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.

____________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

1. The Many Genres of Scripture

2. Approaching a Biblical Book

3. Understanding the Flow of Meaning of a Biblical Book

4. Studying a Particular Bible Passage

5. The Meaning of Specific Words in the Bible

6. Do We Need to Know Hebrew and Greek?

7. Developing Our Biblical Vocabulary

8. Two Approaches: Discovery and Questions

9. How to Do a Topical Study of Scripture

10. Using Bible Commentaries

11. Studying a Biblical Character

Part III. Interpreting and Applying the Bible

1. The Basics of Bible Interpretation

2. Let Scripture Interpret Scripture

3. Illumination and the Study of Scripture

4. One Meaning, Many Applications

5. The Indwelling Word

6. Avoiding Mistakes in the Application of Scripture

7. Devotional Reflection

8. How to Recognize False Teaching

9. We Are in This Together

10. Conviction and Commitment