Read the Bible in 3D

 

Being a pastor, I get a lot of questions about how to understand the Bible. “Where do I start?”, “What does it mean?”, “How do I make sense of this or that?” and, “How do I know it’s real?”

I just finished reading this book and I can honestly say Susan has created such a gem for anyone studying the Bible.  Her passion and understanding of God’s word is evidenced in this easy to read and easy to understand book. 

Listen to Susan’s words about the importance of studying the Bible in 3D: 

“Essential to the Christian level is studying the Bible at the devotional level-intending to apply it to our daily lives.  At this level we can read a story or a verse in the Bible and not understand it’s context, but still take away a meaning or message for our life. 

However, the danger of reading only at the personal, devotional level is that we can take Scripture out of context, which increases the possibility of misunderstanding and drawing wrong conclusions.  Therefore, we should not stop at the devotional level but also study at a more intentional, doctrinal level…and eventually the 3D level.”

The 3D level of reading the Bible goes beyond word and Bible studies.  It includes cultural, historical and religious context. Susan does a wonderful job of connecting the dots from Genesis to Revelation!  She explains so many things in this overview of the Bible.  She also addresses some hard questions believers ask.  Having just come back from Israel myself, I experienced the Bible coming alive as never before.  Susan awakens that same excitement here as she gives example after example of current day archeological finds that support the validity of the Bible!

I specifically love the way she explains the appreciation we as Christian’s should have for the Jewish people & through scripture shows our connection with them in fulfilling the end time prophecies of the return of Christ. 

Kay Arthur believes this is a must have for every believer and I have to agree.  It’s for the new believer and also the seasoned one as it makes everything you read make more sense as you understand the historical and cultural significances of scripture.