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Ten Questions to Ask Every Time You Read the Bible
Reading the Bible by yourself can be intimidating. Knowing how to study Scripture is a skill. Think of this book as a guide to read along with the Bible. It is a guide full of questions to ask yourself to improve this skill. Each question can be applied as you read or meditate on a verse or section. Whether you’re a new or seasoned reader of Scripture, you can use this book to grow your confidence in your study.
We live in a time of soundbites, summaries, and short form content. While there are advantages to this style of communication, it also brings with it weakness. We rarely ask questions about origin, context, or accurate application. “As long as this meme makes my point, that’s all that matters,” we say. Andrew Jones tactfully teaches readers how to properly engage the Bible so as to rightly be acquainted with the words of life. Ten Questions to Ask Every Time You Read the Bible is a necessary supplement to your Bible reading intake.
- Marcus “FLAME” Gray, Grammy Nominated Christian Rap Artist
Andrew offers us something incredibly beautiful and hopeful in his book, Ten Questions to Ask Every Time You Read the Bible. He guides us with wonderfully crafted questions that invite us to go deeper with God’s Word and live out our hope in Christ with a renewed spirit. This is a great book for those who are new to reading the Bible and even those who have been reading it for years!
- Tanner Olson, author, poet, and speaker
Ten Questions will guide you to read the Bible with confidence. With accessible language and a bit of humor, Pastor Jones moves you through biblical passages from the familiar to the unfamiliar (from the Sermon on the Mount to Haggai) to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd. With concrete examples, sample discussions, and skilled guidance, Ten Questions provides a simple yet effective approach that will encourage you to read the Bible more—or begin to read the Bible on your own. The short studies at the end of the book on four passages are worth reading all on their own. Pastor Jones loves the Scripture, loves teaching it, and will help you love reading God’s written Word.
- Jeffrey Kloha, Chief Curatorial Officer, Museum of the Bible
We live in a time of soundbites, summaries, and short form content. While there are advantages to this style of communication, it also brings with it weakness. We rarely ask questions about origin, context, or accurate application. “As long as this meme makes my point, that’s all that matters,” we say. Andrew Jones tactfully teaches readers how to properly engage the Bible so as to rightly be acquainted with the words of life. Ten Questions to Ask Every Time You Read the Bible is a necessary supplement to your Bible reading intake.
- Marcus “FLAME” Gray, Grammy Nominated Christian Rap Artist
Andrew offers us something incredibly beautiful and hopeful in his book, Ten Questions to Ask Every Time You Read the Bible. He guides us with wonderfully crafted questions that invite us to go deeper with God’s Word and live out our hope in Christ with a renewed spirit. This is a great book for those who are new to reading the Bible and even those who have been reading it for years!
- Tanner Olson, author, poet, and speaker
Ten Questions will guide you to read the Bible with confidence. With accessible language and a bit of humor, Pastor Jones moves you through biblical passages from the familiar to the unfamiliar (from the Sermon on the Mount to Haggai) to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd. With concrete examples, sample discussions, and skilled guidance, Ten Questions provides a simple yet effective approach that will encourage you to read the Bible more—or begin to read the Bible on your own. The short studies at the end of the book on four passages are worth reading all on their own. Pastor Jones loves the Scripture, loves teaching it, and will help you love reading God’s written Word.
- Jeffrey Kloha, Chief Curatorial Officer, Museum of the Bible
208 pages, Paperback
Published November 10, 2022
19 people are currently reading
1351 people want to read
About the author
Andrew R. Jones
2 books28 followersAndrew R. Jones lives in the San Francisco Bay Area where he enjoys writing, hiking, and adventures with his wife, Stephanie. He has served the church on three continents in varying roles including campus ministry, international mission work, professor of preaching, and parish pastor. His writings speak to the importance of spiritual formation in the midst of a hectic world.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 28, 2023
Snuck in one last read for 22.
Really just a fantastic book. I look forward to going through it again and again, and walking with my congregation through the book as well. Rev. Jones did a fantastic job walking through ways to better understand the Bible. A great resource in an age of biblical illiteracy (my own included...)!
Really just a fantastic book. I look forward to going through it again and again, and walking with my congregation through the book as well. Rev. Jones did a fantastic job walking through ways to better understand the Bible. A great resource in an age of biblical illiteracy (my own included...)!
December 5, 2022
Praise for Andrew R. Jones 10 Questions to Ask Every time You Read the Bible
Jones book is a welcome addition to any theological library for a few reasons. First, it is invites the reader on a journey of reading scripture- he isn’t necessarily telling you what it says, but how to get at what it says. Jones is coming from a Lutheran (LCMS) perspective and while this is clear, readers from other traditions should feel comfortable with much of his exegesis.
Secondly, it is an especially good didactic tool: asking good questions of any text is the means to mine it for all it is worth. By adopting his questions for reading the book serves as a tool for future bible reading. His “Putting it into practice” is helpful as a way to conclude chapters with a practical bent.
And thirdly, it is interactive- with questions, suggestions and fill I the blank options it can be used in small groups or by yourself but with helpful places for personal reflection.
Lastly, he is a pastor and this is reflected in the text as it both engages (with many cultural references) and seeks to help the reader grow in the practical knowledge of Scripture.
The “Sola Scriptura” (Scripture alone) tradition can often lean more heavily on secondary documents instead of mining the primary source for theology- Jones book is a welcome new title.
Jones book is a welcome addition to any theological library for a few reasons. First, it is invites the reader on a journey of reading scripture- he isn’t necessarily telling you what it says, but how to get at what it says. Jones is coming from a Lutheran (LCMS) perspective and while this is clear, readers from other traditions should feel comfortable with much of his exegesis.
Secondly, it is an especially good didactic tool: asking good questions of any text is the means to mine it for all it is worth. By adopting his questions for reading the book serves as a tool for future bible reading. His “Putting it into practice” is helpful as a way to conclude chapters with a practical bent.
And thirdly, it is interactive- with questions, suggestions and fill I the blank options it can be used in small groups or by yourself but with helpful places for personal reflection.
Lastly, he is a pastor and this is reflected in the text as it both engages (with many cultural references) and seeks to help the reader grow in the practical knowledge of Scripture.
The “Sola Scriptura” (Scripture alone) tradition can often lean more heavily on secondary documents instead of mining the primary source for theology- Jones book is a welcome new title.
October 19, 2022
This is a book I can recommend to people new to reading the Bible and seasoned Christians alike. There’s an enriching, encouraging, thoughtful word here for everyone—and that’s hard to do!
The book’s structure is easy to follow and can be used by itself or to augment any Bible study or devotional. Each chapter relates a common experience or known truth to a reality of Scripture, making opening the Bible less intimidating. In doing so, the reader is set up for an engaging experience with any passage as God’s Word comes alive.
More personally, Jones says that “Part of being biblically fluent is understanding the many and various ways in which God acts for His people.” That’s what I discovered following these 10 questions. It can be easy to present the Gospel in the “language” most natural to me — using one main example or narrative. This book helped me explore other ways to present God’s timeless truths and in doing so, increased my understanding of and gratefulness for our infinite God.
The book’s structure is easy to follow and can be used by itself or to augment any Bible study or devotional. Each chapter relates a common experience or known truth to a reality of Scripture, making opening the Bible less intimidating. In doing so, the reader is set up for an engaging experience with any passage as God’s Word comes alive.
More personally, Jones says that “Part of being biblically fluent is understanding the many and various ways in which God acts for His people.” That’s what I discovered following these 10 questions. It can be easy to present the Gospel in the “language” most natural to me — using one main example or narrative. This book helped me explore other ways to present God’s timeless truths and in doing so, increased my understanding of and gratefulness for our infinite God.
October 31, 2022
Reading the Bible often sounds like such an intimidating task. Whether it’s because of lack of interest or because it’s not written like any other book, it can be intimidating even for the most “seasoned” Christian. But fear not!
In his book, author Andrew Jones offers up a new approach to reading the Bible that engages you from “question one.” Each question along the way helps to unpack the content of the Bible in a practical and tangible way, even providing opportunities to put the questions into practice along the way! As you read, you’ll see that the questions function both individually and collectively, which only adds to the richness of this book and your future Bible reading.
Whether you’ve never read the Bible before or you read it daily, asking yourself these 10 questions will change the way you read the Bible forever!
In his book, author Andrew Jones offers up a new approach to reading the Bible that engages you from “question one.” Each question along the way helps to unpack the content of the Bible in a practical and tangible way, even providing opportunities to put the questions into practice along the way! As you read, you’ll see that the questions function both individually and collectively, which only adds to the richness of this book and your future Bible reading.
Whether you’ve never read the Bible before or you read it daily, asking yourself these 10 questions will change the way you read the Bible forever!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2022
This book is a wonderful resource for the every day man and our churches when it comes to how to read the Bible. With Andrew’s insightful views and numerous examples, he creates a learning experience that isn’t passive but active. I plan on teaching the principles in this book to others within our church and youth group!
December 12, 2022
Thank you for this wonderful book and thank you for the signature and stickers!
December 14, 2023
The Best Questions
This was a really good book on preparing yourself for reading the Bible
I got a lot out of this book and it really gave a lot of great context to various themes and pieces that you read in the various books.
I thought it had some really good parts about looking at the whole picture and deepening your understanding.
It gave some really good examples of why it is important to read the full context and understand everything with the Bible.
Would very much recommend reading this.
4.7/5
This was a really good book on preparing yourself for reading the Bible
I got a lot out of this book and it really gave a lot of great context to various themes and pieces that you read in the various books.
I thought it had some really good parts about looking at the whole picture and deepening your understanding.
It gave some really good examples of why it is important to read the full context and understand everything with the Bible.
Would very much recommend reading this.
4.7/5
October 20, 2022
I enjoy being challenged to look at things in a new way, and Andrew Jones's book "Ten Questions to Ask Every Time You Read the Bible" does just that. I was given the chance to read an advance copy and I loved his insight and the gentle way he guides and challenges his readers to look deeper at the Bible passage in front of them. I often found myself stopping along the way to highlight, reflect, and really think about what was being presented in the text. This book has changed the way I read and think about the Bible and I know it will be a blessing to anyone who picks it up!
March 1, 2023
Reading this book feels like attending a Pastor-led Bible study. (Something I love to do and highly recommend!) I highly recommend this book for anyone who is looking for a bit of practical help and encouragement in their Bible reading.
November 8, 2022
The Bible is not an easy book to enter. Written over multiple centuries by multiple human authors, it can easily overwhelm the reader. Pastor Jones's book makes the Word of God easier to enter by offering ten questions to consider as you read any passage of Holy Writ. Each question gets its own chapter-as well as examples drawn from different parts of Scripture. After reading the chapters on every question, you can then practice all of them on four famous Bible texts (with some guidance from the author).
I appreciated several aspects of this book. First, how Pastor Jones encourages us to ask questions as we read the Bible. We learn best when we are actively asking about what we are doing-and reading the Bible is no exception. It's no accident that Christians are frequently called 'disciples'-in other words, students. A Christian is a lifelong student of Jesus Christ. He is our teacher, and His Word is how He speaks to us. So when we ask questions of His Word, we get to learn more from Christ Himself.
Having a literary background, I was grateful to see how much Pastor Jones urges us to read the Bible in context. A common danger is reading Bible verses out of context. To help improve our reading, Pastor Jones encourages us to read what comes before and after a chosen text. The simple advice to consider WHERE we are in a Bible story was also helpful. For though the biblical locations may be unfamiliar to many readers, they are often full of significance. In other words, maps are a helpful tool for understanding the Bible better!
I was especially grateful to see Pastor Jones acknowledge the value of our feelings as we read the Bible. For unfortunate reasons, emotions are often viewed with suspicion in Lutheran circles. Though Pastor Jones rightly warns us not to treat our feelings as the source of all truth, we still do well to acknowledge them as we read God's Word-for they can help lead us into greater understanding of the texts.
But the thing I appreciated most was how often Pastor Jones emphasizes how Holy Scripture brings Christ to us. When we read the Bible, we aren't only learning about how Christ saved some people long ago. We are hearing how He saves us today as well. Through the words of Scripture, Christ saves us from sin, death, and the devil. Through these life-giving words, faith is created and nurtured in us. Though we learn many things from the Bible, the most important thing we learn-over and over again-is that Jesus Christ saves us from our enemies.
I recommend this book to anyone who feels overwhelmed by reading the Bible or who is familiar with it and wishes to deepen their understanding of this precious collection of books. I look forward to adding a few copies to my church library.
I appreciated several aspects of this book. First, how Pastor Jones encourages us to ask questions as we read the Bible. We learn best when we are actively asking about what we are doing-and reading the Bible is no exception. It's no accident that Christians are frequently called 'disciples'-in other words, students. A Christian is a lifelong student of Jesus Christ. He is our teacher, and His Word is how He speaks to us. So when we ask questions of His Word, we get to learn more from Christ Himself.
Having a literary background, I was grateful to see how much Pastor Jones urges us to read the Bible in context. A common danger is reading Bible verses out of context. To help improve our reading, Pastor Jones encourages us to read what comes before and after a chosen text. The simple advice to consider WHERE we are in a Bible story was also helpful. For though the biblical locations may be unfamiliar to many readers, they are often full of significance. In other words, maps are a helpful tool for understanding the Bible better!
I was especially grateful to see Pastor Jones acknowledge the value of our feelings as we read the Bible. For unfortunate reasons, emotions are often viewed with suspicion in Lutheran circles. Though Pastor Jones rightly warns us not to treat our feelings as the source of all truth, we still do well to acknowledge them as we read God's Word-for they can help lead us into greater understanding of the texts.
But the thing I appreciated most was how often Pastor Jones emphasizes how Holy Scripture brings Christ to us. When we read the Bible, we aren't only learning about how Christ saved some people long ago. We are hearing how He saves us today as well. Through the words of Scripture, Christ saves us from sin, death, and the devil. Through these life-giving words, faith is created and nurtured in us. Though we learn many things from the Bible, the most important thing we learn-over and over again-is that Jesus Christ saves us from our enemies.
I recommend this book to anyone who feels overwhelmed by reading the Bible or who is familiar with it and wishes to deepen their understanding of this precious collection of books. I look forward to adding a few copies to my church library.
November 11, 2022
Reading the Bible can be difficult. People new to the Bible may find them hard to understand beneath centuries of cultural shifts, distance from the subjects, and the emphases of various translations. More seasoned readers might be tempted to interject their own historical theories or doctrinal views on the individual narratives. It can be helpful for new readers and veteran readers alike to take a step back to consider the narrative itself on its own terms. Andrew Jones suggests we do just that by asking a series of 10 questions. While these questions seem simple on the surface, they are anything but. Each encourages the Christian reader to consider aspects of the narrative that she or he might not otherwise have considered.
Other reviews have already spoken to the accessibility of these questions, so I will give a concrete example of their application. For example, take Question 3: "Whose point of view am I taking?" When the reader identifies with a character, suddenly the Scriptural characters come alive in the mind. The Christian reader will also begin to see God at work in their own lives. The example of the character can give peace and comfort! Taking this a step further, the Christian reader also can reflect on why she or he connects with a given character. Introspection about motives then ensues and reveals a need and a gratefulness for Jesus. Read about Saul's fear of facing Goliath? Readers become more aware of God providing 'Davids' to defend them in their lives, and are encouraged to do the same. Read about David trusting God to face down Goliath's taunts and lies? Readers are empowered to do the same against Satan's accusations.
Jones masterfully translates concepts from hermeneutics and communication studies into a devotional, accessible, and downright helpful book. All Christians will benefit from "10 Questions."
Other reviews have already spoken to the accessibility of these questions, so I will give a concrete example of their application. For example, take Question 3: "Whose point of view am I taking?" When the reader identifies with a character, suddenly the Scriptural characters come alive in the mind. The Christian reader will also begin to see God at work in their own lives. The example of the character can give peace and comfort! Taking this a step further, the Christian reader also can reflect on why she or he connects with a given character. Introspection about motives then ensues and reveals a need and a gratefulness for Jesus. Read about Saul's fear of facing Goliath? Readers become more aware of God providing 'Davids' to defend them in their lives, and are encouraged to do the same. Read about David trusting God to face down Goliath's taunts and lies? Readers are empowered to do the same against Satan's accusations.
Jones masterfully translates concepts from hermeneutics and communication studies into a devotional, accessible, and downright helpful book. All Christians will benefit from "10 Questions."
July 21, 2023
Jones’ questions are very good at helping everyday people to read scripture according to the literal/historical sense. His questions are designed to help people find meaning in scripture rather than help people to shut down “out of bounds” meaning. This is wonderful to see and I commend Jones for his work.
I only have a few nitpicky misgivings. It was unclear to me how dividing particular “enemies” into the buckets of sin, death, and Satan is helpful in making sense of texts. The divisions seemed somewhat arbitrary and it wasn’t clear what the payout was for approaching this question in this way. The question, “Where are we?” is helpful, however I wish this had been approached in a way that wasn’t as narrowly focused on geography. Finally, Jones’ questions are particularly suited to narrative, which is only one genre among many in the scriptures. I would’ve appreciated more discussion of the way that genre complicates the application of these questions.
All in all, these are very narrow concerns and Jones has offered something of definite value to the church.
I only have a few nitpicky misgivings. It was unclear to me how dividing particular “enemies” into the buckets of sin, death, and Satan is helpful in making sense of texts. The divisions seemed somewhat arbitrary and it wasn’t clear what the payout was for approaching this question in this way. The question, “Where are we?” is helpful, however I wish this had been approached in a way that wasn’t as narrowly focused on geography. Finally, Jones’ questions are particularly suited to narrative, which is only one genre among many in the scriptures. I would’ve appreciated more discussion of the way that genre complicates the application of these questions.
All in all, these are very narrow concerns and Jones has offered something of definite value to the church.
November 10, 2022
Have you ever wanted to take a closer look into what the Bible means in YOUR life, beyond what you hear from your pastor, Christian friends and teachers? This book is a great guide to help you on your journey. Andrew Jones' thoughtful approach to reading the Bible through asking 10 basic questions each time you read takes you down a path that is easy to follow and at the same time stimulating, thought provoking and grounded in deeply meaningful truths. I highly recommend this book if you are looking to dig a bit deeper into how God's word can speak personally to YOU.
November 8, 2022
Practical and engaging, this book invites us to ask questions about God and His word. Not only that, the author walks along with the reader by providing practical application and examples for each question at the end of each chapter.
A wonderful companion to God's Word for Biblical novices or scholars, this book will invigorate the reader to dive deeper into scripture asking questions along the way.
A wonderful companion to God's Word for Biblical novices or scholars, this book will invigorate the reader to dive deeper into scripture asking questions along the way.
May 30, 2023
As someone who teaches inductive Bible study, I read a lot of these "How to" books. Most simply tread and retread over old territory with similar examples. This book is not like that. Harnessing the power of questions and curiosity, this book gives you 10 questions that will help vou significantly study a passage in a hermeneutically faithful way. These 10 questions can turn your daily Scripture reading into a meaningful time in God's Word. This is a "How to Study the Bible" book that I will wholeheartedly recommend.
February 15, 2023
Great and thoughtful book to sue while reading the Bible. I found it truly helpful.
October 11, 2022
This is an incredibly helpful book for all people - no matter how much or little you may already know about reading the Bible. The depth that Jones writes with is immense and yet it is always accessible and approachable. Even for the most seasoned of Bible readers, you will no doubt have many new insights, reflections, and ways to read the Scriptures from this.
The image that comes to mind is wading into the ocean from the shore. You begin with simply dipping your toes in as you begin a chapter, and by the end you have immersed yourself perhaps without realizing how far you've gone.
The practical help and exercises included in each chapter of the book are two things that make this stand out from other "how-to" books about biblical literacy that I have read.
As a pastor myself, helping people grow in confidence of reading the Bible is a key part of my life. This will become a great resource that I can pass on and give to others toward that aim.
The image that comes to mind is wading into the ocean from the shore. You begin with simply dipping your toes in as you begin a chapter, and by the end you have immersed yourself perhaps without realizing how far you've gone.
The practical help and exercises included in each chapter of the book are two things that make this stand out from other "how-to" books about biblical literacy that I have read.
As a pastor myself, helping people grow in confidence of reading the Bible is a key part of my life. This will become a great resource that I can pass on and give to others toward that aim.
October 6, 2022
Ten reasons why you should read this book:
1. it is practical
2. it is personal
3. it is theologically reliable
4. it is surprising
5. it is expanding your horizons
6. it is pastoral
7. it is easy to understand
8. it is stimulating
9. it is illustrative
10. it is really, really good
1. it is practical
2. it is personal
3. it is theologically reliable
4. it is surprising
5. it is expanding your horizons
6. it is pastoral
7. it is easy to understand
8. it is stimulating
9. it is illustrative
10. it is really, really good
May 14, 2024
I'm not surprised to see so many early five-star reviews. This book provides a simple and practical framework for reading the Bible more deeply. It will benefit people who are intimidated even to get started, and there is plenty of material experienced students will glean from this volume. I am finding it helpful for structuring Bible studies and some sermons. My only criticism is that including an appendix with suggested Biblical resources for new readers may have been beneficial. I recommend Concordia Publishing Houses Lutheran Study Bible and the two-volume Bible Companion.
March 8, 2023
All good questions
April 22, 2023
My small group did this book together. We loved how Andrew Jones led us through the process of asking interesting questions when studying the Bible. Some of the questions I had already been using in my personal study, but some were new and added a new layer to my Scripture study. I love spending time in God's Word and discovering new lenses to examine it with. This book will have a permanent place on my shelf!
November 22, 2022
I read this book before it was submitted to the publisher, and I read this book in the editing stage, and now I’ve finally got to read it for my own personal use, and I’m just as much struck with its simplicity and yet depth. What a gift Andy has shared with any person who wants to read the Bible.
August 31, 2024
An excellent, transformative guide to studying and pondering the Bible.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews