This is a short, straightforward guide to how to read the Bible. The length (144 pages) makes it very accessible, but there is SO much wisdom packed iThis is a short, straightforward guide to how to read the Bible. The length (144 pages) makes it very accessible, but there is SO much wisdom packed into these pages. Bible reading is "not just information, but transformation."
Platt uses personal stories, Bible verses, and acronyms to guide readers into good practice for reading and analyzing the Bible. He explains the history of the Bible and its different genres. He also explains how to actually sit down with any book of the Bible to begin reading and studying. These ideas are completely accessible and understandable for new believers, but there is also a lot of wisdom for more mature believers. It would be great for personal study as well as to apply in a group Bible Study setting.
He breaks Bible reading down into 4 basic steps: 1. Meditate and Memorize 2. Apply 3. Pray 4. Share
Each step is presented with those personal anecdotes, as well as Bible verses explaining why the step is beneficial and where Jesus recommended it in Scripture. Although I had heard of most of this before, I can't say that I'm applying it yet. This book was a great reminder to slow down, go back to basics, and really dive deeper into the study of scripture. I highly recommend it to anyone who is a believer or interested in learning more about Bible analysis. ...more
We build multimillion dollar megachurches and celebrate sending $5,000 to countries in need.
We think the Great Commission only applies to those “callWe build multimillion dollar megachurches and celebrate sending $5,000 to countries in need.
We think the Great Commission only applies to those “called” to the mission field.
What would happen if we stopped giving our scraps to the poor but instead gave in surplus?
Through anecdotes and scripture, David Platt shows how the modern church has some priorities that need to be restructured. Platt poses a year long challenge at the end of the book.
This was very convicting. It’s eye opening the way it’s laid out that we’re really not listening to the words of Jesus. Looking my own laziness and fear in the face was very uncomfortable, but I’m glad I read this. I need to listen again and take action…
“We may get convicted about our way of living when we look at the Bible, but then when we look at one another we assume it must be okay because everyone else lives this way.” YIKES. TRUE. ...more
compelling and convicting. Survivors of the Soviet/communist movement report seeing signs of "soft" totalitarianism in the wester world today. How do compelling and convicting. Survivors of the Soviet/communist movement report seeing signs of "soft" totalitarianism in the wester world today. How do we stay vigilant and not repeat history? ...more
Becky Thompson details who the Holy Spirit is in relation to humans and the Godhead, how He speaks to use through ideas and dreams, and the purpose ofBecky Thompson details who the Holy Spirit is in relation to humans and the Godhead, how He speaks to use through ideas and dreams, and the purpose of those spiritual gifts and things we hear from Him. Everything is Bible based and educational but also has anecdotes of Becky's personal experiences given as modern examples of what a relationship with God is. Each chapter ends with a prayer and a few reflection questions which makes this very interactive even without a "workbook". I could see this being a great book club book even though it does not have the typical Bible study set up. There is a lot of great information to process and discuss and even more wisdom to start applying to your own life.
This book is written with a more casual, modern slang that refers to the reader as "friends" and makes reading this feel like you're having a discussion with a friend over coffee. This was very accessible and very educational!
Thank you to Netgalley for a free Advanced Reader Copy of this book! ...more
Corrie ten Boom is a well known Holocaust survivor who put into concentration camps because of her help with the underground movement to help Jews in Corrie ten Boom is a well known Holocaust survivor who put into concentration camps because of her help with the underground movement to help Jews in the Netherlands during WWII.
This devotion collects 40 short autobiographical stories and examples of God's faithfulness and power in her life. Each devotion has an added prayer and includes a Bible verse that connects to the lesson that is illustrated. These stories were so powerful. They range in topic from learning to obey God's voice, to placing trust in God, to casting cares and worries on the Lord, to forgiveness, honesty, hope, and many others. This book made me even more excited to pick up Corrie ten Boom's full autobiography to learn of all the inspirational ways that God walked with her. This was inspirational and a great devotional to remind me of many important themes.
Thanks to Netgalley for the Advanced Reader Copy! ...more
This book is less of a self help book and more of a "reframe your thinking" book. The basic message is that marriage (and everything else we deem impoThis book is less of a self help book and more of a "reframe your thinking" book. The basic message is that marriage (and everything else we deem important in this life) is not as important as your impact on the world for the Kingdom of God. You can honor your spouse and honor God by being more like Jesus and keeping Him at the forefront of your goals. Seems like a no brainer, but this was a very inspiring, convicting book that really makes you examine yourself and your priorities. ...more