This review will address several issues the Christian might experience in this life. Howard and William Hendricks, who wrote, “Living by the Book” will help guide us through wisdom, application and discernment in these different topics addressed in the text. In my research, I find that Christians sometimes have the wrong motives, interpretation and vision God has for us and wants us to live by. Also, we have some discrepancies as a body in the church with what we are called to do, as well as living “through” the meaning and literacy in the word of God.
“Living by the Book”, educates us, that there are in fact issues we must address in the church as well as “us”, the readers. We find that Bible Study is a key motivation in growing through what the Bible says and a community of people that strive for the same goal, Christ. (Hedrick’s) This motivates the group to hear the Gospel, understand the background and interpret the teaching, and then as we gain the wisdom, helps us apply that wisdom. Accountability is another application that can be helpful in our spiritual growth.
Like you, I find it’s hard to “make” the time or keep the discipline to stay in the word constantly. I find other things to do try and distract me from spending time in the word. Hendricks’s recognizes these facts and helps us understand why we don’t want to spend time with the word and why it is relevant in today’s society to spend time with God’s word. We live in the United States, where reading the Bible can be tough, because of our influences. Living by the Book explains the reasons and lame excuses we might have not to spend to in the word. We as a nation don’t depend on the word like many different nations or countries, because of our lifestyles and luxuries. This is NOT a luxury, the word and the ability to read the Bible is the only thing we should hold on too. (Hendricks) Living by the book will help the reader understand the Word of the Living God, what fruit we can experience and the application, which makes all of this effective in our community. These guys do a great job of explaining the application process in a Bible Study for all walks of life.
There is something to learn from this study in how to study, no matter which person or background, from a pastor that has heard it his whole life, to a student that knows it all and needs direction, to the married couple struggling as well as the new Christian desiring to be lead well throughout his walk. Our goal in this is to listen to the spirit, apply the teachings and CHANGE lives in the process.
Application, previously mentioned is much more than a bunch of rules or behavior management. What we live by is way more than what our words do… We can say anything that we have heard from others who have experienced the change in their lives, but even if we are teaching someone our wisdom it has no impact until others see it as an example for them to live it out. We must deny ourselves as well as our desires to be true followers of Christ. (Matt 16) Our thoughts lead our actions, so if change that then we can truly be justified through him in the lifestyle and commitment to HIM through that change. We must take up the Cross and follow Him and the main instrument is the Bible and its contents in this process. Observation, evaluation and interpretation are the main things the reader is asked to do in the text of “Living by the Book.” We are taught to look at scripture in this manner to discern what we have read in the research throughout scripture. Additionally, historical data and cultural backgrounds are articulated to the reader in his/her findings.
As the reader, we find the many different ways to compare the texts and to make sure that our interpretations match up to the proper interpretation or exegesis. Scripture does not confuse or conflict, so if you are conflicted as the reader, you probably have the wrong interpretation, which Hedrick’s helps us dissolve. Lastly, we learn really be honest with ourselves and ask ourselves this, “Are my heart and actions lining up with what is really happening in this life?” We neglect the application so much as Christians, that we must make this a “Homerun” for us in the conclusion of the text. Behavior management, memorizing scripture and laws are NOT the goal here, letting Jesus work through community and loving conviction are. There are several applications that I will use through my life and study groups. I can’t be too quick to jump to conclusions or interpretations. I must meditate on Scripture, while letting the love of Christ manifest in me. Making my actions, become his actions.
Conclusion
This is a great book that will I use and recommend to my small group and church. This is an easy read that makes it simple for the young or old reader to understand and apply the process taught by Hendricks. We must make the time to take these teachings, bringing them to the table, receiving the love and wisdom from those who understand the process in this text. We have to be careful in being so result driven. We must interpret the correct meanings to teach the process to ensure we bring up life changing disciples.
Bibliography
Hendrick, Howard G. and Hendricks, William D. Living by the Book: The Art And Science of Reading the Bible, Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 2007.
The New Oxford Annotated Bible: With the Apocryphal/Deuterocanonical Books, New Revised Standard Version. Michael D. Coogan, editor. New York: Oxford UP, 2001. Print.
