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How to Read the Bible in Changing Times
Many people admire and even revere the Bible, but they simply do not understand what they read, much less how to study Scripture. Yet they wish they could. In this insightful and alternately amusing guide, Professor Mark Yarbrough shows how easy and gratifying it is to unlock the hidden truths of God's Word and to discover a world where reading the Bible doesn't just satisfy our curiosity, but changes our life.To do this, the reader will step into the seminary classroom and observe the practical principles-the tricks of the trade-for becoming a more effective student of the Bible. But Yarbrough has made sure that his writing style and general approach will be appealing to both academic students and those involved in lay-level Bible study.Real life is whacky and in-your-face. Studying Scripture should be too.
273 pages, Unknown Binding
First published March 3, 2015
196 people are currently reading
485 people want to read
About the author
Mark Yarbrough
7 books9 followersDr. Yarbrough serves as Vice President for Academic Affairs, Academic Dean, and Assistant Professor of Bible Exposition at Dallas Theological Seminary. Mark oversees all Seminary activities related to academics and public representation. This includes overseeing the extension campuses (Houston, Austin, Atlanta, San Antonio, Tampa), extension initiatives (Knoxville and Washington, DC), and Online Education (English and Chinese). His undergraduate degree is from Dallas Christian College, where he was named Valedictorian and received the Delta Epsilon Chi Award. At DTS he was named Who’s Who and was an SCEC scholarship recipient. He received his Th.M. in 1996, and Ph.D. in 2008.
Mark’s twin passions for the local church and theological education have worked in tandem for over twenty years. At Centerpoint Church in Mesquite, TX, he serves on the Executive Committee of the elder board and is also part of the pastoral preaching team. He has also coauthored and recorded multiple songs/albums and enjoys leading worship. In regard to theological education, he loves the classroom and interacting with students preparing for various ministry endeavors. He has traveled extensively, leading tours and participating in international discussions on theological education—with recent consulting with the Chinese government concerning the growth of Christianity in their country. Mark also enjoys writing and has been published in various magazines (Kindred Spirit, Word and Work, and Christianity Today), and his recent book, Paul’s Utilization of Preformed Traditions in 1 Timothy, was published through T & T Clark.
He has been married for over twenty years to Jennifer, his high school sweetheart. They have four children: Kayla , Jacob, Kayci, and Joseph, and reside east of Dallas in Forney, Texas. The Yarbrough’s enjoy meeting fellow Christ-followers and have many opportunities to do so, as Mark frequently presents at conferences such as Horn Creek, Mount Hermon, Word of Life, and the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove. Although on the move and busy with four kids, they enjoy following the Cowboys, Mavericks and Rangers—and keeping things full, fun, and festive while serving the Lord.
Vice President for Academic Affairs, Academic Dean, Associate Professor of Bible Exposition
BS, Dallas Christian College, 1993; ThM, Dallas Theological Seminary, 1996; PhD, 2008.
Mark’s twin passions for the local church and theological education have worked in tandem for over twenty years. At Centerpoint Church in Mesquite, TX, he serves on the Executive Committee of the elder board and is also part of the pastoral preaching team. He has also coauthored and recorded multiple songs/albums and enjoys leading worship. In regard to theological education, he loves the classroom and interacting with students preparing for various ministry endeavors. He has traveled extensively, leading tours and participating in international discussions on theological education—with recent consulting with the Chinese government concerning the growth of Christianity in their country. Mark also enjoys writing and has been published in various magazines (Kindred Spirit, Word and Work, and Christianity Today), and his recent book, Paul’s Utilization of Preformed Traditions in 1 Timothy, was published through T & T Clark.
He has been married for over twenty years to Jennifer, his high school sweetheart. They have four children: Kayla , Jacob, Kayci, and Joseph, and reside east of Dallas in Forney, Texas. The Yarbrough’s enjoy meeting fellow Christ-followers and have many opportunities to do so, as Mark frequently presents at conferences such as Horn Creek, Mount Hermon, Word of Life, and the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove. Although on the move and busy with four kids, they enjoy following the Cowboys, Mavericks and Rangers—and keeping things full, fun, and festive while serving the Lord.
Vice President for Academic Affairs, Academic Dean, Associate Professor of Bible Exposition
BS, Dallas Christian College, 1993; ThM, Dallas Theological Seminary, 1996; PhD, 2008.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 8, 2015
So I assume the title and cover looks boring to most of you. I think it was the description that made me curious. The final product was surprisingly heartwarming, filled with hilarious stories, and had some down to earth information.
The author is actually a great storyteller. He uses stories to draw parallels to how to approach Bible study. He wants the reader to find Scripture interesting and applicable to your life. He starts by giving an overview of how the Bible is organized. Without understanding the layout and big picture, he compares it to having puzzle fragments without the box cover or understanding corner and side pieces.
He also compares diving into Bible study without some basic understanding to be like running headlong into a corn maze – it can leave you confused and disillusioned.
The book then goes into easy to understand Bible layout, description of the books of the Bible, and the basic beliefs of all Christianity. I’ve grown up with a lot of this understanding, and was actually impressed with how he breaks it down simply and with a viewpoint of ALL Christianity (vs one particular religion). He even goes into a few page description of the entire Bible story. In a few pages!
After this he delves into some easy ways to approach Bible study. He gives easy references and explains the differences in Bible versions. He tells the reader about some great internet resources for studying original language meaning for Bible passages: Blueletterbible.org and Biblewebapp.com
Every chapter begins with a great story from the author’s life to illustrate his points. This is no archaic, out of touch scholar, instead he is an engaging teacher.
He references his own love of the culture and up to date technology. He made me laugh by comparing a particular scripture to the people being the equivalent of who might have been on “Babylonian TMZ”.
He reminisces about his children, foibles, bungee jumping experience, picking up dog poo as a kid, and more.
I loved one chapter introduction that started with hilarious church bulletin bloopers. Here are a couple of my favorites:
The last chapter started with a story that brought tears to my eyes. The author had to help get a 12 year old skier medical attention for a badly fractured leg when he was alone with his 3 year old son on top of a slope. In order to help the girl, he had to send his son down the slope in an inner tube alone first. His son was at first scared and then finally told his dad, “I twust you”. When all was said and done, the girl got help, and he looked over to find his 3 year old son with his arms held high all by himself, excited about what he achieved. As a parent, I can only imagine the pride he felt in his son conquering his fear.
This is good for anyone who wants a basic understanding of the Bible and how to study it, those who want to get more out of studying the Bible, and those leading and teaching others in the church.
Thank you Netgalley and FaithWords for a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
The author is actually a great storyteller. He uses stories to draw parallels to how to approach Bible study. He wants the reader to find Scripture interesting and applicable to your life. He starts by giving an overview of how the Bible is organized. Without understanding the layout and big picture, he compares it to having puzzle fragments without the box cover or understanding corner and side pieces.
He also compares diving into Bible study without some basic understanding to be like running headlong into a corn maze – it can leave you confused and disillusioned.
The book then goes into easy to understand Bible layout, description of the books of the Bible, and the basic beliefs of all Christianity. I’ve grown up with a lot of this understanding, and was actually impressed with how he breaks it down simply and with a viewpoint of ALL Christianity (vs one particular religion). He even goes into a few page description of the entire Bible story. In a few pages!
After this he delves into some easy ways to approach Bible study. He gives easy references and explains the differences in Bible versions. He tells the reader about some great internet resources for studying original language meaning for Bible passages: Blueletterbible.org and Biblewebapp.com
Every chapter begins with a great story from the author’s life to illustrate his points. This is no archaic, out of touch scholar, instead he is an engaging teacher.
He references his own love of the culture and up to date technology. He made me laugh by comparing a particular scripture to the people being the equivalent of who might have been on “Babylonian TMZ”.
He reminisces about his children, foibles, bungee jumping experience, picking up dog poo as a kid, and more.
I loved one chapter introduction that started with hilarious church bulletin bloopers. Here are a couple of my favorites:
”The ladies of the church have cast off clothing of every kind. They can be seen in the church basement.” And, “At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be “What is Hell?” Come early and listen to our choir practice.”
The last chapter started with a story that brought tears to my eyes. The author had to help get a 12 year old skier medical attention for a badly fractured leg when he was alone with his 3 year old son on top of a slope. In order to help the girl, he had to send his son down the slope in an inner tube alone first. His son was at first scared and then finally told his dad, “I twust you”. When all was said and done, the girl got help, and he looked over to find his 3 year old son with his arms held high all by himself, excited about what he achieved. As a parent, I can only imagine the pride he felt in his son conquering his fear.
This is good for anyone who wants a basic understanding of the Bible and how to study it, those who want to get more out of studying the Bible, and those leading and teaching others in the church.
Thank you Netgalley and FaithWords for a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 11, 2023
I was delighted at the ease at which this could be read! Mark is a funny guy and I liked that that was so well articulated in the book! I’ve read a lot of similar stuff recently so not much ground breaking discovery, but would recommend to someone seeking to know more about the structure of the Bible!
October 21, 2021
Because Mr. Yarborough is a Protestant, and I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I was concerned about denominational differences: buying this book felt like a risk. I am glad that I took the risk! While there are a few places where my marginalia is does take issue with some of the doctrinal assumptions he makes, I would say that probably 98% or more of what he is teaching is useful and appropriate for any Christian who wants to draw closer to Christ through serious study of the Bible --and he teaches how to do it by drawing on many of the same techniques that the Savior used, particularly parables and stories. This means that Yarborough is inviting us to dig deeply, and even to be willing to venture into somewhat scholarly resources in our quest for greater understanding of scripture, but that it remains approachable and practical throughout the book. I've got a whole collection of tabs in the book, where I marked things I want to come back and use in my study, and several quotes in my commonplace book.
There are 20 chapters, and each one starts with a story. Usually humorous scrapes the author and his children have been in at one time or another. He connects these to the study of the Bible seamlessly, though some of them look pretty farfetched at the outset! (Dog doo poem, I'm looking at you!) But he starts at the beginning, looking at what's in the Bible, how it's organized, and then moves into how the type of literature (letters, poems, narrative...) impacts the way we study. There was a lot there that can inform and expand my study, and help me grow into a deeper understanding of the Word.
One this I really appreciated is the fact that the book ends with several chapters dealing with ways to get down to brass tacks: Yarborough understands that knowing what's IN the Bible, having academic understanding of it, is not enough: we need to let it work on us to bring about the mighty change of heart --which means practical, everyday actions need to be taken. Honestly, after looking at the last 3 chapters, I have to suspect that much of the ongoing inter-denominational bickering about grace vs works is, to a significant degree, differences in jargon from one denomination to the next: we don't talk about the same things using the same words, and I suspect that this causes no end of mischief. In any case, I loved the blunt, practical, forthright approach to Christian living he takes in these chapters, and the way that he puts the focus right where it should be: each reader looking at themself first, looking to find their own flaws, to feel their own need for Christ first and deepest.
It made me laugh so hard my kids wanted to hear what's so funny, it moved me to tears. It encouraged me to reach further and challenge myself in my study, and convicted me of the need for change in my own life. It is alive with hope in Christ.
Highly recommended.
There are 20 chapters, and each one starts with a story. Usually humorous scrapes the author and his children have been in at one time or another. He connects these to the study of the Bible seamlessly, though some of them look pretty farfetched at the outset! (Dog doo poem, I'm looking at you!) But he starts at the beginning, looking at what's in the Bible, how it's organized, and then moves into how the type of literature (letters, poems, narrative...) impacts the way we study. There was a lot there that can inform and expand my study, and help me grow into a deeper understanding of the Word.
One this I really appreciated is the fact that the book ends with several chapters dealing with ways to get down to brass tacks: Yarborough understands that knowing what's IN the Bible, having academic understanding of it, is not enough: we need to let it work on us to bring about the mighty change of heart --which means practical, everyday actions need to be taken. Honestly, after looking at the last 3 chapters, I have to suspect that much of the ongoing inter-denominational bickering about grace vs works is, to a significant degree, differences in jargon from one denomination to the next: we don't talk about the same things using the same words, and I suspect that this causes no end of mischief. In any case, I loved the blunt, practical, forthright approach to Christian living he takes in these chapters, and the way that he puts the focus right where it should be: each reader looking at themself first, looking to find their own flaws, to feel their own need for Christ first and deepest.
It made me laugh so hard my kids wanted to hear what's so funny, it moved me to tears. It encouraged me to reach further and challenge myself in my study, and convicted me of the need for change in my own life. It is alive with hope in Christ.
Highly recommended.
September 30, 2024
A book for seminary that was due 2 weeks ago… But I did it!!
This book humbled all of my “Bible knowledge” from my sporadic Sunday school classes over the course of my childhood - A professor from DTS helpfully clarifies and breaks down the Bible into understandable terms, and provides context for why and when it was written.
Of course the Bible is complex, and at times difficult to read. Should we be surprised? It was and IS inspired by God!
This book humbled all of my “Bible knowledge” from my sporadic Sunday school classes over the course of my childhood - A professor from DTS helpfully clarifies and breaks down the Bible into understandable terms, and provides context for why and when it was written.
Of course the Bible is complex, and at times difficult to read. Should we be surprised? It was and IS inspired by God!
January 5, 2025
Rating this book is hard. The title is misleading. If it was a YouTube video, I would call the title click bait. On the other hand, if you need something very basic, this book might fit the bill. It is very easy to read, has lots of stories, etc. What it is not, is a seminary level book!
July 10, 2023
let seminary reading begin!
March 2, 2019
Mark Yarbrough is a seminary professor but he is down to earth guy. Pretty much every chapter starts with life story and the content is excellent.
This is a book about Bible Study Methods. Other books like it are “How to Read the Bible in Changing Times” (Strauss) and others.
The style is easy read, but the ideas are quite useful for anybody who is serious about reading the Bible. Maybe the most interesting part about the book is that it comes with an online course. the online course is offered by Dallas Theological Seminary and it includes videos by Howard Hendricks who discusses is Observation, Interpretation, and Application.
This is a book about Bible Study Methods. Other books like it are “How to Read the Bible in Changing Times” (Strauss) and others.
The style is easy read, but the ideas are quite useful for anybody who is serious about reading the Bible. Maybe the most interesting part about the book is that it comes with an online course. the online course is offered by Dallas Theological Seminary and it includes videos by Howard Hendricks who discusses is Observation, Interpretation, and Application.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2020
When I was younger I acted like the Bible was a magic book. I would open to a passage and God would cause it to make sense for my specific situation. Well, it doesn't exactly work that way. The Bible is special because it's God's revelation to humanity. But, it doesn't mean whatever makes us feel better in any given moment. God has things He wants us to know. But He didn't just list them all out like some kind of manual. There are different genres of the Bible and you want to have that in mind as you're reading. This book gets into all that stuff and is really helpful for people who want to read the Bible the way it was intended to be read.
December 24, 2022
I read this for my Bible Study Methods and Hermeneutics class. Dr. Yarbrough was also my professor for the class so I got essentially the same content twice. Definitely not complaining though! Dr. Yarbrough is a great storyteller and he uses different stories to illustrate different methods of Bible study throughout his book. It is very easy to read but still quite informative. For each genre or topic of study, he includes good examples. I particularly liked the chapter on the book of Jonah. It was very illuminating and brought me into deeper appreciation for God's Word.
July 28, 2024
This is a well organized book to help anyone learn to study the Bible for themselves. I have read a few books on Bible study methods so there wasn't a lot of new ground covered in this one, but I did enjoy his writing style. I also appreciated how he didn't just tell you something (like consider the author) but gave specific examples of how to do that and what kind of difference that can make in your studies. I loved how in the end he gives advice on application and also includes a section on picking Bibles and study tools.
February 8, 2021
A terrific resource for studying God's Word.
This book is very readable, informative and at times laugh out loud funny. He gives you very important insights and helps to grow in your study of God's Word. I highly recommend this book for the person who sincerely desires to better understand how to study and learn the Bible.
This book is very readable, informative and at times laugh out loud funny. He gives you very important insights and helps to grow in your study of God's Word. I highly recommend this book for the person who sincerely desires to better understand how to study and learn the Bible.
July 20, 2021
Page-turner that I finished in 24 hours! Yarbrough took what could have been a dry, purely academic topic and instead made it engaging and entertaining. He opened up each chapter with a personal story that often had me laughing out loud, and even tear up a few times. Additionally his insights on the book of Jonah were thought-provoking and powerful. Highly recommend!
December 3, 2021
A Valuable Book that Helps Develop a Plan of Action
Less, and more, than I thought it would be. Develop an overall view of the Word and then work that view piece by piece into an understanding and then a specific action plan that applies to an area of life. Then live that plan and let the Lord work it into you.
Less, and more, than I thought it would be. Develop an overall view of the Word and then work that view piece by piece into an understanding and then a specific action plan that applies to an area of life. Then live that plan and let the Lord work it into you.
March 3, 2023
I read this in conjunction with a free DTS course of the same name and would highly recommend both. Dr Yarbrough keeps the book entertaining and easy to read. It is also something I will keep and reference as I study the Bible. I definitely gained a greater understanding and passion for studying the Bible by reading this book.
June 21, 2023
The title of this this book may seem daunting but would be of great value to anyone who wants help in reading, understanding better and teaching the Bible. The author is no doubt a gifted teacher himself as he is able to communicate on the ordinary person’s level. I appreciated the humour that the author used in his illustrations, his honesty and his humility.
August 18, 2025
Outstanding! Mark Yarbrough is a fantastic author and I’d imagine, just as much so as a seminary professor. His writing has humor added throughout. He spells out so clearly just how to do what the title says. I learned so much, even as a seasoned, long-time student of the Word of God. I highly recommend this book to anyone wishing to grow in how they read, interpret, and apply the Word of God.
August 13, 2020
This is an excellent guide in understanding the mechanics and proper usage of reading and understanding the Text. A student of the Bible would not go wrong as this book lays out, from start to finish, a plan for utilizing and breaking down the Word of God.
January 24, 2021
It seems like a big technical book on the Bible but instead it’s a heartwarming narrative friend coming alongside of you and pointing out how, why, and what the Bible does. It’s a great way to learn more about the Bible in a single read then most likely people learn in years.
June 24, 2022
EVERY. Christian should read this book.
EVERY. I’ve learned SO MUCH. Not just about how to read the Bible, but also about the Bible itself. Dr. Yarbrough is also an incredible story teller.
Can’t wait to be his student one day.
EVERY. I’ve learned SO MUCH. Not just about how to read the Bible, but also about the Bible itself. Dr. Yarbrough is also an incredible story teller.
Can’t wait to be his student one day.
March 5, 2024
Terrific Techniques for Deep Bible Study
As a Bible Teacher who teaches Deep Bible Study for those who have a desire to accurately interpret and “rightly divide” God’s Word, I appreciate the systematic approach the Mark takes in this book!
As a Bible Teacher who teaches Deep Bible Study for those who have a desire to accurately interpret and “rightly divide” God’s Word, I appreciate the systematic approach the Mark takes in this book!
June 14, 2024
Mostly information I already knew, but the author provided insights that enlivened the Bible accounts some. Encouraging, exhorting and even humorous in spots, well worth the read. The references to suggested Bible commentaries is useful; I hope to find some for further study.
June 13, 2025
Great Information on Reading and Applying the Bible
This book has great information on knowing and applying the Word of God. For many the contents will be basic. But the conviction of the author is contagious. Definitely worth the read
This book has great information on knowing and applying the Word of God. For many the contents will be basic. But the conviction of the author is contagious. Definitely worth the read
July 9, 2017
It might not have the catchiest title but what an entertaining and informative and challenging book. I'm sure I will use what I learned about how to do Bible study for myself for years to come!
January 3, 2022
Great for Laity
A wonderful introduction to Bible study, written for an audience of non-seminary trained folks. A very good start to really getting the Bible…
A wonderful introduction to Bible study, written for an audience of non-seminary trained folks. A very good start to really getting the Bible…
April 9, 2022
Great read to help understand how to read, interpret, analyze, and apply the Bible. Would recommend for anyone- do not need to be in seminary to read!
May 4, 2022
Great Presentation on How to Study the Bible.
A great presentation on how to the Bible. Anyone involved in teaching will benefit greatly from reading this book! Very helpful.
A great presentation on how to the Bible. Anyone involved in teaching will benefit greatly from reading this book! Very helpful.
November 9, 2022
Very easy read, his explanations and analogies are hilarious. I loved his outline of the metanarritive of scripture.
November 13, 2024
Exceedingly practical and accessible for lay readers, this text is a valuable resource for anyone doing serious Bible study.
December 16, 2024
Good illustrations to get the point across regarding the value of reading the Bible well and honestly
August 1, 2025
Great book. I know the author personally and he’s a wonderful writer, as warm on the page as he is in person. This gives me a place to start when doing some tough upcoming Bible studies.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews