This past Sunday we continued in the series “Grow Up” with a look into Nehemiah 8:1-12. There we saw God’s people demonstrating both an eagerness for and a proper response to the Scriptures. As we noted, they weren’t merely hearers of the Word but doers as well.
Tony Reinke summarizes John Piper for us with some worthwhile reading on this subject. He addresses why we neglect our Bibles in this Desiring God blog article. You can read it here: http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/why-we-neglect-our-bibles and I hope you do!
In the course of the message I recommended several resources to you. I want to list them some of them here and provide you with internet links for ordering. I’ve found consistently good prices at the Westminster Theological Seminary bookstore so I’ve linked to them when possible.
Study Bibles
Study Bibles are a great help. They give excellent introductory articles with historical context, author, date, and themes of the book. Explanatory notes that come with certain Bible passages are a great aid. But be reminded- the notes are not on equal footing with the inspired words of the Bible itself! Here are three suggested Bibles:
Reformation Study Bible – this study Bible is published by Ligonier Ministries. It has some excellent explanatory notes. It has a healthy Reformed theological emphasis.
ESV Study Bible – this study Bible is published by Crossway. It may be the most complete study Bible on the market with excellent background material and solid explanatory notes.
Gospel Transformation Bible – a recent addition to the growing list of study Bibles published by Crossway. This Bible provides an excellent look at Christ in every book of the Bible.
Personal Bible Study
There are many excellent resources to help you on your way for personal Bible study. Having a plan for daily reading is a good place to start. If you go to www.esvbible.org and click on the small calendar icon marked “plans” on the top left you’ll be provided with several different approaches.
In addition, let me recommend Tabletalk magazine published by Ligonier Ministries. This monthly publication gives you daily studies along with a Bible reading plan. I’ve been a subscriber for years and enjoy the articles that come in the magazine each month that cover a different topic or theme. Go to www.ligonier.org/tabletalk/ and sign up for a free 3 month trial subscription.
This coming week in our series “Grow Up!” we’ll be considering “Prayer: What Is It?” from Revelation 8:1-5. Looking forward to seeing you this Lord’s Day!