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The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy & What to Do about It
In The Word Explored, Dave Jenkins examines the problem of biblical illiteracy and helps readers learn the basics of Bible reading, church membership, and how the local Church should function under the Word reminding us that believing the right things is not enough, we need to move into obedience to the Word that we claim to believe, in every area of the Christian life and ministry.
112 pages, Paperback
Published March 15, 2021
About the author
Dave Jenkins
2 books35 followersDave Jenkins is happily married to Sarah Jenkins. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, and is the Host for the Equipping You in Grace Podcast. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021) and The Word Matters (G3 Press, 2022).. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 27, 2021
We live in a culture that is biblically illiterate for the most part. I recently spoke to a friend who lamented that many people have never heard of Jonah? My initial response was, “Who?” After a hearty chuckle, the tone turned serious as scores of biblical haven’t the slightest clue about the character of the Bible, let alone the plotline of Redemptive history.
The Word Explored by my friend, Dave Jenkins sets out to offer practical solutions for the problem of biblical illiteracy. The book is light on diagnosis but places a heavy emphasis on prescription. Jenkins’ prescription includes an urgent appeal to hear, read, study, memorize, and meditate on the Word of God.
One of the great appeals of The Word Explored is the emphasis on application. Jenkins makes it clear that Bible input is critical but without practical application, all efforts fall flat. The author includes personal examples of how Scripture has impacted his life and enables him to worship the Lord Jesus Christ in spirit and truth.
The Word Explored is an ideal book for new Christians but is also a powerful encouragement for seasoned believers as well. I commend this excellent book and trust that it will receive a wide reading for the good of the church and the glory of God!
The Word Explored by my friend, Dave Jenkins sets out to offer practical solutions for the problem of biblical illiteracy. The book is light on diagnosis but places a heavy emphasis on prescription. Jenkins’ prescription includes an urgent appeal to hear, read, study, memorize, and meditate on the Word of God.
One of the great appeals of The Word Explored is the emphasis on application. Jenkins makes it clear that Bible input is critical but without practical application, all efforts fall flat. The author includes personal examples of how Scripture has impacted his life and enables him to worship the Lord Jesus Christ in spirit and truth.
The Word Explored is an ideal book for new Christians but is also a powerful encouragement for seasoned believers as well. I commend this excellent book and trust that it will receive a wide reading for the good of the church and the glory of God!
May 5, 2021
My friend, Dave Jenkins, has written a great book to help you dive into the Bible. It is a short, easy to read one.
December 3, 2022
Jenkins highlights the value of the Bible in the life a disciple and the life of the church. Easy to read, and good ideas to apply. Lots of of Scripture references.
The by line of the title is "The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What to Do About It"
Introduction
- William Tyndale died getting the Word out
- Bible literacy is going down, way down
1. Hearing & Reading the Word
- we NEED the Word of God, to hear it and read it
- and obey it
- we CAN make time to read and study it; we prioritize what we love
- it is important for the public reading of the Word
2. Studying the Word of God
- like Timothy, we are to watch our life and our doctrine , 1 Tim 4:16 p23
- we are to be hearers and doers of the Word James 1:22 p23
- the purpose of Bible study and knowledge is to see, know, trust, and love the person and work of Jesus as revealed in the Scriptures, so we may be saved by Christ alone, and equipped to serve the Lord Jesus p27
3. Memorizing & Meditating on the Word
- necessary for the sake of godliness 1 Tim 4:7-8 p 31
- because of the grace of God we can be disciplined. "The same grace that saved you as a Christian is training you to renounce ungodliness so that you can grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus and train yourself for godliness." 2 Pet 3:18, 1 Tim 4:8 p33
- memorizing Scripture helps us to wield its truth in our own lives and to share with others for their benefit as well p34
- what we focus on and think about, like Scripture, we speak about, Psalm 39:3 p35
-"Thomas Watson pointedly notes, 'The reason we come away so cold from reading the Word is because we do not warm ourselves at the fire of meditation.' p36
- "What we think about reveals what we delight in." p36
4. Applying God's Word: A Guide to Benefits & Methods
- "Application is a matter of obedience. The Holy Spirit desires to carry forth Word you hear, read, study, memorize, and meditate on, and plant it deep within your heart." p42
- not applying what we know of the Word in our lives is like looking at ourself in the mirror and turning away and forgetting we we looked like in the mirror. Remembering and applying the Word it is a blessing and transformational. James 1:22-24, 2:14-26, 3:13, 4:17 p44
- the Gospel and the implanted Word results in application and action. James 1:24, Eph 2:10 p46
- Psalm 119:15 meditation and focus on the ways of God p48
5. The Local Church & The Word
- read the Bible publicly, listen well and apply 1 Tim 4:13 p58
6. The Local Church & The Preaching of the Word
- its how people grow in Christ p76
7. The Importance of Small Groups
- Hebrews 10:19-25 with the Word, we can spur one another on to love and good deeds p 77
8. Distractions, The Local Church, and Making Disciples Who Make Disciples
- "Being in Christ, and united to Him, is the fundamental constitution of a Christian.", Thomas Goodwin p81
- every Christian is empowered and called to make disciples Mt 28:20, Acts 1:6-8, P84
9. Conclusion: Faithfulness to the Lord in Every Sphere of Life
- "The Lord God is faithful to His people, and by His grace, as we grow in our faithfulness to Him through devoting ourselves to the Word, to prayer, and to living life in the local church..." p92
The by line of the title is "The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What to Do About It"
Introduction
- William Tyndale died getting the Word out
- Bible literacy is going down, way down
1. Hearing & Reading the Word
- we NEED the Word of God, to hear it and read it
- and obey it
- we CAN make time to read and study it; we prioritize what we love
- it is important for the public reading of the Word
2. Studying the Word of God
- like Timothy, we are to watch our life and our doctrine , 1 Tim 4:16 p23
- we are to be hearers and doers of the Word James 1:22 p23
- the purpose of Bible study and knowledge is to see, know, trust, and love the person and work of Jesus as revealed in the Scriptures, so we may be saved by Christ alone, and equipped to serve the Lord Jesus p27
3. Memorizing & Meditating on the Word
- necessary for the sake of godliness 1 Tim 4:7-8 p 31
- because of the grace of God we can be disciplined. "The same grace that saved you as a Christian is training you to renounce ungodliness so that you can grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus and train yourself for godliness." 2 Pet 3:18, 1 Tim 4:8 p33
- memorizing Scripture helps us to wield its truth in our own lives and to share with others for their benefit as well p34
- what we focus on and think about, like Scripture, we speak about, Psalm 39:3 p35
-"Thomas Watson pointedly notes, 'The reason we come away so cold from reading the Word is because we do not warm ourselves at the fire of meditation.' p36
- "What we think about reveals what we delight in." p36
4. Applying God's Word: A Guide to Benefits & Methods
- "Application is a matter of obedience. The Holy Spirit desires to carry forth Word you hear, read, study, memorize, and meditate on, and plant it deep within your heart." p42
- not applying what we know of the Word in our lives is like looking at ourself in the mirror and turning away and forgetting we we looked like in the mirror. Remembering and applying the Word it is a blessing and transformational. James 1:22-24, 2:14-26, 3:13, 4:17 p44
- the Gospel and the implanted Word results in application and action. James 1:24, Eph 2:10 p46
- Psalm 119:15 meditation and focus on the ways of God p48
5. The Local Church & The Word
- read the Bible publicly, listen well and apply 1 Tim 4:13 p58
6. The Local Church & The Preaching of the Word
- its how people grow in Christ p76
7. The Importance of Small Groups
- Hebrews 10:19-25 with the Word, we can spur one another on to love and good deeds p 77
8. Distractions, The Local Church, and Making Disciples Who Make Disciples
- "Being in Christ, and united to Him, is the fundamental constitution of a Christian.", Thomas Goodwin p81
- every Christian is empowered and called to make disciples Mt 28:20, Acts 1:6-8, P84
9. Conclusion: Faithfulness to the Lord in Every Sphere of Life
- "The Lord God is faithful to His people, and by His grace, as we grow in our faithfulness to Him through devoting ourselves to the Word, to prayer, and to living life in the local church..." p92
March 3, 2022
Excellent book and I don't say that lightly, also knowing Brother Dave, His heart poured into this book from His love for God and fellow humans. I don't want to give any spoilers but if you want to enhanced your life in the Word of God, this is an excellent tool to motivate you in the right direction. It was of great encouragement to me.
October 10, 2025
Lots to Think About
This book, in my opinion, really hits at the heart of what is wrong with our world. I pray that as a result of reading it, I make some changes in my life that will positively affect those around me.
This book, in my opinion, really hits at the heart of what is wrong with our world. I pray that as a result of reading it, I make some changes in my life that will positively affect those around me.
August 16, 2022
So glad I purchased and read this book.
"Reading the Bible, meditating on God's Word, journaling , and reading helpful books about theology are all crucial, but solitary." (pg. 19) This quote seems like it was written for me.
I felt this book was a big wake up call regarding the importance of church attendance and hearing the faithful word of God preached.
8/16/22
After reading this book for a second time I have changed my review from 4 to 5 stars because this book succinctly taught me again. I can see how much I deeper my thought pattern has evolved in a little less than a year from my last reading. In particular I was so moved by some the passages concerning grace. (Which I had not hi-lighted at all on first reading).
"We do not merit salvation, we do not grasp salvation by ourselves, and we do not exert the effort for our own sake. Instead, it is only by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone that we are saved, held secure, and can pursue any grace-driven effort to discipline." (page 32)
I think there is a lot of value in this slender book. In one afternoon of reading I filled with even more desire to love my Bible every day--even though I already do.
"Reading the Bible, meditating on God's Word, journaling , and reading helpful books about theology are all crucial, but solitary." (pg. 19) This quote seems like it was written for me.
I felt this book was a big wake up call regarding the importance of church attendance and hearing the faithful word of God preached.
8/16/22
After reading this book for a second time I have changed my review from 4 to 5 stars because this book succinctly taught me again. I can see how much I deeper my thought pattern has evolved in a little less than a year from my last reading. In particular I was so moved by some the passages concerning grace. (Which I had not hi-lighted at all on first reading).
"We do not merit salvation, we do not grasp salvation by ourselves, and we do not exert the effort for our own sake. Instead, it is only by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone that we are saved, held secure, and can pursue any grace-driven effort to discipline." (page 32)
I think there is a lot of value in this slender book. In one afternoon of reading I filled with even more desire to love my Bible every day--even though I already do.
June 15, 2021
Dave does a great job of diagnosing the contemporary problem of biblical illiteracy and offering a solution. This book was easy to read and a treasure trove of great stories, quotes, and practical advice!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews