Originally featured as articles in the ESV Study Bible, these eighteen essays have been repurposed and republished in a convenient format. Covering a diverse range of essential subjects, including how to read the Bible well and why it is reliable, the essays delve into specific topics such as world religions, canon, and archaeology. Useful as both a general overview of the Bible and as a tool for more specific reference and training, readers of this book will grow in their understanding of Scripture and their ability to apply the Bible to their lives. Pastors, lay leaders, students, and other Christians engaged in studying God's Word will benefit from this collection, written by notable contributors, including J. I. Packer, John Piper, David Powlison, and Vern Poythress.

Understanding the Bible will provide you with a foundational knowledge of the entirety of Scripture with a focus on broadening your vision of Jesus Christ. This book answers foundational questions: Who wrote the Bible? What is its message? Why is it thought to be a "holy" book? How does one read and interpret it? By delving into the geographical, religious, and historical concerns that shaped the world of biblical times, you'll see Jesus as never before: both as a man of his times and culture, and as the culmination of a divine providence that prepared the way for the ministry of the Messiah. Written by renowned preacher, writer, and apologist John Stott, this new, expanded edition includes: Questions at the beginning of each chapter to help you focus. New, up-to-date maps for the chapters on history and geography. An index to help you speedily access areas of interest.

Understanding and Applying the Scriptures is well-named. It gives an overview of how the Bible was created, from the time it was in the mind of God to the various translations of the Bible we use every day. It also divides the rules of interpreting the Bible into eight general categories with illustrations and projects designed to make these practical. In addition, the book explains how to understand the various special literary devices in the Bible such as psalms, proverbs, prophecies and parables. The final section practically demonstrates how to convert interpretation into application. The book grew out of the authors almost forty years of combined teaching experience. It reflects not so much the scholar's approach to hermeneutics as the practitioner's. The principles taught in this book are the ones the authors use every day in their preparation for teaching and preaching. This book will help you understand the Bible better and apply it more accurately in your life and the lives of those under your ministry

A resource that helps readers of the Bible to read it, difficult passages included, in ways that enhance their sense of loving connection so that they feel closer to God, themselves, others and their world.

In this revised edition of his classic, R. C. Sproul helps us dig out the meaning of Scripture for ourselves. He presents a commonsense approach to studying Scripture and gives eleven practical guidelines for biblical interpretation and applying what we learn. He lays the groundwork by discussing why we should study the Bible and how our own personal study relates to interpretation.

2017 ECPA Christian Book Award Finalist (Christian Living category) Are you getting the spiritual nourishment you need? Optimal health requires optimal nutrition. The same is true spiritually speaking. Without sufficient and regular biblical nutrition, our inner lives begin to suffer the consequences. We become shallow and selfish, more demanding and less gentle, and quick to react impatiently, rashly, and angrily. These are telltale signs of inner malnutrition. In Searching the Scriptures, respected Bible teacher Chuck Swindoll shows us how to dig deep into Scripture and uncover its profound truths for our lives. He outlines the principles of Bible study that will help you understand God’s Word, apply it, and communicate it clearly to those around you. Too many people try to go it alone, without a guide, for this life and the next. Chuck explains how we can fix our own spiritual meals, then invites us to feast on nourishing truths we can discover in God’s Word.