Book Review: How to Enjoy Reading Your Bible by Keith Ferrin

Ever had the problem of just reading the Bible? Every year people make to commitment to read through the entire Bible. They get to Genesis, they are doing fine. Here comes Exodus, its good and Moses is not Christian Bale. Then they start Leviticus and cry "eww." I know from my experience, reading the Old Testament is like eating cardboard. I know the Word is inspired but could God make it a little more interesting. Don't get me wrong, I love reading the Bible but there are some who only want to stick with the parts they like.

Keith Ferrin has written a very user-friendly book for all Christians called, How to Enjoy Reading Your Bible, which explores ways you can actually love the Book God wrote. He begins the book helping the reader to remember why we read the Bible. Are we to read the Bible to know what it says? Yes, we are, but we are also to read the Bible to know who God is. God is the One who wrote the Bible and has revealed Himself in the pages of scripture. Ferrin also reminds us that there will be times when we read the Bible and not learn anything, and that is okay. The point is to know who God is through the pages of Scripture and growing in your relationship with the Lord.

Ferrin talks about praying before you read the Bible asking God to speak to you as well as having a plan as you read the Bible. Ferrin also encourages reading the Bible out loud. We like to sing out loud not caring who hears us, right? Especially, if you are in your car going down the highway. We like to read to our children, for those of you who are parents, yet we don't like reading the Bible out loud. John Piper, as well as other man, has said "If you want to hear God speak to you, read the Bible out loud." Not to mention you might remember more of what you have read if you did it out loud.

One thing Ferrin encourages us to do two things with Bible reading: Reading it alone and not reading alone. Sounds confusing, I know. Reading it alone as God begins to mold you and shape you into the image of Jesus. Not reading it alone means read the Bible with a friend. I will take it a step further, read the Bible with a group of people. They could part of your church or fellow brothers and sisters at attend a different church yet work in the same place you do.

This is book is very simple guide for those who look at the Bible and say, "I need to read that." All Christians should say, "I want to read my Bible." This book will help you begin to stir your love for reading the Bible. Granted it is one man's opinion about how you began to grow in love reading the Bible. Maybe you have some different ways you want to explore that Ferrin does not suggest. I say go for it as long as it brings to the Word and you grow in your love for the Lord.

Thanks Bethany House for letting me review this book.