Bertram Melbourne takes a thoughtful look at the current state of affairs in our culture and the toll it has taken on the Bible study habits of Christians. According to Melbourne, the Bible has been scheduled out of the daily lives of most Christians. In this work, the author draws our attention to what is truly important. In a world of constant busyness, time must still be carved out for that which is of ultimate importance.
Melbourne not only highlights the necessity of Bible study, but accomplishes the far more important and pragmatic task of providing the reader with some of the tools necessary to reintegrate Bible study into the daily routine. In a success-oriented world, Melbourne’s contention that the Bible “contains truths and principles that are essential for successful living” is hard to ignore. Using simple, time-tested, commonsense techniques, The Busy People’s Bible Study Plan offers a user-friendly, six-step method of Bible study that can be accomplished in whatever time is available to the reader.
At the heart of the book is the counsel to ask valuable questions, such as What is God communicating to me through this passage? Is there a promise to claim? or How does this apply to my life? These are the types of questions that will lead to unexpected discoveries when studying even familiar passages.
In chapter 9, the reader will find a number of excellent resources for continued study, such as study aids, Bible dictionaries, encyclopedias, and handbooks.
Included is an associated 52-week Bible study journal. For each week of the year, there is a theme, such as purity and gratitude; a passage for consideration; and an area for readers to capture their experiences and interactions with the text. The journal provides additional structure to the biblical encounter and serves as the vehicle for step five of the plan.
The Busy People’s Bible Study Plan offers a concise method that the beginning Bible student will find useful and the seasoned Bible student will find as a good refresher.
Melbourne’s emphasis on making time for meaningful Bible study in our chaotic world is much appreciated.
