Read the Bible for Life Your Guide to Understanding and Living God's Word

by Guthrie, George H.

• ISBN13: 9780805464542
• ISBN10: 0805464549
• Edition: Original
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-01-01
• Publisher: B&H Books

Summary

The Bible may be the most-purchased book in the world, but it is often the least read and least applied due to a basic lack of understanding and motivation on the part of readers. Read the Bible for Life aims to improve biblical literacy in the culture and the church by simultaneously moving readers toward greater skill in reading the Bible well and toward a deeper commitment to applying Scripture to everyday life. Through a series of down-to-earth conversations with some of today's brightest scholars, author George Guthrie discusses the basic tools and attitudes needed to read the Bible more effectively. Chapters focus on the various types of literature in Scripture and how to read them well. For instance, how should we read a psalm differently than we read a parable? How should we read a story of the Old Testament differently than we read a letter from Paul? How can we engage these various parts of Scripture in a way that is truly life-changing? The book also discusses issues such as reading the Bible in context, choosing and reading a Bible translation, reading in times of sorrow or suffering, and reading the Bible with your family. As we better understand how to read the Bible skillfully, we begin to see how every person of the Bible, every psalm, and every teaching fits into the Bible's powerful, overarching story, and we begin to realize our place in the story God is still writing in the world. Endorsements "In the church's dry desert of biblical illiteracy, this book is a drink of cold, refreshing water. With pastoral sensitivity and practical skill, George Guthrie is equipping us to know, understand, and apply the treasures of God's Word in a way that will transform our lives and our communities for the glory of our God. I wholeheartedly recommendRead the Bible For Lifefor every Christian and every leader in the church." David Platt,New York Timesbest-selling author ofRadical "In a culture where biblical illiteracy continues to spread like the proverbial plague, George Guthrie has introduced a healing medicine in the form ofRead the Bible for Life. This overview of the Bible's nature and content will be welcomed in churches intent on developing biblically grounded followers of Christ. The book's conversational approach provides an easy entry for a generation that tends to read only headlines. With fresh insights for the long time student of God's Word and accessible material for the new student, it is a resource I recommend for all believers." Ed Stetzer, coauthor,Transformational Church "The genuine give and take of conversation is key to the Christian community's deeper grasp of the Scriptures.Read the Bible for Lifeis a celebration of biblical conversation between friends who really love the Word. Hopefully, lots of people will join in." Michael Card, award-winning musician and author

Author Biography

George H. Guthrie is the Benjamin W. Perry Professor of Bible at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. He helped establish and is now a Senior Fellow at Union’s Ryan Center for Biblical Studies, which is committed to promoting sound Bible reading, study, and interpretation at the grassroots level of the church. Guthrie has also participated in developing or revising several popular Bible translations including the HCSB, English Standard Version, and New Living Translation.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Invitation to a Conversation	p. 1
Reading the Bible: Foundational Issues
Reading the Bible as a Guide for Life	p. 19
Reading the Bible in Context	p. 33
Reading the Bible in Translation	p. 49
Reading the Bible for Transformation	p. 63
Reading the Old Testament
Reading the Old Testament Stories	p. 77
Reading the Old Testament Laws	p. 95
Reading Psalms and Proverbs	p. 111
Reading the Old Testament Prophets	p. 131
Reading the New Testament
Reading the New Testament Stories	p. 151
Reading the Teachings of Jesus	p. 169
Reading the New Testament Letters	p. 187
Reading Revelation	p. 203
Reading the Bible in Modern Contexts
Reading the Bible for Personal Devotion	p. 223
Reading the Bible in Times of Sorrow and Suffering	p. 241
Reading the Bible with the Family	p. 257
Reading the Bible with the Church	p. 275
Appendix: Reading Plans	p. 293
One-Year Chronological Reading Plan	p. 295
4+1 Reading Plan	p. 310
Notes	p. 337
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