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One to One Bible Reading

one to oneThink about this: most (if not all) of what we want to see happen in our churches is tied to the Bible. We want to see churches that are so calibrated and marinated in the Bible that the entire life of the church would carry a bibline scent. This is why we preach, pray, study, catechize and train children, encourage small groups, and countless other ministries. We want to get the Bible into the marrow of our churches.

Now let’s be honest. Bible reading, while nevertheless important, is also often neglected or at least marginalized a bit. There are a number of reasons for this, but I want to focus on one and a helpful solution. As I talk with people about the importance of reading the Bible and personal discipleship, I often hear that people feel ill-equipped to read the Bible with others. After being a part of countless Sunday school classes, Bible studies, and sermons, church members consider what they’ve seen and say, “I can’t do that.” And perhaps, they are right, maybe they can’t preach a sermon or lead an in-depth Bible study for a couple of dozen people.

But they can read the Bible with other Christians. I’m certain of it.

One of my favorite resources for this is One to One Bible Reading by David Helm. In Helm’s book he encourages and equips us to read the Bible with other Christians and even non-Christians. This little resource is as accessible as it is helpful. Helm shares how any Christian can plan to and actually go and spend time in the Word with others. He explains how to get started, prepare, and how to structure a typical meeting.

Another aspect of this book that I like is the easy-to-remember ways to go about reading the Bible with others. Helm’s COMA method (context, observation, meaning, application) is perfect for believers of any level. As a pastor I have the opposite problem than I’ve outlined above (I’m sure other pastors can relate). When I sit down to read the Bible and pray with other Christians (even family devotions) I feel this urge to preach a sermon or at least track down a bunch of things. Imagine a new Christian or even a friend who is not yet a Christian spending time in sermon prep with a pastor. It’s messy business; lots of scribbles, underlining, unresolved questions, and speculation. Helm’s book helps to keep things simple and on track. This is good for all of us.

Finally, the book provides a number of sample studies that you can do with people. These studies are super helpful and encouraging (reminding you that you can get through Mark at this pace). I’ve used this book for about four years now as I’ve met with a number of Christians and non-Christians. I’ve used it for family devotions. I’ve used it for personal devotions. The book is extremely helpful.

So, if you are thinking that you would like to spend time reading the Bible with someone but think you might need some tips, then pick up David’s book and get to work. It is definitely the book that I recommend and give away most.

You can pick up discounted copies at Amazon.

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