Living By the Book: The Art and Science of Reading the Bible

I purchased this book and another one called How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth at the same time. I read the other book first and was frustrated by how technical it was. I ended up just skimming through it in frustration. This book on the other hand was exactly what I wanted. It does a perfect job of just teaching you how to read a verse and break it down to get the context as well as the meaning of the verse. It is written in a way that is easy to read in nice bite sized chapters that tell you what you need to know without getting so far into the weeds that my brain starts to wander. I plan to recommend this to anyone that wants to get more out of the Bible reading.

Love the way this breaks everything down so simply. Very helpful for anyone wanting a deeper understanding and better study method.

I absolutely loved this book! I read it for one of my classes at my Christian seminary, and it was hands down my favorite. It didn’t feel like a textbook at all—I actually enjoyed reading it and shared it with my family. I learned a ton, took notes, practice the ideas, and I’m definitely planning to read it again. It explains things in such a clear and simple way!"

Great Resource

Thanks

OverviewBefore anyone can preach, they must understand how to rightly divide Scripture. A preacher who does not perform his or her due diligence lives contrary to the teaching of 2 Timothy 2:15 and brings shame upon their life. Preachers and teachers of biblical truth are held a higher accountability (1 Timothy 6:3-4; James 3:1) and must preach with a knowledge that lends to a clear conscience (1 Timothy 3:9). Therefore, one tool a pastor may find as advantageous is Howard G. Hendricks' Living by the Book: The Art and Science of Reading the Bible.Hendricks divides, fairly evenly, the book into three major sections with each section representing one step in the three major steps that defines his solid method of biblical study. The first step is observation or asking the question, "What do I see?" The main idea is that many may read the Bible, but few take the time to observe what is going on in a particular passage. Learning to focus on the details can bring out dozens, if not hundreds, of points one small passage can contain. A few points worth highlighting are observing repeatedly, purposefully, and acquisitively, in that, they are often forgotten and yet greatly needed. Putting to practice the previous ideas, the preacher will discover details that are repeated, related, or emphasized that may otherwise be missed.The second step is interpretation or asking the question, "What does it mean?" Dealing with the plethora of barriers that stand between the modern reader and the ancient biblical text can be daunting. Nevertheless, as mentioned above, the preacher or teacher must be cautious of not misrepresenting Scripture to those they preach or teach among. Hendricks provides five keys to assist the interpretation process: content, context, comparison, culture, and consultation. Out of the five, this reader found solid value in focusing on context and culture, two ideas that are often misused or not used at all in modern day sermons.The third step is application, "How does it work?" The crucial role all preachers must understand is bridging the gap between two worlds. Observation and interpretation concern the personal study of the pastor or student of the Bible. Application concerns how what has been studied moves from inner knowledge to outward expression. Depending on the demographics of the pastor or student, trying to express what they have learned can be a challenge. The learner must understand their own background, as well as, the community and context in which they desire to express what has been learned. Hendricks offers sounds steps and solid advice on how to apply biblical truth to change lives.StrengthsOne of the major strengths of the book is being highly thorough on the topic of studying the Bible. Although the size of the book may intimidate the casual reader, the serious student of the Bible will discover an advantageous addition to their study helps library. Instead of having multiple smaller books to reference though each time the pastor or student goes to study, which can take up study time, they can simply use one book that has the same flow and thought patter throughout.Another strength can be found in the multitude of profitable examples that provide tangible application of the ideas presented. Along with the examples, Hendricks provides discussion questions and examples that a pastor or student can immediately put to practice. This places the text in a category above others in this genre that simply provides ideas with no examples or questions to guide the reader. There is also a workbook that corresponds with the book that provides even more helpful exercises.A final strength correlates to the previous one, the book's flow and style of writing is fluid and approachable by a wide range of readers. It is as if Hendricks is speaking to the reader as they move through the ideas. The chapters are short and to the point, although some chapters have a bit of repetition. Nevertheless, this is profitable because not all pastors or students of the Bible have the opportunity for higher education in private college or seminary. Although Hendricks is a seminary teacher of higher learning, he has taken difficult principles and written them in a manner that opens up his book to a wide audience of readers.WeaknessesThe only weakness this writer finds is that, being as thorough as it is, the text could have added a few chapters. One of the chapters that could have enhanced the book could cover a brief history of the Bible. The Bible was written by many people over hundreds of years. Cultures and societies from the beginning of the Bible to the end were vastly different. A short treatise on how Scripture came to be the way one reads it today would have been advantageous. Yet, adding this could produce another negative being that the book is already lengthy.Another chapter that would be a solid addition to the book would have been to better explain the various translations of the Bible. One of the major questions that secular society presses upon Christians is, "Why do they say the Bible is the infallible and inerrant Word of God and yet have so many translations?" There are even preachers and teachers who claim one is better than the other skewing people's beliefs even further. Even though the appendix does address translations briefly, a chapter dealing with this issue would be profitable for anyone trying to address this question when addressing the larger question of various translations.Personal BenefitOn a more personal note, I first encountered Howard Hendricks' books while doing a Bachelors of Arts in Biblical Studies. His book, Teaching to Change Lives: Seven Proven Ways to Make Your Teaching Come Alive, has been one I have read many times and have given to dozens of people, especially those I help equip and develop as teachers and small group leaders. Therefore, I may have a bias toward anything that Hendricks writes. Notwithstanding, Hendricks has impacted thousands of students and teachers who have profited from his teachings demonstrating that his works are valuable.Living by the Book will be a new tool that I can continually go back to when studying. While reading, I came to realize how much I lost in the art of observation. Years ago, I would spend hours in a passage. Lately, I have only skimmed the surface. I have not been digging as deep as I could in a passage missing timeless truths. I have already put "Six Things to Look For" (chapters 19-23) into practice in my own study time while I read through 1 and 2 Peter. I know for a fact, when I allow my study of the Bible to fail to live up to what the Word is worth, I will continuingly refer back to Hendricks for fresh inspiration. Paul explains in Colossians 4:4 that he desires them to pray for him to proclaim the Word clearly as it should be proclaimed. May that be all of our prayers as we preach and teach the Bible.

Love this book!

Very informative! My famliy & i have one & so does a couple of our pastor friends! We all love it! Helps you see & understand the Bible in a whole new way!