As a Christian and as a pastor, I am always eager to check out Bible study helps. I enjoy reading my Bible and I enjoy studying my Bible. I know many people who struggle with the transition from reading to studying their Bible. I recommend Encountering the 3D Bible by Dr. Susan Michael.
Encountering the 3D Bible by Dr. Susan Michael
Over the last few years, I’ve become judicious about which books I add to my stacks. My time for reading and studying is limited, so I have to make the most of it. When I saw that well-respected pastors and academics alike are calling the book Encountering the 3D Bible a “must-read” I was intrigued. Our church uses the Operation Solid Lives discipleship program, known as OSL, so I’ve come to respect the opinion of Jerry Dirmann, Senior Pastor of The Rock in Anaheim, California. I was impressed, then, when I saw that he remarked, “Probably the best single book you’ll ever read on the subject,” and knew I had to add this one to my stack.
From the Publisher
What if changing how you read the Bible could make it go from 2D to 3D?
Many people want to read and study the Bible but don’t know where to start, or when they do read it they don’t connect how the events, people, and places fit together and quickly lose interest. And some don’t wholeheartedly believe what the Bible says.Yet International Christian Embassy Jerusalem USA Director Susan Michael says the Bible is the most exciting book on the planet—and understanding the story behind the stories changes everything. On these pages, you will:
Take a journey into the world of the Bible
Learn the story that connects the beginning of the Bible to the end
Receive insight and tips on how to read the Bible so it comes alive
Understand how true and accurate the Bible is
And more
Join Susan on a journey that will deepen your faith and walk with the Lord like none other. Encounter the 3D Bible is more than a Bible study; it’s a study about the Bible that will bring a more profound understanding to every sermon you hear and Bible study you participate in.If you want your Bible to go from 2D to 3D, this book is for you. But be ready—it might just change your life! Foreword by bestselling author and Bible teacher Kay Arthur.
Embassy Publishers
Content of Encounter the 3D Bible
The book Encounter the 3D Bible is divided into 8 chapters and includes a forward, by Kay Arthur, an Old Testament Timeline (Appendix A), and recommended resources (Appendix B). The chapters include
- Why Study the Bible?
- How to Read the Bible at the 3D Level
- The Story of the Bible
- How Should Christians Read the Old Testament
- The Land of the Bible
- The People of the Bible
- The God of the Bible
- The Search Begins
Reflections on Encounter the 3D Bible
As a Christian, I know that there is a difference between reading the Bible for pleasure and studying the Bible at the devotional level to see how to apply it to my personal daily life. As a pastor, I also know that it is imperative that I understand the Bible at a more intentional, doctrinal level, lest I be at fault for teaching erroneously.
Chapter 1 of Encountering the 3D Bible is all about the WHY of studying the Bible and how we know we can trust it.
In Chapter 2, Dr. Michael distinguishes between the levels of study as the following:
- Inspirational Level – personal application level – reading to see how one should live
- Bible Study Level – a more theological or doctrinal level – reading to learn about God
- The “3D” Level – examining Scripture thoroughly and intimately to see the stories, and the people within, in historical, geographical, and cultural context while considering the original audience, literary genre, and context.
She goes on to include tips and tools of study.
Chapter 3 looks at the Old Testament and outlines how the stage is set for Christ, how the church was born, and the prophesied return of Jesus.
Chapter 4 explains how Christians should read the Old Testament.
Chapters 5-7 delve into the land, the people, and the God of the Bible. These chapters connect the land, people, and God of the Old Testament to the New Testament through history and into the present day in a way that illustrates God’s covenant with His people and brings it to life for the reader.
Chapter 8 invites the reader to search for God within the pages of Scripture in a new and intimate way, to truly know Him and His ways. Then the appendices include tools and resources to do just that.
I think Encountering the 3D Bible is an essential resource for all who read and study Scripture with the hope of developing intimacy with God. It is a great primer for Biblical studies and most, if not all, Christians would benefit from reading it. It is written in simple and understandable language. It does an excellent job of demonstrating how the Old Testament and New Testament fit together and why both are essential to understanding the sovereignty of God and the times in which we live.
I would recommend this book to anyone wishing to grow in their faith and understanding of the Bible. I think it is well-suited for students in Middle School through High School and Adults. Younger advanced students may benefit from it, as well, with some help.
You can also enter to win a copy from Embassy Publishers by clicking the button or image below.
