The Bible Study Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide to an Essential Practice, By Lindsay Olesberg

The Bible Study Handbook

A Comprehensive Guide to an Essential Practice

by Lindsay Olesberg
Foreword by Ajith Fernando

The Bible Study Handbook
paperback
  • Length: 253 pages
  • Dimensions: 6 × 9 in
  • Published: November 19, 2012
  • Imprint: IVP Bible Studies
  • Item Code: 1049
  • ISBN: 9780830810499

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There are Bibles literally all over the place. You can find them in the drawer of the end table in your hotel room, under the pews at your local church, on the shelves of your local library or bookstore, posted in full and in multiple versions on any number of websites. You can find them in every corner of the earth, even (if you look carefully enough) in places where they're forbidden.

So there's no trouble getting hold of a Bible. But once you have one in your hands . . . now what? The Scriptures tell us that the Word of God is living and active; what happens to us as we interact with it?

In The Bible Study Handbook Lindsay Olesberg lays a foundation for why we read the Bible, what attitudes and expectations are most helpful as we enter into serious Bible study, and what methods and practices yield the most fruit. From foundational insights to best practices and hands-on exercises, you will find everything you need in this book to cultivate your curiosity, hone your attention and mine the applicabilities of whatever passage you find yourself in. And you'll be reminded of the insights, encouragement and even transformation waiting for people who commit to studying the Scriptures well together.

A comprehensive guide for Bible students of every level of experience and spiritual maturity.

"The Bible Study Handbook is a welcome addition to the field of inductive bible study. As an introduction to the practice it is accessible, insightful and eminently practical."

Sean Gladding, author of The Story of God, the Story of Us

"This book is like a key that unlocks life-changing ways for studying the Bible on your own. By the time you've finished, you'll want to jump out of bed and into the Bible every morning! The Lord is calling America to a Bible-reading revolution. The Bible Study Handbook will play a part in it."

Hal Seed, founding pastor of New Song Community Church and author of The Bible Questions

"Hand this out with the Bible after alter calls (if you have them). Olesberg will rescue you with fresh perspective, imaginative engagement with God and his Word, and creative methodology for inductive Bible study."

Worship Leader Magazine, May 2013

"I don't know what the solution is to getting kids to read Scripture daily and deeply, but this book will challenge you as it challenged me to be an example to them in word and deed."

Paul Turner, YouthWorker Journal, March/April 2013

"From foundational insights to best practices and hands-on exercises, this resource provides everything you need to cultivate your curiosity, hone your attention, and mine the applicabilities of any passage. And you'll be reminded of the insights, encouragement, and transformation waiting for people who commit to studying the Scriptures."

Journal of Christian Nursing, July-September 2013

"Olesberg includes often-humorous anecdotes to personalize the text and illustrate her points, along with charts, maps and graphs to explain her teaching. Hands-on exercises help make Scripture more meaningful."

Cindy Grabill, Church Libraries, Spring 2014

"Olesberg's anecdotes and writing style make this a readable book. . . . And her tips for adapting the method to a group setting are invaluable. It's worth the money."

Church Libraries, Winter 2012-13
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CONTENTS

Foreward
Introduction: Solid
Part 1: Foundations
1. Centrality of the Word
2. Power of the Word
3. Authority of the Word
4. Water for the Soul
5. Community Around the Word
Part 2: Building Blocks
6. Honor the Author
7. Respect for the Story
8. Attentiveness
9. Curiosity
10. Understanding
11. Response
Part 3: Tool Box
12. Selection
13. Creating a Manuscript
14. Prayer
15. Determining Genre
16. Research Tools
17. Identifying Structure
18. Imagination
19. Commentaries
20. Studying Poetry
21. Group Study
Appendix A: Tips for Small Group Leaders
Appendix B: Introduction to Inductive Bible Study
Appendix C: Paying Attention to the Bible
Appendix D: Laws of Composition--Extended Version
Appendix E: Resources
Acknowledgments
Notes

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Lindsay Olesberg

Lindsay Olesberg is a Bible teacher and Scripture Engagement leader with the Lausanne Movement. She has overseen Bible study and exegesis at major evangelical gatherings throughout the world.