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Walk: How to Apply the Bible
How do we draw practical applications from the Bible? Reading the Bible should be like gazing into a mirror—we should look for a true reflection of ourselves and note the changes that need to be made in our lives. But how is this done? Pastor Jim Nicodem encourages us in this difficult but vitally important challenge. Using the COMA method (Context, Observation, Message, Application), he offers helpful and understandable instruction on how a Christian can learn to “walk” what the Bible teaches as we go through life. Perfect for believers at any stage and those discipling others, Walk is a wonderful guide for those seeking to follow Jesus, honor God, and walk in the way of the Word.
144 pages, Paperback
First published March 15, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 6, 2022
The final installment of Jim Nicodem's "Bible Savvy" series, WALK seeks to lay out a basic understanding of how to live out what you read in scripture. As my high school Jazz instructor said "Simplicity is not stupidity". And that's what so great about this book - Jim breaks down simple ways to Observe important details about the text, determine the Message (or messages) present, and effectively Apply those messages to your life so it makes an actual difference. In addition, throughout the final few chapters he provides readers with examples of this process - Context, Observation, Message, and Application. It's short, understandable, and (if read in conjunction with the other books in this series) a great capstone to what Nicodem has been writing about this whole series. As examples of what this whole series is about, the examples look short - each one is perhaps half a page - but that is the point. Jim's focuses on fleshing out simple ideas so readers can master them. And while it may only be half a page on paper, it's the result of hard work. It models a careful and accurate study of scripture, a deep consideration of its messages, and personal application that can equip people to grow in faith with Christ. These short examples are arguably one of the most important parts of the series. They encourage the readers to see that understanding and applying the bible is not a complex feat requiring a Masters of Divinity, but a skill available to anyone who approaches the Bible with a desire to learn.
This is all my opinion. Read the book and form your own.
This is all my opinion. Read the book and form your own.
April 7, 2014
Walk is part of a four part series of books intended to help believers understand God’s word and put it into practice. This book is the fourth one, all about application in our lives. (The other three covering the topics of grasping the Bible’s storyline, the reliability of the Bible’s text and correct interpretation of the Bible.) Although part of a series it works perfectly well as a stand-alone book.
This book held true to its subtitle in teaching the reader how to apply the Bible. That was its main focus and it was extremely well done on that point.
Mr. Nicodem gives you an easy-to-remember “formula” for getting the most out of your scripture reading using the acronym COMA. (C=context, O= observation, M= message, A=application) The author was thorough in explaining each piece of this puzzle and included five samples of this method in action. Also included were study guide questions at the end of each chapter.
Overall I found this author pleasant to read and not at all arrogant or condemning in tone. The author was very knowledgeable on this topic and knew how to pass it on in a way that was easy to grasp. I am seriously considering purchasing one or more of his other books in this series.
The one thing I would question would be his quote on the aim (or purpose or goal) of why God illumines scripture to us, which is, “The aim of being illuminated by God’s Word is to apply what you’ve learned to your life.” (p. 38) Although it totally fits with the goal of this book I’m not sure it is the best or highest goal you can or should have for reading the Word. It is indeed multiple times or even exponentially better than the alternate goal he cites, that is, for merely knowledge. But I propose another goal that is on top of or at least in addition to this one that Mr. Nicodem has. It is to get to know God better, that is, to get to know the author of the Bible in a real relationship.
The author by not saying that or any other goal for reading the Word at least implied (by omission) then, that his is the only goal that is suitable. Not only do I think my goal is better, there are still other ways that I approach scripture that he does not mention at all, like using the Psalms in praise or worship, finding a promise that addresses a particular in the moment concern, looking for guidance for a relationship problem or looking for wisdom for making a decision, to name a few. (Never mind memorization or meditation.)
All that does in no way diminish all the good stuff about how to apply the Bible for yourself, that this book contains. But the readers should keep these other issues in mind as they read it, that this is just one way to approach the Bible, albeit a very good one.
Anyone who wants to get more out their Bible reading and especially if you have a desire in applying what you find therein, will love this book.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Moody Publishers through their blogging for books program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
This book held true to its subtitle in teaching the reader how to apply the Bible. That was its main focus and it was extremely well done on that point.
Mr. Nicodem gives you an easy-to-remember “formula” for getting the most out of your scripture reading using the acronym COMA. (C=context, O= observation, M= message, A=application) The author was thorough in explaining each piece of this puzzle and included five samples of this method in action. Also included were study guide questions at the end of each chapter.
Overall I found this author pleasant to read and not at all arrogant or condemning in tone. The author was very knowledgeable on this topic and knew how to pass it on in a way that was easy to grasp. I am seriously considering purchasing one or more of his other books in this series.
The one thing I would question would be his quote on the aim (or purpose or goal) of why God illumines scripture to us, which is, “The aim of being illuminated by God’s Word is to apply what you’ve learned to your life.” (p. 38) Although it totally fits with the goal of this book I’m not sure it is the best or highest goal you can or should have for reading the Word. It is indeed multiple times or even exponentially better than the alternate goal he cites, that is, for merely knowledge. But I propose another goal that is on top of or at least in addition to this one that Mr. Nicodem has. It is to get to know God better, that is, to get to know the author of the Bible in a real relationship.
The author by not saying that or any other goal for reading the Word at least implied (by omission) then, that his is the only goal that is suitable. Not only do I think my goal is better, there are still other ways that I approach scripture that he does not mention at all, like using the Psalms in praise or worship, finding a promise that addresses a particular in the moment concern, looking for guidance for a relationship problem or looking for wisdom for making a decision, to name a few. (Never mind memorization or meditation.)
All that does in no way diminish all the good stuff about how to apply the Bible for yourself, that this book contains. But the readers should keep these other issues in mind as they read it, that this is just one way to approach the Bible, albeit a very good one.
Anyone who wants to get more out their Bible reading and especially if you have a desire in applying what you find therein, will love this book.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Moody Publishers through their blogging for books program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
May 23, 2013
This is the lackluster last volume of the Bible Savvy series. I wanted to like it because this is where it was all leading. And Nicodem says some good stuff. I felt underwhelmed.
Unfortunately he does four things which annoy me:
1. He cites A.J. Jacobs Year of Living Biblically as an example of someone who clearly doesn't understand genre. I disagree with many of Jacobs conclusions but the point Nicodem tries to make with Jacobs book is fairly similar to the point that Jacobs is making through his humorous memoir.
2. He has a short acronymn to help people get the most out of their Bible: COMA. That stands for Context, Observation, Message & Application. I don't have anything against reading with any of these in mind, but when you are trying to get people read the Bible do you really want to associate Bible reading with Coma? Nicodem does not understand the metaphorical power of his word choice.
3. On the four components of COMA, his description of Message is a take away point (he calls a 'timeless principle') based on your observations in the text while you are reading. I don't disagree with this but his primary example was from the fact that David had 30 mighty men and a subset called the three. His principle that he draws out of this is, "No leader can mentor everybody. So good leaders pour time and attention into a handful of followers.(57)"
These wise words about mentoring and leadership are not what 2 Sam. 23:8-39 is about. A close attention to the context of Samuel will reveal that chapter 24, begins with David standing under God's judgement for relying on his military might rather than God. Yes these men are commended as examples to us but I am wary of drawing out principles based on David's good people skills. It seems like a poor reading of context.
4. Nicodem spends a few pages explaining why Bible software just isn't worth it. This is amusing to me being as this book found its way into my hand through the good graces of a friend at a Bible software company and I have found my own Bible software tremendously helpful in digging deeper into the text (not just for knowledge but for life).
Gripe session over. There is a lot here I like and think that Nicodem's four-fold interpretive approach (which should not be called COMA)is helpful for those wanting to read the Bible in a way that changes your life.
As a series I probably would give it three stars. There are some helpful tips and the general approach is great but every volume had elements I thought were wrongheaded.
Unfortunately he does four things which annoy me:
1. He cites A.J. Jacobs Year of Living Biblically as an example of someone who clearly doesn't understand genre. I disagree with many of Jacobs conclusions but the point Nicodem tries to make with Jacobs book is fairly similar to the point that Jacobs is making through his humorous memoir.
2. He has a short acronymn to help people get the most out of their Bible: COMA. That stands for Context, Observation, Message & Application. I don't have anything against reading with any of these in mind, but when you are trying to get people read the Bible do you really want to associate Bible reading with Coma? Nicodem does not understand the metaphorical power of his word choice.
3. On the four components of COMA, his description of Message is a take away point (he calls a 'timeless principle') based on your observations in the text while you are reading. I don't disagree with this but his primary example was from the fact that David had 30 mighty men and a subset called the three. His principle that he draws out of this is, "No leader can mentor everybody. So good leaders pour time and attention into a handful of followers.(57)"
These wise words about mentoring and leadership are not what 2 Sam. 23:8-39 is about. A close attention to the context of Samuel will reveal that chapter 24, begins with David standing under God's judgement for relying on his military might rather than God. Yes these men are commended as examples to us but I am wary of drawing out principles based on David's good people skills. It seems like a poor reading of context.
4. Nicodem spends a few pages explaining why Bible software just isn't worth it. This is amusing to me being as this book found its way into my hand through the good graces of a friend at a Bible software company and I have found my own Bible software tremendously helpful in digging deeper into the text (not just for knowledge but for life).
Gripe session over. There is a lot here I like and think that Nicodem's four-fold interpretive approach (which should not be called COMA)is helpful for those wanting to read the Bible in a way that changes your life.
As a series I probably would give it three stars. There are some helpful tips and the general approach is great but every volume had elements I thought were wrongheaded.
August 10, 2018
The conclusion of the series was a little lack-luster in my opinion. It felt very unnecessary. It seemed to just repeat what we had learned in the previous three books.
However, I attend the church where James L. Nicodem is pastor and this book came out over five years ago, so it's possible I've just heard the things taught in this book so many times that it just feels like these are obvious principles.
If you are a beginner Bible reader, this would probably be a great resource for you. If you have read through the Bible before and are familiar with how to draw applications from the Text and apply it to your life, this is probably not necessary to read. You may still pick out a few tips and tricks along the way, though!
However, I attend the church where James L. Nicodem is pastor and this book came out over five years ago, so it's possible I've just heard the things taught in this book so many times that it just feels like these are obvious principles.
If you are a beginner Bible reader, this would probably be a great resource for you. If you have read through the Bible before and are familiar with how to draw applications from the Text and apply it to your life, this is probably not necessary to read. You may still pick out a few tips and tricks along the way, though!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews