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60-Second Scholar
Brief Insights on Mastering Bible Study: 80 Expert Insights, Explained in a Single Minute
Serious Bible study can be a daunting task. It takes effort and skill, but it can be done well by anyone. This book provides an honest account of what will and won't help you in your Bible study endeavors as well as expert observations on Bible study tools. The Bible is the most important book in history. It's also one of the most misunderstood. Studying Scripture involves much more than reading. Each of this book's 80 short chapters consist of statements or insights about Bible study done well or poorly and what makes that the case. You'll The Bible was put together over 2,000 years ago. There are serious obstacles to grasping its meaning and message today. In Brief Insights on Mastering Bible Study (part of the 60 Second Scholar series), biblical scholar Michael S. Heiser is your guide, providing easy-to-read lessons for grasping God's Word. Adept Bible study isn't about a checklist of tasks and doesn't happen by making the books of the Bible conform to a method. It's about using the right tools, thinking carefully, and sticking to it. You don't need to be a scholar to understand the Bible.
192 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2018
174 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
About the author
Michael S. Heiser
66 books948 followersMike Heiser is a scholar in the fields of biblical studies and the ancient Near East. He is the Academic Editor of Logos Bible Software. Mike earned the M.A. and Ph.D. in Hebrew Bible and Semitic Languages at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2004. He has also earned an M.A. in Ancient History from the University of Pennsylvania (major fields: Ancient Israel and Egyptology). His main research interests are Israelite religion (especially Israel’s divine council), biblical theology, ancient Near Eastern religion, biblical & ancient Semitic languages, and ancient Jewish binitarian monotheism.
Mike blogs about biblical studies at The Naked Bible, and fringe beliefs about the ancient world at PaleoBabble. He offers courses to the public in Old Testament, biblical theology, Israelite religion, ancient languages, the Book of Enoch through his online institute, MEMRA.
Mike's other academic interests include the paranormal and the occult. His UFO Religions blog discusses how the pop cultural belief in aliens shape religious worldviews. Mike has been a frequent guest on a number of radio programs such as Coast to Coast AM. He is best known for his critique of the ancient astronaut theories of Zecharia Sitchin and his paranormal thriller, The Facade, which intertwines many of his interests.
Mike blogs about biblical studies at The Naked Bible, and fringe beliefs about the ancient world at PaleoBabble. He offers courses to the public in Old Testament, biblical theology, Israelite religion, ancient languages, the Book of Enoch through his online institute, MEMRA.
Mike's other academic interests include the paranormal and the occult. His UFO Religions blog discusses how the pop cultural belief in aliens shape religious worldviews. Mike has been a frequent guest on a number of radio programs such as Coast to Coast AM. He is best known for his critique of the ancient astronaut theories of Zecharia Sitchin and his paranormal thriller, The Facade, which intertwines many of his interests.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
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January 14, 2021I recommend passing on this book. While I agree with much of the content- it feels like Napoleon Dynamite and Dwight Schrute teamed up to write a book on studying the Bible that can be summed up with “Fact. You are an idiot if you think you’ve been studying the Bible without a concordance and and an inter linear Bible. Most of your conclusions up to this point are wrong and your pastor is twisting the text if he gives you three points. gah, you’re such a freaking idiot “
That is what this book felt like to me.
I’d recommend Dig Deeper by Nigel Beynon and the Bible Project podcast/website if you want some folks who teach you how to do it by example and with love and respect.
This book felt like a seminary student who was really frustrated with his local church because the people there weren’t doing all the things he was learning about.
HARD PASS.
Though I’m sure the author is a lovely person.
That is what this book felt like to me.
I’d recommend Dig Deeper by Nigel Beynon and the Bible Project podcast/website if you want some folks who teach you how to do it by example and with love and respect.
This book felt like a seminary student who was really frustrated with his local church because the people there weren’t doing all the things he was learning about.
HARD PASS.
Though I’m sure the author is a lovely person.
September 18, 2018
This is a good and easy-to-read book that basically gives you 80 x 1 page "insights" into Bible Study (which could also therefore be seen as a nice easy intro to Hermeneutics).
Whilst the Author does give many good examples - you normally only get one (if any) per "insight". Thus I do feel at times that some of the topics are just too brief to really be useful - and would benefit from links on where to get more, or "for a more detailed discussion see the following...". However I do realise that the Author has put "Brief" in the title - but I would argue that he has also included "Expert", and that the two don't always easily marry :)
Well worth the read - especially for those about to embark on some Bible Study - and if not, then read this and see why you should.
Whilst the Author does give many good examples - you normally only get one (if any) per "insight". Thus I do feel at times that some of the topics are just too brief to really be useful - and would benefit from links on where to get more, or "for a more detailed discussion see the following...". However I do realise that the Author has put "Brief" in the title - but I would argue that he has also included "Expert", and that the two don't always easily marry :)
Well worth the read - especially for those about to embark on some Bible Study - and if not, then read this and see why you should.
June 9, 2025
Great resource on where to start your journey into Bible study
The words "Brief Insights" in the books title explains what this book is about. The subtitle ..."Explained in a Single Minute" explains the author's approach and method for providing this information.
The Insights are divided into the following categories, which are listed in order. Note the number of Insights covered in each category is shown parentheses.
1. Study Habits (26)
2. Understand What the Bible -- and What Your Paticular Bible -- Is (10)
3. Accurately Interpret the Bible (30)
4. Bible Study Tools (14)
When it comes to studying the Bible the new student can be easily overwhelmed by the mountain of books that are available. This book provides a map on where to start on how to grow as one's Study skills improve. I recommend creating a basic outline from this book and keeping it for easy and ready reference during your journey.
I plan on reading his other two "Brief Insights" on 1) Mastering Bible and 2) Bible Doctrine, which presents the information in the same format, which is very efficient.
The words "Brief Insights" in the books title explains what this book is about. The subtitle ..."Explained in a Single Minute" explains the author's approach and method for providing this information.
The Insights are divided into the following categories, which are listed in order. Note the number of Insights covered in each category is shown parentheses.
1. Study Habits (26)
2. Understand What the Bible -- and What Your Paticular Bible -- Is (10)
3. Accurately Interpret the Bible (30)
4. Bible Study Tools (14)
When it comes to studying the Bible the new student can be easily overwhelmed by the mountain of books that are available. This book provides a map on where to start on how to grow as one's Study skills improve. I recommend creating a basic outline from this book and keeping it for easy and ready reference during your journey.
I plan on reading his other two "Brief Insights" on 1) Mastering Bible and 2) Bible Doctrine, which presents the information in the same format, which is very efficient.
September 2, 2018
Written by a former coworker of mine at Logos Bible Software, Mike Heiser is one of the most down to earth Bible scholars and teachers you can learn from. This book reads like a collection of blog posts grouped according to themes like Bible study habits, basic Bible understanding, interpretation, common mistakes and helpful resources and tools. Every little micro chapter is very helpful and understandable. This I a great refresher for advanced Bible students as well as an approachable entry point for any newbies. 176 pages of help towards being a better student of the Bible.
February 23, 2022
If you want to get into the meat of the Bible,regular reading, though important, will not get you very far. But where to begin in the quest to study the Bible? There are many different ways to begin a Bible study, and there are many schools of thought when it comes to studying. But which is right?
Author Michael Heiser gives eighty bite-sized lessons on Bible study, including advice to diversify your methods, encouraging regular Bible study, and exploring different tools designed to help with Bible study. Each lesson is about a minute or two to read, giving you the chance to work it into a busy day. With solid suggestions and good explanations of key features of good Bible study, this book is a great read, whether you take it one lesson at a time or read the whole thing in one setting. Recommended for all Christians who want to go deeper in understanding the Bible.
Author Michael Heiser gives eighty bite-sized lessons on Bible study, including advice to diversify your methods, encouraging regular Bible study, and exploring different tools designed to help with Bible study. Each lesson is about a minute or two to read, giving you the chance to work it into a busy day. With solid suggestions and good explanations of key features of good Bible study, this book is a great read, whether you take it one lesson at a time or read the whole thing in one setting. Recommended for all Christians who want to go deeper in understanding the Bible.
May 7, 2020
Excellent
Though there are a couple of minor things I disagree with which Dr. Heiser used as examples, the book as a whole was excellent. It is of utmost importance that the believer takes an interest and initiative to understand the text upon which they base their beliefs and this book offers great practical ways to achieve as much understanding as one can.
Though there are a couple of minor things I disagree with which Dr. Heiser used as examples, the book as a whole was excellent. It is of utmost importance that the believer takes an interest and initiative to understand the text upon which they base their beliefs and this book offers great practical ways to achieve as much understanding as one can.
November 19, 2018
Really good, really stretching. Heiser encourages a person to look at the Bible with fresh eyes, but not so fresh that you find yourself outside of orthodoxy. Trying to read more of his stuff. Weigh each insight with careful thought and study, which is what the book pushes for already.
March 17, 2021
Not So Great
This was much weaker than I hoped. Many topics were repeated in much the same way. By the end it seemed to be a written infomercial for Logos Bible Software. Been there. Done that. As most trying for serious Bible study likely own.
This was much weaker than I hoped. Many topics were repeated in much the same way. By the end it seemed to be a written infomercial for Logos Bible Software. Been there. Done that. As most trying for serious Bible study likely own.
February 2, 2022
Short, clear, concise
Bites sized pieces. On topic, makes a good reference.
I've long used Bible software for the reasons he states. So the rest of what he is telling me, I figure is also excellent advice.
Bites sized pieces. On topic, makes a good reference.
I've long used Bible software for the reasons he states. So the rest of what he is telling me, I figure is also excellent advice.
April 10, 2022
A simple and also a complex way to study the Bible, for novice and for those who already claimed a Bible student.
April 12, 2024
Great Bible Study Ideas
I enjoyed this book and will likely reference it again. It was filled with great ideas of how to study and why doing it that way will help.
I enjoyed this book and will likely reference it again. It was filled with great ideas of how to study and why doing it that way will help.
December 31, 2024
An excellent resource book with concise information and some reference books to help with Bible study.
April 18, 2020
Practical and Clear
Michael Heiser treats each topic (hermanutics, word studies, context, etc.) with humor, practicality, and expertise.
This book is an amazing resource of resources that both those beginning their Bible study journey and those many years along will benefit.
Michael Heiser treats each topic (hermanutics, word studies, context, etc.) with humor, practicality, and expertise.
This book is an amazing resource of resources that both those beginning their Bible study journey and those many years along will benefit.
May 3, 2024
Very helpful helps on doing effective Bible study. Highly recommended!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews