The Bible Study Handbook

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.



Lindsay Olesberg is the Scripture manager for the Urbana Student Missions Convention. She has overseen Bible study and exegesis at major evangelical gatherings throughout the world.

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. Prayer


13. Selection


14. Creating a Manuscript


15. Determining Genre


16. Research Tools


17. Identifying Structure


18. Imagination


19. Using Commentaries


20. Studying Poetry


21. Group Study


Appendix A: Small Group Leader Tips


Appendix B: Handouts for Small Groups


Appendix C: Resources

"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."



"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."



"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."



"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."



"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."



"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."



"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." weniger anzeigen expand_less