interpretive principles structured to help us attempt to overcome our biases. First Principle The first principle is to note the historical setting in which a biblical book was written and the particular historical occasion for its authorship (or when it was edited). The original author had a purpose and a message to communicate. The text cannot mean something to us that it never meant to the original, ancient, inspired author. His intent-not our historical, emotional, cultural, personal, or denominational need-is the key. Application is an integral partner to interpretation, but proper interpretation must always precede application. It must be reiterated that every biblical text has one and only one meaning. This meaning is what the original biblical author intended through the Spirit's leadership to communicate to his day. This one meaning may have many possible applications to different cultures and situations. These applications must be linked to the central truth of the original author. For this reason, this study guide commentary is designed to provide a brief introduction to each book of the Bible. Second Principle The second principle is to identify the literary units. Every biblical book is a unified document. Interpreters have no right to isolate one aspect of truth by excluding others. Therefore, we must strive to understand the purpose of the whole biblical book before we interpret the individual literary units. The individual parts-chapters, paragraphs, or verses-cannot mean what the whole unit does not mean. Interpretation must move from a deductive approach of the whole to an inductive approach to the parts. Therefore, this study guide commentary is designed to help the student analyze the structure of each literary unit by paragraphs. Paragraph and chapter divisions are not inspired, but they do aid us in identifying thought units. Third Principle The third principle is to read the Bible in different translations in order to grasp the widest possible range of meaning (semantic field) that biblical words or phrases may have. Often a phrase or word can be understood in several ways. These different translations bring out these options and help to identify and explain the manuscript variations. These do not affect doctrine, but they do help us to try to get back to the original text penned by an inspired ancient writer. Fourth Principle The fourth principle is to note the literary genre. Original inspired authors chose to record their messages in different forms (e.g., historical narrative, historical drama, poetry, prophecy, gospel [parable], letter, apocalyptic). These different forms have special keys to interpretation. This Textbook offers a quick way for the student to check his interpretations. It is not meant to be definitive, but rather informative and thought-provoking. These principles have helped me to overcome much of my historical conditioning by forcing me to struggle with the ancient text. My hope is that it will be a blessing to you as well. Dr. Bob Utley

Well–known Bible teacher Kay Arthur leads readers into the fascinating world of inductive Bible study where God Himself becomes the teacher (Psalm 119:102). With more than 60,000 copies sold, this book teaches readers how to study Scripture and specifically mark the text to unlock its meaning. In just 28 days readers learn how to study the Bible book by book and understand what they are reading recognize key words and concepts in the Bible discover the main point of any passage of Scripture discern God’s purpose and apply life–changing truths to everyday life This is a very practical, hands–on, learn–by–doing book, perfect for either individuals or small groups. Bible text and space to write insights are included. Readers need only a pen, a few colored pencils...and a prayerful heart to complete each study and experience the Bible’s life–changing power.

The Bible is the Word of life. As such, studying the Bible is crucial to the life and growth of every believer. In this revised work, John MacArthur examines various Scripture passages in the Old and New Testament to answer both the “why” and the “how” questions of Bible study. How to Study the Bible can be used alongside or apart from the audio series available from Grace to You in either a personal or group study. UNIQUE FEATURES: Corresponds with the audio message series available from Grace to You Features revised content and study questions For personal or group study use

The Bible is the world's most popular book, but at the same time the most misunderstood! How can you understand the Bible? The Bible itself gives the keys to understand it! But you must read this Book with the right attitude and perspective. So how can you properly read the scriptures? What principles and methods of study should you follow? What tools are available to help you? How can you grow in spiritual understanding while reading the Word of God? This Bible Study aid ebook, How to Understand the Bible, will explore a number of important points that will help you grasp the Bible's message and meaning - and make it relevant in your life! Chapters in this ebook: -- Introduction: How to Understand the Bible -- Approach the Bible With a Proper Attitude -- Keys to Understanding the Bible -- In Their Own Words: Great Men and Women Who Highly Respected the Bible -- Does the Bible Contain Errors? -- Actively Read and Study the Bible -- Seven Scriptural Threads for More Complete Understanding -- Are There Mistakes in the King James Version of the Bible? -- Bible Study Software and Online Resources -- Live What You Learn Inside this Bible Study Aid ebook: "Even though we might possess the world's brightest minds, if God does not act to open our minds, the Bible will remain closed to us." "One vital key we must come to understand is that the Bible interprets itself. We must be careful not to force our own interpretations onto it." "For us to understand the Bible, we must first learn about and respect God's law."

To really understand scripture, read Your Bible—An Easy-to-Understand Guide to God’s Word. It’s a collection of four bestselling titles that make the Bible clear! Inside, you’ll find Know Your Bible (1.7 million copies sold), a Genesis-to-Revelation overview; How to Study the Bible (700,000 copies sold), a helpful guide to personal Bible study; How Did We Get the Bible, explaining both the original text and translations over time; and Bible Memory Plan, to help you hide God’s Word in your heart. This powerful book will start you on a journey of understanding that can truly change your life!