![]() ![]() May this be the longing of our hearts, flowing from overwhelming love of Christ.Īfter the first chapter discusses what the Bible is and how we should approach it, the next 16 (very short) chapters give various tools to assist you as you dig deep in the Word. Even writing this post has made me want to grow more deeply in the Word today. Get this: it doesn’t just inform you of things, it does things in you.” I trust you will find the same. I have found this line from the introduction true in my life, as a result of understanding the Bible more (though so slowly): “The truth actually changes you. Let me tell you, as I write from northern Uganda-you and I have such a gift, and we (at least, I) undervalue it unbelievably, paying more attention to our phones, the trends of the times, our bank accounts and possessions, social media, and so forth. Let us draw near to God through the Word of Truth which He has placed in our hands. I love that this book, in the way of the Reformation, invites believers to open the Text and seek the Spirit prayerfully and personally, though not individualizing this journey. Until we devote ourselves to the Word, we are allowing our greatest and deepest beliefs, our very faith and future, to rest on what we have heard second-hand. We must be students of the Word as the disciples were in the dusty tracks of Jesus for those 3 years, and then thereafter continued in the Way. Instead, we must search the Scriptures like the Bereans. And often times, this is what we do in our silent, individual Bible study, if we have one. ![]() We cannot just say, “well, this means….to me,” while another person says the exact opposite, and then move on as though all is well. We settle in our study for statements like, “it’s all a matter of interpretation,” as though the Author (and the various human authors filled by the Spirit) had no specific intentionality behind writing. This book kicks through the front door discussing how postmodern thought has infiltrated the Church and impacted our Bible reading. Dig Deeper is that starter kit: a concise, helpful, and I believe, truly God-honoring work that will help you think deeply and apply what you learn. I kind of like it that way (obtaining a mechanics toolbox sounds great), but at the same time, I wish I had something clean, organized, and orderly to start out with. All the tools work, but they in no way fit altogether in a nice set. ![]() It’s as though I have been gathering my socket set, screw driver set, hammers, various pliers, etc. If you will allow one of my clunky illustrations: my ‘toolbox’ for understanding God’s Word has come together slowly over many years, from various passer-on-ers in a variety of places and denominations and seasons. It has been a helpful reminder in many ways, as it recaps a variety of ‘tools’ I have searched for high and low, or stumbled upon unknowingly (by God’s gracious and kind providence). How did I land a copy & why am I recommending Dig Deeper?Ī dear brother and sister, missionaries along the South Sudan border, placed this book in my hands over dinner not too long ago I am glad they did. We must truly exalt His name and His word above all things. As we open the Scriptures let us truly turn and tune our ears and hearts to the words of our Majestic Maker and Savior, the Triune God who reigns eternally. Let us listen carefully, and winsomely, to our God and King. Our ways and thoughts are not His, and He ranks gloriously and ever above us. We want to take seriously what He has spoken for He is the Author of Life and He is Truth. But the Scriptures are not our word to us, but God’s Word to His people. abuse) the Bible to say anything we want. The authors correctly note that if we merely pull verses out of their context, or skim through Divinely-inspired content, we can use (ie. It is not enough to spend minutes with an open Bible and mark a box off the Christian to-do list or add another day to your streak on the Bible App. This 147 page brief covers 16 ‘tools’ to help the diligent and desirous Bible reader understand and digest what they soak up from God’s Word. ![]()
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