Jesus chastised the Scripture readers (religious leaders) in his day because they misread the Bible. “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life” (John 5:39–40). How do we come to and meet with Jesus through our Bible reading? After his resurrection, Jesus met with his followers to open their minds to understand the Scriptures. He made clear that, “everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled” (Luke 24:44–45; emphasis mine). Understanding the plotline of Jesus’ life gives us the instrument whereby we can meet with Jesus through our Bible reading. It unifies and illuminates the beautiful diversity of Scripture writings. But not only will this book lead you to meet with Jesus through your Bible reading. More importantly, it will lead you to life in Christ. For the plotline of Jesus’ life is also the story of a Christian’s life from divine birth to new creation in this age and into the next!

Would you like to enter Scripture in a way that draws you deeper into the very presence of the Holy? These forty guided meditations from experienced Bible teacher Jan Johnson open us to the experience of God's Word speaking into our lives, giving individuals and groups the tools we need to encounter Christ with lectio divina.

How does prayer work? What does the Bible really say about money? Does the Bible have anything to say about friendship? You’ll find answers to these questions and many more, quickly and easily in The Handbook of Bible Application. The Bible is full of wisdom about life. Yet it’s not always easy to connect the dots between the various Bible passages on any particular subject—whether it’s a question about dealing with money or about overcoming depression. The Handbook of Bible Application is your guide to the Bible, organized by topics that impact the way you live your life every day: accountability, attitudes, contentment, depression, doubt, encouragement, friendship, money, popularity, sex, singleness, worry, and hundreds of other topics. This is a biblical resource you won’t want to be without.