Learn To Study The Bible

A pragmatic way for believers to approach Bible study.

Throughout much of history the Bible has been passed down, and though millions have read and studied it, how many actually thoroughly understand the Bible's teachings and principles? It is precisely this question that Andy Deane addresses in his book, Learn to Study the Bible, which offers a total of forty different approaches to studying the Bible.

As a pastor, Deane is sensitive to the fact that people learn differently. Using only one teaching method can often lead to confusion and frustration, especially among children and young adults who are new to Bible study.

Learn to Study the Bible is a natural extension of the author's experience in teaching the Bible to junior high school students. He states in the introduction that "[t]he collective look of bewilderment on their faces was one of the scariest moments I've ever experienced as a youth pastor." Realizing that his students weren't "getting it," he was compelled to produce a text that would not only instruct, but also be exciting for youth.

Andy Deane is convinced that when studying the Bible, there needs to be a plan in order for students, young and old alike, to fully appreciate the true power and knowledge that the Bible imparts. Thus, Deane provides forty step-by-step plans in order to "lift the veil of confusion," and make the Bible easier to understand.

One example of Deane's didactic format can be seen in Chapter 6, "Daily Bread." Daily Bread is a biblical reference stating that followers of Christ should read and study scriptures as often as they eat--on a daily basis. Just as food, or bread, sustains the body, so too does scripture sustain the soul. This is also a reference to God's having sustained "His people for forty years in the wilderness by miraculously providing fresh manna each morning." The lesson here is that Bible study is a daily necessity for the growth of a Christian. This chapter also presents five basic steps for studying scripture: 1) Choose a passage, paragraph, or chapter to study; 2) Prayer; 3) Visualize the Passage Using the Five Senses; 4) Apply It; 5) Carry Your Favorite Passage with You.

These and other practical learning tools will guide and teach what can often be a difficult subject. Deane's Learn to Study the Bible is a pragmatic way for believers to approach Bible study on a regular basis with the goal of better understanding scripture. By applying the author's suggestions and methods, students will see results in their personal lives as they practice and share their faith and interact with others. To be sure, this is a must-have text for students of the Bible, young and old.

valuable resource for developing a good Bible study method

Many families who homeschool for religious reasons include Bible study as part of their "core curriculum." Some complete homeschool curricula include Bible study, but a lot of us prefer to do even our homeschool Bible study directly from the Bible itself. This book by Andy Deane, who serves as an associate minister on the staff at Calvary Chapel Old Bridge in central New Jersey, is designed not only to encourage Bible study but also to help people learn how to study the Bible and to make Bible study interesting so that they will get more out of it. Following the introduction on the joy of Bible study, the first five chapters provide tips for profitable Bible study and give some general guidelines about determining what a passage says, what it means, and what it asks us to do.
There follow forty more chapters with forty different Bible study methods. Andy says, "The hundreds of hours spent researching and experimenting with these forty methods will enable you to find one or more that will fit your goals and begin enhancing your understanding of God's Word today." Trying different methods will help one stay fresh in his approach to God's Word, draw out spiritual truths from the Scriptures that he may have otherwise missed, and avoid the dryness that can sometimes creep into routines. Some of the chapters are basic study methods with simple ways for everyone to study the Word. Others are major study methods with time-tested approaches for those who want to go deeper. Still others are creative study methods that add variety to Bible study. There are chapters on studying specific kinds of passages, and even study methods suitable for younger students. The last two chapters have information on building a Bible reference library and some final thoughts.
Of course, the principles found in this book would be beneficial for any private, individual Bible study, but I believe that they could well be used in homeschool Bible study also to give variety. It might be interesting to try one method for a few weeks, then move on to another, using several different ones over a period of time. And the application section of each chapter will guarantee that even the homeschool Bible study will result in more than just an academic exercise. The book is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to dig deeper into the Bible and for anyone who has the opp

40 Ways to Study the Bible

In "Learn to Study the Bible" Andy Deane presents us with 40 different methods for Bible study. If one doesn't suit you, another surely will. He shows us both basic and comprehensive methods of study as well as fun and creative techniques. There is even a section of the book aimed at teenagers.

"Learn to Study the Bible" is written in an easy, conversational tone, and the methods of study are presented in a simple, straightforward manner. You can tell that Andy Deane has given as much care to his readers as he does to the youth groups he leads.

I am eager to apply these methods to my own Bible studies. While I've known a few of the methods for awhile, I usually just read the Bible and wait for something to reach out and poke me in the eye (it's not so unpleasant as it sounds, I wear glasses). This is all well and good when I am listening for God as I read, but it is rather a passive method for 'studying' the Bible. I look forward to trying most of the Bible study techniques Andy Deane has written about.

You'll Never See The Bible The Same Way Again...

For millennia, the Bible has remained one of the most significant products of human civilization, but if you've ever tried to read or study it, you're no doubt familiar with the impending sense of dread that comes along with attempting to understand scripture and verse; with its different interpretations, wide-ranging meanings, and sometimes vague, oblique references, the Good Book is often more difficult to decipher than old stereo instructions. Over the years, many a Sunday School teacher, pastor, and Biblical scholar has made noble attempts to frame its contents in the proper context, but they continue to have their work cut out for them - and teacher must often become pupil time and again in order to gain an updated understanding of the material him/herself.

Never fear, though; throughout the pages of Learn To Study The Bible, author and pastor Andy Deane provides the solution to the chief problem that's plagued would-be Bible scholars for years: how do you tackle one of the most influential - yet often inaccessible - works in the history of the world in order to take advantage of the wealth of knowledge and inspiration contained therein? Simple: by trying a broad range of different approaches. Deane's informative volume doesn't provide one sure-fire way to study Biblical scripture - it offers several, including everything from performing writing exercises to creating mini-books to making graphs. Furthermore, Learn To Study The Bible contains helpful illustrations and study aids and is crafted in simple, straightforward language, adding to its appeal to readers of all ages, regardless of your particular learning style.

The most salient aspect of Deane's opus, though, is that it emphasizes the importance of the reader developing a personalized plan for approaching Bible study. As with all things, effective learning is best accomplished through the absorption of knowledge on personal terms; in other words, the more personal the process of gaining information, the more likely that information is to be retained, and the techniques offered by Learn To Study Bible succeed in bringing that theory to life.

Insightful and enlightening, Learn To Study The Bible belongs on the shelves of Biblical scholars worldwide - whether casual or professional in their pursuits, they can only benefit from applying its invaluable methods to their ongoing efforts. Highly recommended.


Dominique Sessons
Apex Reviews

A Book for Every Believer

For almost 20 years, I have loved studying the Scriptures. I can't imagine life without God's Word! That's why I'm excited to recommend this book to others. It combines so much helpful information on how to get the most out of your time in God's Word, all in one place. You get instructions in basic Bible study skills, guidelines for developing a quiet time, and 40 different methods of Bible study with step-by-step directions and handwritten examples. But what excites me the most about this book is that it will inspire and equip Christians (young and old) to draw near to God by spending more time in personal Bible study. If you are looking for something that will help you to dig deeper into God's Word and get to know Him better, I believe you will find this book invaluable.

Unlocking Timeless Truths

A fresh new approach to study the timeless Book. This puts helpful tools in the hands of the novice all of the way to the expert. Never has there been a more complete book on as many different ways to study the Bible . . . Kudos to the author!

A Wonderful Resource for Bible Study

Because I love the scriptures and know the importance of both reading and studying the Bible, I am always thankful for practical tips that make Bible study exciting and personal. This book, with the 40 different methods mentioned, has had a direct impact on the way I approach Bible study, offering creative and easy to follow methods when analyzing texts of scripture. For anyone looking for practical methods in Bible study, I heartily commend this volume.

AWESOME BIBLE STUDY TOOL!

Bible study is something that is so overlooked and under-appreciated. This book takes it from a scholar's level and helps people understand that ANYONE can study the Bible! It's very applicable and since it presents so many different ways to do it, there's sure to be one (or a few) that fit every reader.

40 Bible Study Methods In One Book

Wow has Andy shattered the cold stone ceiling of Bible study! No longer should the Bible remain mysterious and reserved for the theologians. Many Bible study methods morph into boring laborious monotony, but not this one. Learn to Study the Bible makes knowing the Bible adventurous, deeply personal, thought provoking and just plain fun. No matter where you open this book you will discover great new methods of digging into the treasure of God's Word. Whether the chapter on Daily Devotions, the Rethink & Restate Method or Verse by Verse Charting, the next journey is more fun than the last one. Anyone wishing to cultivate the same passion for God's Word that has transformed the author will love this book.

A Valuable Resource for Every Christian

Nothing could be worse than turning the living Bible into a boring and confusing tome. Yet, that is exactly what happens to so many, simply because they haven't been given the essential tools necessary to unlock the rich character of God's Word for themselves.

As "people of the Book," we Christians have received a privilege that truly is above all else. And yet, so often I hear believers expressing frustration in their attempts to study and understand God's Word. Either they tell me they don't know how to get started. or they get bogged down in boring and monotonous study routines. or they don't know the basics of being able to observe, interpret, and apply biblical principles to their own lives.

That is why I am so excited about this book being published. Andy Deane has provided the church with an exceptional answer to this problem by giving the reader all the tools needed to grow in their understanding and love for God and His Word. In this one resource, Andy has done an amazingly thorough job of compiling a wide variety of Bible study methods and describing them in a way that is useful, concise, and practical. Frankly, I am surprised that no one has done this before.

I believe Learn to Study the Bible, is a valuable resource for every Christian who wants to dig deeper into God's Word, and also for anyone who has the opportunity to teach the Bible to others. It is a book that can be opened randomly to almost any page and on it you will find a new and exciting way to encounter the Word of God. I look forward to hearing how God uses it in the lives of His children.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.