Enjoy your Bible

In a day when the scriptures are so often handled superficially, any book which encourages young believers to engage in regular and systematic study of them is to be welcomed. This book is offered ‘to help chart your own early excursions on the limitless seas of adventuring into the written word of God’. It consists of twelve chapters plus two pages of ‘Endnotes’ – references to works quoted in the book itself. It is pitched quite deliberately at young believers. The authors are ambitious in the range of topics which they attempt to cover. They are well aware that, in several of the chapters, the reader will inevitably be wanting more help than can be provided within the compass of this relatively short book. In the light of this, a list of titles for further study would have been welcome.

Help is offered to the young believer on matters of importance when handling the scriptures. The twelve chapters alternate between the vital principle and practical detail. Bible study is not seen as an end in itself; it must affect a believer’s life. The young believer is made aware of some important distinctions to observe: the last chapter, ‘Three Important Keys’, explains the need to maintain the distinction between Israel and the church, gives an outline of the dispensations, and refers to the matter of the literal interpretation of scripture. By way of contrast, chapter 6 offers an example of how to tackle a difficult passage, the Olivet discourse.

One question which is touched on all too lightly is that of Bible versions. This is a matter on which young believers, and some who are not so young, need much help. Some versions are aggressively marketed and, unhappily, such versions may be found to be unhelpful on important matters of faith and practice. Overall, this book is a great encouragement to get down to the business of Bible study, for business it is. It will help young believers to get started.

[Our thanks to Ed Hotchin, Hucknall, Nottingham, UK, for this review]