Rightly Divided: a beginner's guide to bible study

by J. Michael Lester

Have you ever opened your Bible and just stared at it? You were either unsure of where to start, or wondering if you could even make sense of it. Deep down, you want to be committed to God's Word, but you just feel like you lack the tools, the resources, or even the time? If these questions describe you - I've got good news! This book starts at Ground Zero for Bible study and takes you through a three-step process to be able to rightly divide the Bible for yourself. You will find these steps explained and illustrated in a way that you can begin studying the Bible immediately. Sample passages are worked through together and action items are provided along each step of the way. If you take these three steps to heart - Observation, Interpretation, and Application - and if you practice them consistently, I guarantee you that you will be able to get much more out of your Bible study. Don't be content to simply be spoon-fed by other Bible teachers. It's time for you to learn how to dig in for yourself and find out what this book is communicating to you. In writing this book, I have imagined myself having a one-on-one conversation at a coffee shop with you. I have thought about what I would say to you if we were having this conversation in person. Therefore, you will not find a dry, dusty academic textbook...Rather, you will find a practical, encouraging book that believes you can master this process. Why not pull up a chair and join the conversation!

Genres: Christian Living

98 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 22, 2017

Reviews

[Matt Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rightly Divided: A Beginner's Guide to Bible Study by J. Michael Lester is a must read for every Christian. It provides a very basic 3-step process for Christians to actively and accurately study the Bible. It helps you to begin reading with a plan to get the deep meaning and application from the Scriptures. Rightly Divided takes you from observation to interpretation to application while giving you tools for each step along the way. 

I highly recommend Rightly Divided for every Christian no matter how long you have been saved. It has helped me to refine and deepen my Bible study, and I am sure it will do the same for you. 

[Samuel Kerch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rightly Divided by J. Michael Lester of @wcbc is the textbook for the Basic Hermeneutics class there. It goes through a three step process for proper Bible interpretation. You don’t start with “what does the passage mean to me?” You do start with observing context and what it teaches me about God himself. Very helpful primer. #hermeneutics #biblestudy #christianlife #mybookshelf #michaellester #booksiveread #collegetextbooks

[Andrew wippler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent for any level

While this book may be directed at those new to Bible study, it serves as a great resource for any Christian.

[Jennifer VanderPloeg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great (short) book if you’re looking for a quick resource to help you dig a little deeper into the bible than just reading it.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanking you for this wonderful book. It's a blessing to gain knowledge on how to understand His Word more.

[Ryan Rench · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is pitched as (and reads like) a book you would give to a new believer, with topics you would discuss over a cup of coffee. It’s a layman’s first approach to the topic of Bible study and takes the reader through the general principles and best tactics to start reading and understanding the Bible.

I appreciated the simplicity and the obvious love of God's Word. I recommend this as a simple go-to book for anyone looking to get right into Bible study. My BIBS book takes a similar approach but is longer, and Howard Hendricks' LIVING BY THE BOOK also helps the layman but is way more detailed.