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Bible Revival: Recommitting Ourselves to One Book
Bible Revival
- GenresChristian
122 pages, Paperback
First published January 17, 2014
30 people want to read
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September 13, 2022
a challenging, precise, helpful, and practical read. i would recommend this book to any and all christians to read at one point. it’s convicting— it’s important. may we commit ourselves more and more deeply to being faithful readers of the Word of God.
April 1, 2021
This was a quick little read that shares the importance of knowing the Bible. I have been working to grow my biblical knowledge these past couple of years and this book was a great encouragement to always commit myself to knowing the word even better each day because only through that will I come to know Jesus better.
June 16, 2014
Correcting deficiencies of the contemporary church has been the focus of a number of recent texts. Deficiencies found in need of correction have included a “gospel” that fails to properly emphasize repentance and tangible obedience as evidences of genuine conversion and failure of professors of the faith to commit themselves to a local church (the latter failure being among the sinful inclinations I must sometimes struggle against, I admit.) Kenneth Berding’s
Bible Revival: Recommitting Ourselves To One Book
takes on an additional deficiency, probably the most central of all: failure to commit to the Bible as required by its status as God’s own words. Berding laments: “Christians used to be known as ‘people of one book.’ Sure,” he admits, “they read, studied, and shared other books. But the book they cared about more than all others combined was the Bible. They memorized it, meditated on it, talked about it, and taught it to others. We don’t do that anymore, and in a very real sense we’re starving ourselves to death” (16).
The book comprises six chapters and two appendices (reviewed individually below). Excluding the preface and appendices, each chapter ends with a suggested or model prayer (for confessing, and for requesting God’s assistance in correcting, ways in which one falls short of the scriptural ideals set forth in the chapter) and review questions (to encourage reflection upon, and application of, the material). Though the author is an academic (New Testament professor at Biola’s Talbot School of Theology), he intends the book for a general Christian audience, considering it “ideal” for small groups and for individuals seeking “to be stirred and guided into a greater commitment to the Bible” (12).
In chapter 1 (15-28), “A Revival of Learning the Word,” Berding contrasts past eras, when believers mastered Bible content and memorized whole passages, with the present, when many professing Bible-believers show (as polls indicate) little interest in learning more than what little they’ve picked up through casual interactions and past church attendance. After presenting the problem, Berding reflects upon possible causes (such reflection forms the important “Digging Deeper” section of each chapter). The causes he suggests include “our commitment to fun” (distractions), failure to prioritize Scripture reading and study (spending “More time watching television than reading/studying/memorizing God’s Word,” for example), mistaken belief that one already knows enough Bible to get by (I myself know a few Christians who prefer reading secular novels because they find the Bible too familiar in too many places), and “The Pretext of Being Too Busy” (failure to make time for the Bible because doing so isn’t “easy”). While the suggestion that a working unwed mother should consider sleeping less to make time might strike some readers as extreme and unrealistic (if sleep deprivation is really the only way to get to one’s Bible, I think it’s time for outside help from one’s congregation), the chapter as a whole is quite sound and edifying.
Chapter 2 (31-45) addresses the need for “A Revival of Valuing the Word.” As evident from chapter 1, Christians today do not value the Bible the way they should. Why? Berding suggests that the problem is that Christians today doubt both the Bible’s sufficiency (“All things needed for life and godliness are here in the Bible”) and its clarity (“All things needed for life and godliness are clear in the Bible”). (For Berding, one should note, “life and godliness” here means “to come to salvation [and] live a God-honoring life”; he does not assume that Scripture can satisfy all forms of idle curiosity or provide all information needed for every worthwhile activity.) Berding provides an overview of what Scripture claims about its own sufficiency and clarity, identifies some cultural influences that weaken Christian trust in these qualities of Scripture (general distrust of authoritative texts, tendency to assume that existence of multiple “interpretations” proves lack of clarity), then “digs deeper” into widespread failure of Christians to value Scripture as the clear and sufficient divine utterance that it is. This “digging” suggests these important problems Christian must seek to correct: a “self-sufficiency” inclining us to follow our own judgment, even to the point of challenging Scripture’s sufficiency and clarity when Scripture’s apparent solutions don’t match our own; simple lack of awareness of what the Bible teaches (Berding tells of how one young couple he knew only became aware some time after converting that their living together outside of marriage was unbiblical); and failure to perceive what a Bible text one is reading clearly teaches (a species of “lack of awareness,” possibly motivated by a desire to persist in some sin). (The situation with the unmarried couple who lived together highlights how truly post-Christian our culture has become. Apparently, this couple was able to reach marriageable age never having encountered, in movies or books or television or personal interactions, indication that Christians and their Bible condemn cohabitation outside of marriage. Whereas past generations of unbelievers made everyone aware of the Christian viewpoint by mocking it, today’s unbelievers have apparently moved on to ignoring it entirely.) While Berding’s refusal to explain what “because of the angels” means in 1 Corinthians 11:10 disappoints my idle curiosity, this chapter is sound overall and will benefit readers.
Chapter 3 (47-60) suggests that the key to “A Revival of Understanding the Word” is more general and careful application of five essentials of biblical interpretation, namely: attention to context, awareness of literary category or genre, care to take into account differences between one’s own culture and that of the Bible’s writers and original receivers, attention to what other scriptures (and Scripture as a whole) say on the topic of any specific passage one happens to be reading (“Allow Scripture to interpret Scripture”), and keeping “the big story” of divinely-planned redemption through Jesus Christ in mind during all one’s reading and study. What factors already mentioned might be causing Christians to neglect these essentials? Berding sees three: shallowness or superficiality (taking for granted that a passage means what it seems to mean taken in isolation rather than checking the passage and its context; people, myself once among them, do this constantly with Isaiah 55:8, I note), “An Attitude of Superiority” (sticking to and defending your use of a “proof text” even when shown context and cross references cast that use into doubt; I’ve found 2 Peter 3:9 widely subject to such resistant proof-texting), and the assumption that correct understanding of a biblical passage should come “easily” or “instantly” (rather than doubting Scripture’s clarity, as the error of a prior chapter, this error assumes “clear” must mean “easy”). This chapter, though good, does contain one noteworthy annoyance, a misleading and unfair parenthetical: “In 2 Timothy 2:14-16,” Berding writes, “Paul challenges Timothy to ‘do your best’ or ‘be diligent’ (not ‘study’ as the King James Bible [KJB] translated it)....” This suggestion of translator error misrepresents matters. Not only was “to make an earnest, concerted effort” the meaning of “study” when the KJB was translated (Melvin Elliot, The Language of The King James Bible [New York: Doubleday, 1967], 188), but “to apply oneself; endeavor” remained acceptable usage at least until 1999 (Random House Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary, electronic edition, v. 3.0 for 32 bit Windows systems [Random House, 1999], s.v. “study”). I know from my own seminary study that contemporary New Testament professors find it very difficult not to censure the KJV at every opportunity; they can only be true to their training. The censure in this chapter, however, has no warrant (though it does rightly point out a misunderstanding some have of the passage).
Chapter 4 (63-76) seeks “A Revival of Applying the Word.” A basic point of this chapter is that proper interpretation (see chapter 3) is essential to correct application; the prevalent tendency to “apply” Scripture subjectively (I suggest calling this “reader response application”) must be rejected. As Berding “digs deeper,” he identifies three contributors to poor application in our day: influence of “special interests” (coming to Scripture with axes to grind, such as political agendas), “therapeutism” (treating the Bible as a source book for meeting one’s own “felt needs”), and failure to depend on the Holy Spirit (“when you read the Bible, you should approach it with openness, availability, and the recognition that you need the Holy Spirit to show you how to think, respond, and act,” not assume that your own efforts at interpretation, however essential, are sufficient by themselves). Not everyone will find Berding’s discussion of “special interests” wholly satisfactory. For instance, that “the Bible nowhere explicitly speaks to the role of the government in regulating economics” will seem to some far from sufficient reason not to seek out what may rightly be inferred (by “good and necessary consequence”); some, in fact, may accuse Berding of doubting Scripture’s sufficiency in an area of godly living where it in fact is sufficient. This quibble aside, the chapter remains useful, meriting study and reflection.
Chapter 5 (79-91) calls for “A Revival of Obeying The Word,” urging us to join Berding in learning “to bend [our] will[s] in submission to the One who inspired the Book,” even when that means we must “believe God’s Word rather than [our] own intuition,” seeking always to obey “(1) quickly, (2) without argument, and (3) with the right attitude.” Contemporary Christian reluctance to obey God’s Word can be traced in part, Berding’s “digging deeper” suggests, to (1) sentimentality (reading Scripture just for its emotional effects upon one, such as to appreciate its beauty without striving to understand and apply what it says), (2) avoidance (sinfully finding excuses for putting off or pretending ignorance of something we have seen Scripture requires us to do), (3) “thinking we have a right to decide” (behaving as though, in spite of having accepted Jesus as our Lord, we may legitimately do other than what he, through Scripture, orders us to do), and (4) some of us who claim the label “Christian” not in fact knowing the Lord savingly. This is an excellent chapter; I find the following passage particularly quoteworthy: “It is true that the Bible....was written first and foremost so that we might come to know God through Jesus Christ. But when the Bible calls us to action, that call is authoritative....We do not have the right to decide whether it suits us to obey.” (Readers familiar with Verbal Advantage may wish Berding had spoken of our reluctance rather than “our reticence to obey” God’s Word. Alas, this insult to the historical meaning of “reticence”—reserved, reluctant to speak—has been popular long enough to be listed in dictionaries as permissible even back in 1999 [Random House Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary, 1999 electronic edition, s.v. “reticence”].)
Desire for “A Revival of Speaking the Word” is the burden of chapter 6 (93-106). Far from being just a call to “proclaim the gospel,” this chapter calls Christians to make conversations based upon and related to Scripture a pervasive part of their everyday lives, whether interacting with coworkers and other “secular” acquaintances, with family members, or with fellow Christians. Drawing upon some recent scholarship by his colleague Joanne Jung, Berding suggests that today’s Christians might do well to reappropriate the Puritan practice of godly conversations (“conference”) as an intentional means of edification. In “digging deeper,” Berding finds the popular error of setting “speaking” and “showing” in opposition (“Preach the gospel at all times; when necessary, use words”), as well as the similarly prevalent misconception that speaking about Scripture is a job that should be left to paid ministers, noteworthy contributors to the problem. If you’re a Christian in the job market who has had other Christians repeatedly urging you to tone down and obscure your Christian convictions, involvements, and education in order to more easily acquire work in our post-Christian culture, you may find this chapter will help you feel superior while remaining unemployed. This is not Berding’s intent and I’m sure he would disapprove, but it works for me. Thumbs up for chapter 6.
Finally, the appendices. Appendix A (109-111) suggests that “The Easiest Way to Memorize the Bible” is to read over the material a bunch of times before beginning the rote memorization process. This isn’t quite the level of memorization ease one would expect after noting Berding’s association with the Sing and Learn New Testament Greek study aid (back cover). Where are the musical mnemonics for mastering chapter outlines or other information that would make memorization easier? Also lacking is any emphasis on the need, or at least advisability, of committing to a specific version of the Bible before embarking on a program of English Bible memorization. (Even if one knows and will be memorizing the original languages, one must still choose a text before beginning word-for-word memorization. Will one use the latest critical reconstruction? Or does one prefer something traditional?) While persons focused just on learning doctrine and mastering overall content might continue utilizing an assortment of English Bibles, persons wishing to begin memorizing passages verbatim may find the use of multiple Bibles a less than ideal approach. In fact, the prevalence of divergent English wordings in our Bibles might be among the factors discouraging word-for-word memorization, might it not?
Appendix B (113-14), “A Method for Attaining Bible Fluency,” is essentially an advertisement for the “Bible Fluency” learning program Berding and his publisher are working on. This program, which will include “materials...accessible electronically free of charge” and should be available in summer 2014, will “equip Christians to recognize and locate the Bible’s 400 most important events, characters, and themes.” This sounds like it will be a useful resource, but we who lament the state of the church (and of ourselves more often than not) may have little reason to hope this latest resource will turn things around. Great resources for Christians hungry to learn and grow (and strong enough to turn away from the empty but ever-pleasing effusions of our entertainment culture) are already legion: the Trinitarian Bible Society (numerous free articles online, plus Bibles and printed materials for sale; of special interest to those who care most about scriptural authority), the Answers in Genesis (AiG) and Institute for Creation Research (ICR) Web sites (much free material; regular discounts on materials for sale; Scripture-honoring perspective), Chapel Library (sound free material, primarily reprints of older literature), Grace to You (freely downloadable sermons dating back as far as 1969; articles; stuff for sale), Biblical Training (free seminary-level courses; evangelical mainstream), and doubtless others. The same technology that has made it possible for any who wish to entertain and/or corrupt themselves during every waking minute outside work has also made it possible for all Christians who wish to learn and grow to do so to the limit their God-given potentials. (The addition of secular resources like Coursera, Udacity, and MIT Open Courseware make this all the more true. If there are areas of knowledge relevant to your Christian walk or calling that Christian sites don’t cover, you can probably find whole college-level courses available free whenever you need them.) While the New Thought idea that anyone can become anything one has the desire and will to become has never been more than a delusion (kept alive by biased selection of personal success stories confirming the belief), technological advance has made the delusion more nearly true now than ever before. Though certainly a welcome addition, the Biblical Fluency site will be just a drop in a growing ocean (or, at least, a very large lake) of resources. If only the church’s current shortcomings were due to a lack of resources! In fact, however, good resources are so plentiful as to be intimidating, which intimidation may contribute to Christians’ joining both in pop cultural escapism and in broader society’s shortening attention spans. (Pop culture itself has nicely illustrated the poor-focus-on-too-many-things aspect of the contemporary scene with the image, repeated in numerous movies and television shows, of a person trying to monitor many televisions set to different stations all at once. Then there’s Twitter.)
Overall, then, Bible Revival is a scripturally sound, helpful text with few annoyances. Brief and basic, it will doubtless prove useful to many individual Christians and small study groups.
End of Review
Versions of this review also appear on Amazon.com and the Pious Eye site (reviewer’s Web site).
The book comprises six chapters and two appendices (reviewed individually below). Excluding the preface and appendices, each chapter ends with a suggested or model prayer (for confessing, and for requesting God’s assistance in correcting, ways in which one falls short of the scriptural ideals set forth in the chapter) and review questions (to encourage reflection upon, and application of, the material). Though the author is an academic (New Testament professor at Biola’s Talbot School of Theology), he intends the book for a general Christian audience, considering it “ideal” for small groups and for individuals seeking “to be stirred and guided into a greater commitment to the Bible” (12).
In chapter 1 (15-28), “A Revival of Learning the Word,” Berding contrasts past eras, when believers mastered Bible content and memorized whole passages, with the present, when many professing Bible-believers show (as polls indicate) little interest in learning more than what little they’ve picked up through casual interactions and past church attendance. After presenting the problem, Berding reflects upon possible causes (such reflection forms the important “Digging Deeper” section of each chapter). The causes he suggests include “our commitment to fun” (distractions), failure to prioritize Scripture reading and study (spending “More time watching television than reading/studying/memorizing God’s Word,” for example), mistaken belief that one already knows enough Bible to get by (I myself know a few Christians who prefer reading secular novels because they find the Bible too familiar in too many places), and “The Pretext of Being Too Busy” (failure to make time for the Bible because doing so isn’t “easy”). While the suggestion that a working unwed mother should consider sleeping less to make time might strike some readers as extreme and unrealistic (if sleep deprivation is really the only way to get to one’s Bible, I think it’s time for outside help from one’s congregation), the chapter as a whole is quite sound and edifying.
Chapter 2 (31-45) addresses the need for “A Revival of Valuing the Word.” As evident from chapter 1, Christians today do not value the Bible the way they should. Why? Berding suggests that the problem is that Christians today doubt both the Bible’s sufficiency (“All things needed for life and godliness are here in the Bible”) and its clarity (“All things needed for life and godliness are clear in the Bible”). (For Berding, one should note, “life and godliness” here means “to come to salvation [and] live a God-honoring life”; he does not assume that Scripture can satisfy all forms of idle curiosity or provide all information needed for every worthwhile activity.) Berding provides an overview of what Scripture claims about its own sufficiency and clarity, identifies some cultural influences that weaken Christian trust in these qualities of Scripture (general distrust of authoritative texts, tendency to assume that existence of multiple “interpretations” proves lack of clarity), then “digs deeper” into widespread failure of Christians to value Scripture as the clear and sufficient divine utterance that it is. This “digging” suggests these important problems Christian must seek to correct: a “self-sufficiency” inclining us to follow our own judgment, even to the point of challenging Scripture’s sufficiency and clarity when Scripture’s apparent solutions don’t match our own; simple lack of awareness of what the Bible teaches (Berding tells of how one young couple he knew only became aware some time after converting that their living together outside of marriage was unbiblical); and failure to perceive what a Bible text one is reading clearly teaches (a species of “lack of awareness,” possibly motivated by a desire to persist in some sin). (The situation with the unmarried couple who lived together highlights how truly post-Christian our culture has become. Apparently, this couple was able to reach marriageable age never having encountered, in movies or books or television or personal interactions, indication that Christians and their Bible condemn cohabitation outside of marriage. Whereas past generations of unbelievers made everyone aware of the Christian viewpoint by mocking it, today’s unbelievers have apparently moved on to ignoring it entirely.) While Berding’s refusal to explain what “because of the angels” means in 1 Corinthians 11:10 disappoints my idle curiosity, this chapter is sound overall and will benefit readers.
Chapter 3 (47-60) suggests that the key to “A Revival of Understanding the Word” is more general and careful application of five essentials of biblical interpretation, namely: attention to context, awareness of literary category or genre, care to take into account differences between one’s own culture and that of the Bible’s writers and original receivers, attention to what other scriptures (and Scripture as a whole) say on the topic of any specific passage one happens to be reading (“Allow Scripture to interpret Scripture”), and keeping “the big story” of divinely-planned redemption through Jesus Christ in mind during all one’s reading and study. What factors already mentioned might be causing Christians to neglect these essentials? Berding sees three: shallowness or superficiality (taking for granted that a passage means what it seems to mean taken in isolation rather than checking the passage and its context; people, myself once among them, do this constantly with Isaiah 55:8, I note), “An Attitude of Superiority” (sticking to and defending your use of a “proof text” even when shown context and cross references cast that use into doubt; I’ve found 2 Peter 3:9 widely subject to such resistant proof-texting), and the assumption that correct understanding of a biblical passage should come “easily” or “instantly” (rather than doubting Scripture’s clarity, as the error of a prior chapter, this error assumes “clear” must mean “easy”). This chapter, though good, does contain one noteworthy annoyance, a misleading and unfair parenthetical: “In 2 Timothy 2:14-16,” Berding writes, “Paul challenges Timothy to ‘do your best’ or ‘be diligent’ (not ‘study’ as the King James Bible [KJB] translated it)....” This suggestion of translator error misrepresents matters. Not only was “to make an earnest, concerted effort” the meaning of “study” when the KJB was translated (Melvin Elliot, The Language of The King James Bible [New York: Doubleday, 1967], 188), but “to apply oneself; endeavor” remained acceptable usage at least until 1999 (Random House Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary, electronic edition, v. 3.0 for 32 bit Windows systems [Random House, 1999], s.v. “study”). I know from my own seminary study that contemporary New Testament professors find it very difficult not to censure the KJV at every opportunity; they can only be true to their training. The censure in this chapter, however, has no warrant (though it does rightly point out a misunderstanding some have of the passage).
Chapter 4 (63-76) seeks “A Revival of Applying the Word.” A basic point of this chapter is that proper interpretation (see chapter 3) is essential to correct application; the prevalent tendency to “apply” Scripture subjectively (I suggest calling this “reader response application”) must be rejected. As Berding “digs deeper,” he identifies three contributors to poor application in our day: influence of “special interests” (coming to Scripture with axes to grind, such as political agendas), “therapeutism” (treating the Bible as a source book for meeting one’s own “felt needs”), and failure to depend on the Holy Spirit (“when you read the Bible, you should approach it with openness, availability, and the recognition that you need the Holy Spirit to show you how to think, respond, and act,” not assume that your own efforts at interpretation, however essential, are sufficient by themselves). Not everyone will find Berding’s discussion of “special interests” wholly satisfactory. For instance, that “the Bible nowhere explicitly speaks to the role of the government in regulating economics” will seem to some far from sufficient reason not to seek out what may rightly be inferred (by “good and necessary consequence”); some, in fact, may accuse Berding of doubting Scripture’s sufficiency in an area of godly living where it in fact is sufficient. This quibble aside, the chapter remains useful, meriting study and reflection.
Chapter 5 (79-91) calls for “A Revival of Obeying The Word,” urging us to join Berding in learning “to bend [our] will[s] in submission to the One who inspired the Book,” even when that means we must “believe God’s Word rather than [our] own intuition,” seeking always to obey “(1) quickly, (2) without argument, and (3) with the right attitude.” Contemporary Christian reluctance to obey God’s Word can be traced in part, Berding’s “digging deeper” suggests, to (1) sentimentality (reading Scripture just for its emotional effects upon one, such as to appreciate its beauty without striving to understand and apply what it says), (2) avoidance (sinfully finding excuses for putting off or pretending ignorance of something we have seen Scripture requires us to do), (3) “thinking we have a right to decide” (behaving as though, in spite of having accepted Jesus as our Lord, we may legitimately do other than what he, through Scripture, orders us to do), and (4) some of us who claim the label “Christian” not in fact knowing the Lord savingly. This is an excellent chapter; I find the following passage particularly quoteworthy: “It is true that the Bible....was written first and foremost so that we might come to know God through Jesus Christ. But when the Bible calls us to action, that call is authoritative....We do not have the right to decide whether it suits us to obey.” (Readers familiar with Verbal Advantage may wish Berding had spoken of our reluctance rather than “our reticence to obey” God’s Word. Alas, this insult to the historical meaning of “reticence”—reserved, reluctant to speak—has been popular long enough to be listed in dictionaries as permissible even back in 1999 [Random House Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary, 1999 electronic edition, s.v. “reticence”].)
Desire for “A Revival of Speaking the Word” is the burden of chapter 6 (93-106). Far from being just a call to “proclaim the gospel,” this chapter calls Christians to make conversations based upon and related to Scripture a pervasive part of their everyday lives, whether interacting with coworkers and other “secular” acquaintances, with family members, or with fellow Christians. Drawing upon some recent scholarship by his colleague Joanne Jung, Berding suggests that today’s Christians might do well to reappropriate the Puritan practice of godly conversations (“conference”) as an intentional means of edification. In “digging deeper,” Berding finds the popular error of setting “speaking” and “showing” in opposition (“Preach the gospel at all times; when necessary, use words”), as well as the similarly prevalent misconception that speaking about Scripture is a job that should be left to paid ministers, noteworthy contributors to the problem. If you’re a Christian in the job market who has had other Christians repeatedly urging you to tone down and obscure your Christian convictions, involvements, and education in order to more easily acquire work in our post-Christian culture, you may find this chapter will help you feel superior while remaining unemployed. This is not Berding’s intent and I’m sure he would disapprove, but it works for me. Thumbs up for chapter 6.
Finally, the appendices. Appendix A (109-111) suggests that “The Easiest Way to Memorize the Bible” is to read over the material a bunch of times before beginning the rote memorization process. This isn’t quite the level of memorization ease one would expect after noting Berding’s association with the Sing and Learn New Testament Greek study aid (back cover). Where are the musical mnemonics for mastering chapter outlines or other information that would make memorization easier? Also lacking is any emphasis on the need, or at least advisability, of committing to a specific version of the Bible before embarking on a program of English Bible memorization. (Even if one knows and will be memorizing the original languages, one must still choose a text before beginning word-for-word memorization. Will one use the latest critical reconstruction? Or does one prefer something traditional?) While persons focused just on learning doctrine and mastering overall content might continue utilizing an assortment of English Bibles, persons wishing to begin memorizing passages verbatim may find the use of multiple Bibles a less than ideal approach. In fact, the prevalence of divergent English wordings in our Bibles might be among the factors discouraging word-for-word memorization, might it not?
Appendix B (113-14), “A Method for Attaining Bible Fluency,” is essentially an advertisement for the “Bible Fluency” learning program Berding and his publisher are working on. This program, which will include “materials...accessible electronically free of charge” and should be available in summer 2014, will “equip Christians to recognize and locate the Bible’s 400 most important events, characters, and themes.” This sounds like it will be a useful resource, but we who lament the state of the church (and of ourselves more often than not) may have little reason to hope this latest resource will turn things around. Great resources for Christians hungry to learn and grow (and strong enough to turn away from the empty but ever-pleasing effusions of our entertainment culture) are already legion: the Trinitarian Bible Society (numerous free articles online, plus Bibles and printed materials for sale; of special interest to those who care most about scriptural authority), the Answers in Genesis (AiG) and Institute for Creation Research (ICR) Web sites (much free material; regular discounts on materials for sale; Scripture-honoring perspective), Chapel Library (sound free material, primarily reprints of older literature), Grace to You (freely downloadable sermons dating back as far as 1969; articles; stuff for sale), Biblical Training (free seminary-level courses; evangelical mainstream), and doubtless others. The same technology that has made it possible for any who wish to entertain and/or corrupt themselves during every waking minute outside work has also made it possible for all Christians who wish to learn and grow to do so to the limit their God-given potentials. (The addition of secular resources like Coursera, Udacity, and MIT Open Courseware make this all the more true. If there are areas of knowledge relevant to your Christian walk or calling that Christian sites don’t cover, you can probably find whole college-level courses available free whenever you need them.) While the New Thought idea that anyone can become anything one has the desire and will to become has never been more than a delusion (kept alive by biased selection of personal success stories confirming the belief), technological advance has made the delusion more nearly true now than ever before. Though certainly a welcome addition, the Biblical Fluency site will be just a drop in a growing ocean (or, at least, a very large lake) of resources. If only the church’s current shortcomings were due to a lack of resources! In fact, however, good resources are so plentiful as to be intimidating, which intimidation may contribute to Christians’ joining both in pop cultural escapism and in broader society’s shortening attention spans. (Pop culture itself has nicely illustrated the poor-focus-on-too-many-things aspect of the contemporary scene with the image, repeated in numerous movies and television shows, of a person trying to monitor many televisions set to different stations all at once. Then there’s Twitter.)
Overall, then, Bible Revival is a scripturally sound, helpful text with few annoyances. Brief and basic, it will doubtless prove useful to many individual Christians and small study groups.
End of Review
Versions of this review also appear on Amazon.com and the Pious Eye site (reviewer’s Web site).
May 6, 2014
If I had to define the word revival after reading this book, I would have to say it is the stirring of the heart. A stirring of the heart that is committed to know the word. In knowing the word, I have an understanding of who God is and by knowing who God is I value his work of redemption and by valuing his redemption, I am compelled to obey and speak of Him.
Each chapter speaks on learning, valuing, and understanding, applying, obeying and speaking the word. Each chapter ends with a prayer and challenging questions that reveal the heart in order to make application.
How many times in bible study or in church you are asked of scripture how does this apply to you? When the question should be what God’s character is. When we ask the question how it applies to us, we move the focus from God to ourselves. The focus of the word is to know God and his character. We may not understand and be put off; however, knowing the big picture and reason behind what the providence of God is, we can know that the Lord is good. To be honest, reading the bible only once is not good enough; it really takes a life time of reading the whole scripture and the study of context. Reading this study brings application to a right frame of mind.
Do we value the word? In answering with a yes or no, what is the why with the yes or no. We are a living in a world filled with distractions and valuing the word may have no value to our culture and even those within the church. However, what are these distractions doing to the condition of our hearts. When de-valuing the word, our hearts become hard towards the things of God. I appreciated the contrast Kenneth Berding made with George Orwell (1984) and Aldous Huxley (Brave New World)
When the word is not valued as it should be, then the authority of the word means nothing. I think it is save to say that is where we are now. More so in the church which is where the revival needs to start.
With the authority from the word, we need a revival of applying the word. If we think of Christianity as meeting our needs, then the focus is on us and not the glory of God. Applying the word of God is applying the character of God.
A Bible Revival is not another how to book but a reminder of the treasure we have.
A complimentary review copy was provided to me by Cross Focused Reviews (A Service of Cross Focused Media, LLC). I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own
Each chapter speaks on learning, valuing, and understanding, applying, obeying and speaking the word. Each chapter ends with a prayer and challenging questions that reveal the heart in order to make application.
How many times in bible study or in church you are asked of scripture how does this apply to you? When the question should be what God’s character is. When we ask the question how it applies to us, we move the focus from God to ourselves. The focus of the word is to know God and his character. We may not understand and be put off; however, knowing the big picture and reason behind what the providence of God is, we can know that the Lord is good. To be honest, reading the bible only once is not good enough; it really takes a life time of reading the whole scripture and the study of context. Reading this study brings application to a right frame of mind.
Do we value the word? In answering with a yes or no, what is the why with the yes or no. We are a living in a world filled with distractions and valuing the word may have no value to our culture and even those within the church. However, what are these distractions doing to the condition of our hearts. When de-valuing the word, our hearts become hard towards the things of God. I appreciated the contrast Kenneth Berding made with George Orwell (1984) and Aldous Huxley (Brave New World)
When the word is not valued as it should be, then the authority of the word means nothing. I think it is save to say that is where we are now. More so in the church which is where the revival needs to start.
With the authority from the word, we need a revival of applying the word. If we think of Christianity as meeting our needs, then the focus is on us and not the glory of God. Applying the word of God is applying the character of God.
A Bible Revival is not another how to book but a reminder of the treasure we have.
A complimentary review copy was provided to me by Cross Focused Reviews (A Service of Cross Focused Media, LLC). I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own
May 2, 2014
How would you like a book that addresses one of the biggest, yet often overlooked problems of our day? It is the problem of a famine of the Bible– not only in our world, but within Christianity itself. Adding to the damage is our lack of ideas on how to address the problem. How will I address the problem in my life? How will pastors address it in our churches? Packing a real wallop, this volume by Kenneth Berding and published by the Weaver Book Company shares real answers. The answers are deftly given, and as the subtitle says (“committing ourselves to one book“), are what we should have already realized.
Mr. Berding confines his case that we have this famine to one succinct chapter. That suffices as I doubt any reader would fail to see the obvious nature of the Bible’s standing among God’s people. He even discusses some possible reasons, like distractions and so on, that gives insight to where we are today. Chapter two to the end are insightful, practical advise on what must be done.
His approach is one of confronting the things that keep the Bible at a such distance that it does not have the dramatic effect it otherwise would on our lives. Things like seeing the Bible as truly sufficient, or that it can be actually understood, or our being superficial in reading it, or worse, that we already know all the important stuff–these are makings of biblical illiteracy. He call our biases “special interests” and the preferred type of sermons today “therapeutism”. One of our biggest blunders, as he well explains, is our imagined right to an opinion of whether what we read is acceptable to us or not. He leads us persuasively away from these things.
Were we to confront the things that Mr. Berding calls out we would without fail have a revival in our personal lives regarding the Bible. I recommend this book for you and me. As a pastor, I recommend it to those I pastor too. It is a gem that I pray it finds a wide audience!
I received this book free from the publisher. 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 .
Mr. Berding confines his case that we have this famine to one succinct chapter. That suffices as I doubt any reader would fail to see the obvious nature of the Bible’s standing among God’s people. He even discusses some possible reasons, like distractions and so on, that gives insight to where we are today. Chapter two to the end are insightful, practical advise on what must be done.
His approach is one of confronting the things that keep the Bible at a such distance that it does not have the dramatic effect it otherwise would on our lives. Things like seeing the Bible as truly sufficient, or that it can be actually understood, or our being superficial in reading it, or worse, that we already know all the important stuff–these are makings of biblical illiteracy. He call our biases “special interests” and the preferred type of sermons today “therapeutism”. One of our biggest blunders, as he well explains, is our imagined right to an opinion of whether what we read is acceptable to us or not. He leads us persuasively away from these things.
Were we to confront the things that Mr. Berding calls out we would without fail have a revival in our personal lives regarding the Bible. I recommend this book for you and me. As a pastor, I recommend it to those I pastor too. It is a gem that I pray it finds a wide audience!
I received this book free from the publisher. 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 .
August 26, 2015
In Bible Revival: Recommitting Ourselves to One Book, Kenneth Berding states that this book was written to answer "the question of why we need a revival of the Bible in our generation and what it will take to see it happen." The author also notes that "this book can be used in a church context or as a way to draw in students who are taking an introductory class on the Bible." Discussion questions are included at the end of each chapter. However, I do not find the questions thought provoking; they are highly subjective and can be incorrectly answered without any guidance to the correct, biblical response.
In addition, I do not agree with Mr. Berding's definition of the Bible: "The entire story of the Bible could legitimately be described as a message about God the King inviting his people to join the wedding of his Son Jesus Christ," (Kindle location 585). Later, he restates his definition, but it is still incomplete: "It [the Bible] was written first and foremost so that we might come to know God through Jesus Christ," (Kindle location 995). The 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith (LBCF), Chapter 1, paragraph 6 states: "The whole counsel of God concerning all things necessary for His own glory, man's salvation, faith and life, is either expressly set down or necessarily contained in the Holy Scripture." This statement makes it clear that the Bible is more than just a wedding invitation or a road map.
Overall, I am disappointed with Bible Revival. Early in his book, Mr. Berding writes: "My paternal grandfather, who never came into personal relationship with Jesus Christ, read his Bible regularly and had many passages committed to memory," (Kindle location 115). This statement begs the question as to why the author continues to promote a "Bible revival", when his personal experience clearly shows that more than just Bible reading is needed.
In Chapter 2 Mr. Berding starts off his section on the clarity of Scripture with two personal stories about his students. One student was questioning his faith and contemplating moving to a "different church tradition" and the other student wasn't sure whether or not the Gospel was true, (Kindle location 327). Instead of recognizing the fact that these two students were probably not saved and relating his interaction of sharing the Gospel with them, the author talks about how neither student "really valued the Bible."
The above scenario sums up the major error I see in this book. Mr. Berding assumes that people who attend church or Bible class are Christians, regardless of whether or not good fruit is being produced in their lives, (Matt. 7:18-20). I do want to acknowledge that in Chapter 5, Mr. Berding does recognize the fact that his reader may not be a Christian. Unfortunately, a clear Gospel presentation is not given. If a professing Christian is not hungering after God's word, then there's a deeper issue involved. Ultimately, the person may not be saved.
Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God, (Rom. 10:17). Therefore, it's important for that person to read the Bible and, if possible, to sit under sound teaching in a Bible-believing church. However, saving faith is more than just intellectual assent; it also involves the heart and the will, (Rom. 10:10). In addition, the LBCF also acknowledges "the inward illumination of the Spirit of God to be necessary for the saving understanding of such things as are revealed in the Word," (Chapter 1, paragraph 6). Only those who have saving faith love God and keep His commandments, (1 John 2:3). Therefore, a "Bible revival" happens when a person's heart is truly regenerated by the Holy Spirit.
At the end of Chapter 2, Mr. Berding states that "When we really and truly begin to believe that the Word of God is sufficient and clear regarding life and godliness, we will begin to act like it," (Kindle location 440). But then in Chapter 3, he makes the following statement: "In 2 Timothy 2:14-16, Paul challenges Timothy to 'do your best' or 'be diligent' (not 'study' as the King James Bible translated it)," (Kindle location 649). Ironically, the author's biased implication, that the King James Bible is mistranslated, is inconsistent with the major point of his book that Christians should read the Bible because it is sufficient and clear.
According to Strong's Comprehensive Concordance of the Bible, the Greek word spoudazo in 2 Tim. 2:15 means "to use speed, i.e. to make effort, be prompt or earnest:--do (give) diligence, be diligent (forward), endeavor, labor, study." Strong's clearly shows that 'study' is an acceptable translation for spoudazo; and therefore, the King James is correct in its usage. By trying to discredit the King James Bible, the author implies its insufficiency; and then he wonders why no one reads their Bible, or if they do read it, they don't consider it authoritative. The author's unwarranted display of scholarly arrogance reduces the Bible to "just another book" that is subject to textual criticism.
The main reasons that I do not recommend Bible Revival are because Mr. Berding uses inconsistent argumentation as noted above, and he does not clearly define his audience. If he is writing to mature believers, then his advice is not needed because a true seasoned Christian already reads and properly studies the Bible. If he is writing to new believers, then I think Living by the Book by Howard & William Hendricks is a better how-to guide for reading the Bible. If he is writing to unbelievers, then his advice will fall on deaf ears. As his personal experience clearly shows: "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned," (1 Cor. 2:14).
Full Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In addition, I do not agree with Mr. Berding's definition of the Bible: "The entire story of the Bible could legitimately be described as a message about God the King inviting his people to join the wedding of his Son Jesus Christ," (Kindle location 585). Later, he restates his definition, but it is still incomplete: "It [the Bible] was written first and foremost so that we might come to know God through Jesus Christ," (Kindle location 995). The 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith (LBCF), Chapter 1, paragraph 6 states: "The whole counsel of God concerning all things necessary for His own glory, man's salvation, faith and life, is either expressly set down or necessarily contained in the Holy Scripture." This statement makes it clear that the Bible is more than just a wedding invitation or a road map.
Overall, I am disappointed with Bible Revival. Early in his book, Mr. Berding writes: "My paternal grandfather, who never came into personal relationship with Jesus Christ, read his Bible regularly and had many passages committed to memory," (Kindle location 115). This statement begs the question as to why the author continues to promote a "Bible revival", when his personal experience clearly shows that more than just Bible reading is needed.
In Chapter 2 Mr. Berding starts off his section on the clarity of Scripture with two personal stories about his students. One student was questioning his faith and contemplating moving to a "different church tradition" and the other student wasn't sure whether or not the Gospel was true, (Kindle location 327). Instead of recognizing the fact that these two students were probably not saved and relating his interaction of sharing the Gospel with them, the author talks about how neither student "really valued the Bible."
The above scenario sums up the major error I see in this book. Mr. Berding assumes that people who attend church or Bible class are Christians, regardless of whether or not good fruit is being produced in their lives, (Matt. 7:18-20). I do want to acknowledge that in Chapter 5, Mr. Berding does recognize the fact that his reader may not be a Christian. Unfortunately, a clear Gospel presentation is not given. If a professing Christian is not hungering after God's word, then there's a deeper issue involved. Ultimately, the person may not be saved.
Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God, (Rom. 10:17). Therefore, it's important for that person to read the Bible and, if possible, to sit under sound teaching in a Bible-believing church. However, saving faith is more than just intellectual assent; it also involves the heart and the will, (Rom. 10:10). In addition, the LBCF also acknowledges "the inward illumination of the Spirit of God to be necessary for the saving understanding of such things as are revealed in the Word," (Chapter 1, paragraph 6). Only those who have saving faith love God and keep His commandments, (1 John 2:3). Therefore, a "Bible revival" happens when a person's heart is truly regenerated by the Holy Spirit.
At the end of Chapter 2, Mr. Berding states that "When we really and truly begin to believe that the Word of God is sufficient and clear regarding life and godliness, we will begin to act like it," (Kindle location 440). But then in Chapter 3, he makes the following statement: "In 2 Timothy 2:14-16, Paul challenges Timothy to 'do your best' or 'be diligent' (not 'study' as the King James Bible translated it)," (Kindle location 649). Ironically, the author's biased implication, that the King James Bible is mistranslated, is inconsistent with the major point of his book that Christians should read the Bible because it is sufficient and clear.
According to Strong's Comprehensive Concordance of the Bible, the Greek word spoudazo in 2 Tim. 2:15 means "to use speed, i.e. to make effort, be prompt or earnest:--do (give) diligence, be diligent (forward), endeavor, labor, study." Strong's clearly shows that 'study' is an acceptable translation for spoudazo; and therefore, the King James is correct in its usage. By trying to discredit the King James Bible, the author implies its insufficiency; and then he wonders why no one reads their Bible, or if they do read it, they don't consider it authoritative. The author's unwarranted display of scholarly arrogance reduces the Bible to "just another book" that is subject to textual criticism.
The main reasons that I do not recommend Bible Revival are because Mr. Berding uses inconsistent argumentation as noted above, and he does not clearly define his audience. If he is writing to mature believers, then his advice is not needed because a true seasoned Christian already reads and properly studies the Bible. If he is writing to new believers, then I think Living by the Book by Howard & William Hendricks is a better how-to guide for reading the Bible. If he is writing to unbelievers, then his advice will fall on deaf ears. As his personal experience clearly shows: "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned," (1 Cor. 2:14).
Full Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2019
Berding's premise is essentially that Christians don't know what the Bible says anymore, saying they don't read it, they don't understand it, and they don't obey it when they do read or understand it. Berding offers some practical advice on how to implement a stronger commitment to the Word, and I found it to be a very sobering challenge.
This book provides a lot of really good slaps to the face. If you're a Christian who wants to be more convicted and motivated to the commitment of reading the words of the living God, check this one out.
This book provides a lot of really good slaps to the face. If you're a Christian who wants to be more convicted and motivated to the commitment of reading the words of the living God, check this one out.
January 20, 2025
I am taking Dr.Berding right now for Principles of Interpretation, and I’ve had one class session with him. From that one class session, I have gathered: He is a Man of God and the words on these pages are overflow from his heart, he loves God, and he is passionate about seeking God in His word.
I am not sure I’ve ever read a more convicting book in my life. I got called up so high through this reading and am going to be sitting and meditating on every page and question The Holy Spirit asked me while reading for months.
Worth every second.
I am not sure I’ve ever read a more convicting book in my life. I got called up so high through this reading and am going to be sitting and meditating on every page and question The Holy Spirit asked me while reading for months.
Worth every second.
August 23, 2017
I really appreciated this. He takes a simple, yet direct approach to how Christians need to be people who are committed to learning, valuing, understanding, applying, obeying, and speaking the word.
May 11, 2020
A great book to encourage us to pursue studying the Bible and to share that Bible with others and encourage others to study the Bible as well.
July 18, 2024
Excellent book. Read to be challenged and then pray for revival.
May 9, 2014
To begin with, the publisher who has produced this recent work is new themselves, and – based on this work – I imagine that we’ll be hearing about many more exciting books from them in the days to come! Weaver Book Company (not to be confused with Weaver Press, which is based in Zimbabwe) was established in 2013 by Jim Weaver, an established veteran of the Christian academic publishing world, who formerly served such highly respected publishing houses as Baker, Kregel, and Thomas Nelson. His most admirable goal in this new publishing venture is “to take the riches of the academy and make them accessible to the church” (https://www.weaverbookcompany.com/abo...) – a goal which I believe is successfully reached in this book.
Bible Revival, by Kenneth Berding, is a short (121 page) and extremely accessible book calling direct attention to the current famine of God’s Word among believers, and reminding us of the vital place that Scripture should have in the life of every believer. In keeping with the goals of both the publisher and the author, this is a practical rather than academic work, obviously written from the perspective of an author who personally loves God’s Word and desires for other believers to do so as well. He hopes to accomplish this by offering us these six chapters, each of which considers one of the major obstacles preventing believers from growing in their knowledge of God’s Word and then offers practical solutions for overcoming these obstacles in our own lives.
From the outset, the undeniable problem is acknowledged:
“Christians used to be known as ‘people of one book.’ Sure, they read, studied, and shared other books. But the book they cared about more than all others combined was the Bible. They memorized it, meditated on it, talked about it, and taught it to others. We don’t do that anymore, and in a very real sense we’re starving ourselves to death.” (16)
Just to make sure that we’re good and convicted about this, though, Berding compares our current situation to similar experiences in the time of the Old Testament writings:
“In the book of Amos, people who experienced a ‘famine of hearing the words of the Lord’ are portrayed as undergoing divine judgment. Amos paints a picture of people without access to God’s revelation searching for a message from God like desperate people – hungry and dehydrated – in search of food and water (Amos 8:11-12). In Amos they want it, but are not permitted it. In our case, although we have unlimited access, we often don’t want it. The irony is intense. Who would deliberately and knowingly put himself under God’s judgment?” (19)
Thankfully, this book is filled with convicting passages like these – which may be just what we need to shake us from our spiritual lethargy and drive us to once again make God’s Word the priority in our lives that it truly needs to be! Better than merely convicting readers, though, the author also provides us with great wisdom regarding how we should move past all of our various excuses for neglecting God’s Word and restore God’s Word to its rightful place as the authoritative guide for our lives.
In these chapters, we are freshly challenged – and helped – to overcome all of the obstacles that keep us from engaging with God’s Word on a daily basis. These obstacles include distractions and busy-ness (chapter 1), concerns about the Bible’s sufficiency for our lives (chapter 2), the common struggles with understanding, applying, and obeying God’s Word as we should (chapters 3 – 5), and the far too frequent unwillingness to incorporate God’s Word into our daily conversations with others (chapter 6).
In all of these ways, countless believers have allowed God’s Word to become virtually non-existent in their daily lives – especially when they aren’t gathered with the saints for weekly worship. Yet, in these pages, the author reminds us of the Bible’s unswerving insistence that genuine Christ-followers spend significant time encountering God in his written Word, and by the end of the book we have been greatly inspired to do so!
Each chapter concludes with a prayer for God to help us increase our commitment to the Bible, as well as questions for review to help us reflect on what we’ve just read. At the end of the book, there is a helpful appendix to help us learn to better memorize portions of Scripture (a crucial aspect of overcoming biblical illiteracy!), as well as a brief description of a forthcoming program intended to help believers and churches grow in their overall knowledge of the Bible.
Though an easy read and not necessarily filled with vast amounts of “new information”, this book serves as a powerful and inspiring reminder that a significant portion of our lives should be devoted to the reading, studying, memorizing, and applying of God’s Word, and enables us to freshly commit ourselves to setting Scripture as the priority in our lives that it needs to be. What better purpose could a modern book serve?
Bible Revival, by Kenneth Berding, is a short (121 page) and extremely accessible book calling direct attention to the current famine of God’s Word among believers, and reminding us of the vital place that Scripture should have in the life of every believer. In keeping with the goals of both the publisher and the author, this is a practical rather than academic work, obviously written from the perspective of an author who personally loves God’s Word and desires for other believers to do so as well. He hopes to accomplish this by offering us these six chapters, each of which considers one of the major obstacles preventing believers from growing in their knowledge of God’s Word and then offers practical solutions for overcoming these obstacles in our own lives.
From the outset, the undeniable problem is acknowledged:
“Christians used to be known as ‘people of one book.’ Sure, they read, studied, and shared other books. But the book they cared about more than all others combined was the Bible. They memorized it, meditated on it, talked about it, and taught it to others. We don’t do that anymore, and in a very real sense we’re starving ourselves to death.” (16)
Just to make sure that we’re good and convicted about this, though, Berding compares our current situation to similar experiences in the time of the Old Testament writings:
“In the book of Amos, people who experienced a ‘famine of hearing the words of the Lord’ are portrayed as undergoing divine judgment. Amos paints a picture of people without access to God’s revelation searching for a message from God like desperate people – hungry and dehydrated – in search of food and water (Amos 8:11-12). In Amos they want it, but are not permitted it. In our case, although we have unlimited access, we often don’t want it. The irony is intense. Who would deliberately and knowingly put himself under God’s judgment?” (19)
Thankfully, this book is filled with convicting passages like these – which may be just what we need to shake us from our spiritual lethargy and drive us to once again make God’s Word the priority in our lives that it truly needs to be! Better than merely convicting readers, though, the author also provides us with great wisdom regarding how we should move past all of our various excuses for neglecting God’s Word and restore God’s Word to its rightful place as the authoritative guide for our lives.
In these chapters, we are freshly challenged – and helped – to overcome all of the obstacles that keep us from engaging with God’s Word on a daily basis. These obstacles include distractions and busy-ness (chapter 1), concerns about the Bible’s sufficiency for our lives (chapter 2), the common struggles with understanding, applying, and obeying God’s Word as we should (chapters 3 – 5), and the far too frequent unwillingness to incorporate God’s Word into our daily conversations with others (chapter 6).
In all of these ways, countless believers have allowed God’s Word to become virtually non-existent in their daily lives – especially when they aren’t gathered with the saints for weekly worship. Yet, in these pages, the author reminds us of the Bible’s unswerving insistence that genuine Christ-followers spend significant time encountering God in his written Word, and by the end of the book we have been greatly inspired to do so!
Each chapter concludes with a prayer for God to help us increase our commitment to the Bible, as well as questions for review to help us reflect on what we’ve just read. At the end of the book, there is a helpful appendix to help us learn to better memorize portions of Scripture (a crucial aspect of overcoming biblical illiteracy!), as well as a brief description of a forthcoming program intended to help believers and churches grow in their overall knowledge of the Bible.
Though an easy read and not necessarily filled with vast amounts of “new information”, this book serves as a powerful and inspiring reminder that a significant portion of our lives should be devoted to the reading, studying, memorizing, and applying of God’s Word, and enables us to freshly commit ourselves to setting Scripture as the priority in our lives that it needs to be. What better purpose could a modern book serve?
April 22, 2014
About the Book:
Bible Revival passionately explores why the Bible needs to be the single most important book in the Christian's life--and how to make it so. Unlike most books about the Bible, Berding digs deep to uncover the motivations and distractions that keep Christians from engaging with the Bible as richly as it can. But he does more than just point out the problems; he lovingly offers solutions in order to learn, value, understand, apply, obey, and speak the Bible.
About the Author:
Kenneth Berding is professor of New Testament at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. He is also an overseer at Whittier Hills Baptist Church in Whittier, CA. He is the author or co-editor of numerous articles and books, including Workbook in Romans: Arranged According to the History of Redemption, Sing and Learn New Testament Greek, What the New Testament Authors Really Cared About, Three Views on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament, and What Are Spiritual Gifts? Rethinking the Conventional View.
My Review:
We are starving ourselves, literally death by not doing as our ancestors once did, and meditate on the word of God almost minute by minute each day. In our daily world times, trends, and technology have taken the place of daily Bible reading, we are just simply too busy to make it a priority. As the author points out that in our day and time many people find that the Bible is no longer sufficient or that it lacks clarity. I know in my household the reason we don't meditate on it fully is because it is not made a priority. The responsibility falls squarely on our shoulders.
I for one, get up every morning and read my devotional&a chapter out of my Bible. If I don't do this at least 5 days a week, I feel like I have been disobedient. In Bible Revival, the author points out what he feels is the reason for our disengagement and shows us how to overcome something that will only hurt us in the end. Along with questions at the end of most chapters these are questions to help you go over the material and contemplate the message. Reading our Bible shouldn't be drudgery work that seems like it will never end. It should be a time of living, learning and an enjoyable time to spend with our Savior.
**Disclosure** This was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Cross Focused Reviews.
Bible Revival passionately explores why the Bible needs to be the single most important book in the Christian's life--and how to make it so. Unlike most books about the Bible, Berding digs deep to uncover the motivations and distractions that keep Christians from engaging with the Bible as richly as it can. But he does more than just point out the problems; he lovingly offers solutions in order to learn, value, understand, apply, obey, and speak the Bible.
About the Author:
Kenneth Berding is professor of New Testament at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. He is also an overseer at Whittier Hills Baptist Church in Whittier, CA. He is the author or co-editor of numerous articles and books, including Workbook in Romans: Arranged According to the History of Redemption, Sing and Learn New Testament Greek, What the New Testament Authors Really Cared About, Three Views on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament, and What Are Spiritual Gifts? Rethinking the Conventional View.
My Review:
We are starving ourselves, literally death by not doing as our ancestors once did, and meditate on the word of God almost minute by minute each day. In our daily world times, trends, and technology have taken the place of daily Bible reading, we are just simply too busy to make it a priority. As the author points out that in our day and time many people find that the Bible is no longer sufficient or that it lacks clarity. I know in my household the reason we don't meditate on it fully is because it is not made a priority. The responsibility falls squarely on our shoulders.
I for one, get up every morning and read my devotional&a chapter out of my Bible. If I don't do this at least 5 days a week, I feel like I have been disobedient. In Bible Revival, the author points out what he feels is the reason for our disengagement and shows us how to overcome something that will only hurt us in the end. Along with questions at the end of most chapters these are questions to help you go over the material and contemplate the message. Reading our Bible shouldn't be drudgery work that seems like it will never end. It should be a time of living, learning and an enjoyable time to spend with our Savior.
**Disclosure** This was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Cross Focused Reviews.
May 1, 2014
Bible Revival: Recommitting Ourselves to One Book
Kenneth Berding
Two things leaped out at me when I received this book in the mail. First: I am so jealous of my students who get to go to college at Biola. What an incredible set of professors and teachers they have there. Dr. Berding is one of those impressive individuals, and his book new book is impressive. Second: should I really be reading a book about how we need to read the Bible seemed like kind of an oxymoron. But I was surprised to find that this book really did a great job expressing why it is so important.
This book is broken down into six accessible chapters that are easily digested in one sitting. Each chapter has a prayer to end the chapter followed by some discussion questions. This book is perfect for a small group study. It is thoroughly Biblical and highly accessible.
As a Bible teacher my pride always tries to rise up when I see a book like this about how we should study/read the Bible more. I get that thought that "ha! That's what I do everyday! I don't need this book!" I could never be more wrong. This book convicted me, inspired me, challenged me, chastised me, and more importantly taught me that I need His Word so very much. It was a well-needed wake-up call!. I fully intend to either assign this book to my students next year or to at very least lecture through the content and borrow some of the discussion questions for my class discussion. I highly recommend this book. Five stars.
Kenneth Berding
Two things leaped out at me when I received this book in the mail. First: I am so jealous of my students who get to go to college at Biola. What an incredible set of professors and teachers they have there. Dr. Berding is one of those impressive individuals, and his book new book is impressive. Second: should I really be reading a book about how we need to read the Bible seemed like kind of an oxymoron. But I was surprised to find that this book really did a great job expressing why it is so important.
This book is broken down into six accessible chapters that are easily digested in one sitting. Each chapter has a prayer to end the chapter followed by some discussion questions. This book is perfect for a small group study. It is thoroughly Biblical and highly accessible.
As a Bible teacher my pride always tries to rise up when I see a book like this about how we should study/read the Bible more. I get that thought that "ha! That's what I do everyday! I don't need this book!" I could never be more wrong. This book convicted me, inspired me, challenged me, chastised me, and more importantly taught me that I need His Word so very much. It was a well-needed wake-up call!. I fully intend to either assign this book to my students next year or to at very least lecture through the content and borrow some of the discussion questions for my class discussion. I highly recommend this book. Five stars.
April 29, 2014
Bible Revival passionately explores why the Bible needs to be the single most important book in the Christian’s life—and how to make it so. Unlike most books about the Bible, Berding digs deep to uncover the motivations and distractions that keep Christians from engaging with the Bible as richly as it can. But he does more than just point out the problems; he lovingly offers solutions in order to learn, value, understand, apply, obey, and speak the Bible.
What is the most important book we as Christians own? The Bible, what is the book that is the least read? The Bible! The Bible is our key to life, our map to how to live our lives to glorify our Lord and Savior.
Mr. Berding has done a wonderful job of bringing us back to the Bible, (for those of us who confess to know Christ as savior), and this is a wonderful book for those who are new Christians, or even for those that may be seeking.
I do love the questions at the back of each chapter, and the how to apply the word chapter. It is one thing to read, and another to apply God's word to our lives.
This is a wonderful book, and will be one I read and reread many times.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
What is the most important book we as Christians own? The Bible, what is the book that is the least read? The Bible! The Bible is our key to life, our map to how to live our lives to glorify our Lord and Savior.
Mr. Berding has done a wonderful job of bringing us back to the Bible, (for those of us who confess to know Christ as savior), and this is a wonderful book for those who are new Christians, or even for those that may be seeking.
I do love the questions at the back of each chapter, and the how to apply the word chapter. It is one thing to read, and another to apply God's word to our lives.
This is a wonderful book, and will be one I read and reread many times.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
September 4, 2014
Our country, and many others as well, is currently experiencing a Spiritual famine. We cannot turn a blind eye or deaf ear to the facts. And once we accept the truth, we must go further and discover the causes of this tragedy. Lastly, and most importantly we must remedy this terrible state by turning around and trying to fix what we have so grievously erred in.
“Christians used to be known as ‘people of one book.’ Sure, they read, studied, and shared other books. But the book they cared about more than all others combined was the Bible. They memorized it, meditated on it, talked about it, and taught it to others. We don’t do that anymore, and in a very real sense we’re starving ourselves to death.” (16)
Bible Revival passionately explores why the Bible needs to be the single most important book in the Christian’s life—and how to make it so. Unlike most books about the Bible, Berding digs deep to uncover the motivations and distractions that keep Christians from engaging with the Bible as richly as it can. But he does more than just point out the problems; he lovingly offers solutions in order to learn, value, understand, apply, obey, and speak the Bible.
I found this such a convicting book! Chapter by chapter I was made to think about the truths contained in this little book and to examine my own heart.
The truths in even such a small book as this are foundational to turning the state of our nations around!
“Christians used to be known as ‘people of one book.’ Sure, they read, studied, and shared other books. But the book they cared about more than all others combined was the Bible. They memorized it, meditated on it, talked about it, and taught it to others. We don’t do that anymore, and in a very real sense we’re starving ourselves to death.” (16)
Bible Revival passionately explores why the Bible needs to be the single most important book in the Christian’s life—and how to make it so. Unlike most books about the Bible, Berding digs deep to uncover the motivations and distractions that keep Christians from engaging with the Bible as richly as it can. But he does more than just point out the problems; he lovingly offers solutions in order to learn, value, understand, apply, obey, and speak the Bible.
I found this such a convicting book! Chapter by chapter I was made to think about the truths contained in this little book and to examine my own heart.
The truths in even such a small book as this are foundational to turning the state of our nations around!
February 6, 2016
Knowing about something is not the same as knowing the thing. In much of the church today we know a lot about scripture, been around the church, done Sunday school. But the regular habitual study of the scripture is not a part of many. The author warns that this is killing us as a people. Both us as the church and the world we live in. The scriptures are our life, our strength and our source. This is where we meet God and he speaks. To not have a continual life long habit of reading the scripture and claiming to have a rich continuing relationship with God is a lie. Oh you might have met him once or twice but that is not what he died for. To some what I just wrote sounds legalistic and that is both the excuse and a symptom of the problem.
May 18, 2024
Appendix A (The Easiest Way to Memorize the Bible) has been the easiest and most helpful method I have found for memorizing entire books of the Bible.
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