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The Smart Guide to the Bible
The Smart Guide to the Bible is an easy-to-understand Bible guide that takes you through all 66 books of the Old and New Testaments to help you see both the big picture and the Divine details of the Bible. In his practical and user-friendly style, Larry Richards uncomplicates the process of hearing the Divine voice, giving you knowledge, confidence, and clarification about God's words to you.
Every page contains handy features or learning aids like
cross-references to other Scriptures
brief commentaries from experts
points to ponder
the big picture of how passages fit with the entire Bible
practical tips for applying biblical truths to life
simple definitions of key words and concepts
interesting maps, charts, and illustrations
wrap-ups of each biblical passage
study questions
Whether you're new to the Bible, a long-time student of Scripture, or somewhere in between, you'll appreciate the many ways The Smart Guide to the Bible goes beyond your typical Bible study tool. The practical, relevant helps on each page lead you to get the most out of God' word.
Every page contains handy features or learning aids like
cross-references to other Scriptures
brief commentaries from experts
points to ponder
the big picture of how passages fit with the entire Bible
practical tips for applying biblical truths to life
simple definitions of key words and concepts
interesting maps, charts, and illustrations
wrap-ups of each biblical passage
study questions
Whether you're new to the Bible, a long-time student of Scripture, or somewhere in between, you'll appreciate the many ways The Smart Guide to the Bible goes beyond your typical Bible study tool. The practical, relevant helps on each page lead you to get the most out of God' word.
339 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
112 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Lawrence O. Richards
233 books30 followersB.A., University of Michigan; Th.M., Dallas Theological Seminary; Ph.D., Northwestern University
A native of Michigan, Richards entered the world on September 25, 1931, to faith-affirming parents. His father served as an elder in their Presbyterian church, and Richards grew up immersed in religious education classes. However, he lost his interest in religion, later decided to enroll at Antioch College, and lacking any guiding factor in his life, he enlisted in the Navy.
Stationed in New York City, Richards encountered Donald Grey Barnhouse who led him to rededicate his life to the Lord. This forever changed Richards who finished his Navy time and went back to school to receive his bacherlor's degree in philosophy. After getting married, Richards attended Dallas Theological Seminary and was ordained in 1962. Moving to Illinois he worked as an editor for Scripture Press Publications and as an associate pastor. His role of overseeing the church education program and teaching a Bible class concerned him. Richards believed that Christian education, practice, and theory needed to be changed and reevaluated.
While teaching as an Assistant Professor of Christian Education at Wheaton College Graduate School, Richards also applied himself to Ph.D. studies. His dissertation research provided him with the framework for his Sunday School PLUS curriculum, and a summer seminar with Wheaton faculty resulted in a book called A New Face for the Church. The impact of this book led Richards to become a full-time author and speaker at conventions and seminars. A prolific writer, Richards has penned over 200 works with much of his writing having been translated into 24 languages.
With his emphasis on the theory of Christian education, Richards has created many changes in the church environment, but he also has taken some criticism. As a researcher and writer, Richards hasn't put his theories to the test in the church or the classroom as he once did. Some practitioners have disagreed with his ideas based on their troubles implementing them. However, other people have found that Richards has found a way to teach Bible content productively, and his approach to teaching Sunday school is the one most used by curriculum publishers.
Currently Larry, who is a member of the International Society of Deliverance Ministers, writes on biblical demonology on the blog www.demondope.com. He conducts FREEDOM WORKSHOPS in churches and communities around the country. These workshops and any personal ministry are offered at no charge to individuals and to sponsoring groups.
A native of Michigan, Richards entered the world on September 25, 1931, to faith-affirming parents. His father served as an elder in their Presbyterian church, and Richards grew up immersed in religious education classes. However, he lost his interest in religion, later decided to enroll at Antioch College, and lacking any guiding factor in his life, he enlisted in the Navy.
Stationed in New York City, Richards encountered Donald Grey Barnhouse who led him to rededicate his life to the Lord. This forever changed Richards who finished his Navy time and went back to school to receive his bacherlor's degree in philosophy. After getting married, Richards attended Dallas Theological Seminary and was ordained in 1962. Moving to Illinois he worked as an editor for Scripture Press Publications and as an associate pastor. His role of overseeing the church education program and teaching a Bible class concerned him. Richards believed that Christian education, practice, and theory needed to be changed and reevaluated.
While teaching as an Assistant Professor of Christian Education at Wheaton College Graduate School, Richards also applied himself to Ph.D. studies. His dissertation research provided him with the framework for his Sunday School PLUS curriculum, and a summer seminar with Wheaton faculty resulted in a book called A New Face for the Church. The impact of this book led Richards to become a full-time author and speaker at conventions and seminars. A prolific writer, Richards has penned over 200 works with much of his writing having been translated into 24 languages.
With his emphasis on the theory of Christian education, Richards has created many changes in the church environment, but he also has taken some criticism. As a researcher and writer, Richards hasn't put his theories to the test in the church or the classroom as he once did. Some practitioners have disagreed with his ideas based on their troubles implementing them. However, other people have found that Richards has found a way to teach Bible content productively, and his approach to teaching Sunday school is the one most used by curriculum publishers.
Currently Larry, who is a member of the International Society of Deliverance Ministers, writes on biblical demonology on the blog www.demondope.com. He conducts FREEDOM WORKSHOPS in churches and communities around the country. These workshops and any personal ministry are offered at no charge to individuals and to sponsoring groups.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
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November 26, 2021I am surprised at these Smart Guides. They are really well done and worth reading. In my mind, they give just enough depth and explanation that most people would want or need.
May 26, 2012
This was a fantastic companion guide to reading the bible.I have to say this has been a great journey of awareness.I will forever be a different person after reading this, along with the bible.To anyone who is looking to read the entire bible grab this book and get started.You wont be sorry!
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December 27, 2015Good companion book to read alongside the Bible. Some parts were a little too generalized and I plan to get more in-depth commentaries for several books (like Isaiah) but, overall, a nice guide to the Bible. I recommend especially for new readers of the Bible.
Want to read
January 3, 2013P
November 29, 2013
After reading the Bible from cover to cover and then reading this review, I have a deeper understanding of the Word. This is a wonderful read, informative and succinct.
June 1, 2011
soo helped me understabnd the bible!!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews