Read This FirstGary MillarGary Millar has written an excellent book for anyone new to reading the Bible, anyone wanting to return to Bible reading after some time away, or seasoned believers who want a refresher course on how to get the most from Bible reading. The main strengths of this book are two-fold: it provides us with a rationale or a basis for reading the Bible; it provides us with the tools we need to do this effectively. So, if you want to get the most from your Bible reading, read this first!
How to Read the Bible BetterChinThis is a smaller book with a lot of helpful content! Chin looks at how we can get the most from our Bible reading by setting out some simple but really helpful guiding principles. This is non-technical but excellent book to help Christians at any stage to get into God's word.
The Blue Parakeet, 2nd EditionScot McKnightIn 'The Blue Parakeet', Scot McKnight seeks to show us how to read the Bible and begins in the most challenging way by suggesting there's currently an epidemic of Christians who say they believe the Bible but don't apply what it says to their lives. From there he outlines the main thrust of the book which is that we all are guilty, at least to some extent, of picking and choosing which parts of the Bible we want to apply, rather than applying it all, because some passages make us feel too uncomfortable (like a blue Parakeet amongst a flock of sparrows). The book has some limitations, as McKnight springboards into some hobby-horses here and there, but in the main, we would do well to read this and think about the Blue Parakeet passages from which we all shy away!
Bible: A Story that Makes Sense of LifeAndrew OllertonAndrew Ollerton - author of The Bible Course from the Bible Society, writes with clarity and understanding in this whistle stop tour of the whole Bible - helping readers understand the overarching story of the Bible and what it means for you today.
Why Read the Bible?Tom WrightAn ideal pocket guide to get you started - much-loved theologian Tom Wright offers 48 pages on what the Bible is and why it's still the most important book for today.
How Can I Get More out of My Bible Reading?JeremyIn 'How Can I Get More out of My Bible Reading?', Jeremy Kimble offers help to anyone struggling with their Bible reading and shows how important it is to be in the Word regularly and to learn how to do this within the context of the local church. Despite the brevity of the book, Kimble offers a lot of practical advice on how to establish healthy patterns of Bible reading as well as tips on how to understand it better as we read. Excellent shorter book!
How to Read the Bible for All its WorthDouglas Stuart; Gordon D. FeeIn 'How to Read the Bible for All It's Worth', Stuart & Fee set out a blueprint for how to read and understand the Bible. They don't presume much, if any, prior knowledge or experience, and show us how we can mine the depths of Scripture by showing us how to handle different genres, how to engage with cultural issues, historical context, and how to understand what it all means for us today. This is a great introduction on Bible reading we would all benefit from reading.
How to Read the Bible Book by BookDouglas Stuart, Gordon D. FeeIn 'How to Read the Bible Book by Book', Fee & Stuart team up again to provide us with a survey of the Bible on a book-by-book basis. As they walk the reader through each book of the Bible, they provide us with information such as the literary form or genre, the cultural context, and the main theme of the book - all with an eye as to where this sits within the Bible. Like their other book, 'How to Read the Bible for All It's Worth', this book makes no assumptions regarding the reader and can be read beneficially by just about any Christian out there.
Help for the Hungry SoulKristen WetherellIn 'Help for the Hungry Soul', Kristen Wetherall explores the discipline of Bible reading and encourages those who have lost the desire for the Bible to get back to it for the good of their souls. She shows us what the Bible says about itself, offers a lot of common-sense advice, and pulls together a lot of real-life testimonies from Christians who have been there, and what they have done to get out of the rut. It's an excellent book for anyone struggling to get down to regular Bible reading.
Badly Behaved BibleNick PageWhat do we do when we don't like what the Bible is saying? How do we handle the parts that challenge us and at times shock us? Nick Page's witty but informed book will help you in your wholistic view of the BIble, and how to navigate the Word with discernment and wisdom.
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