Bible Reading

Reasons I Love the ESV Study Bible (By Thomas Hill)

From the day Crossway published it seventeen years ago, the ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) has remained the best secondary resource available to everyday Bible students. Obviously, the Bible itself is the top primary resource. As a secondary resource, however, the ESVSB is unmatched. I hope that every growing disciple in our church has one at their fingertips!

Here are ten reasons I think so highly of the ESVSB over other study Bibles available today:

  1. All interpretive tools are under one cover. In addition to reading the biblical text itself, Bible students can use additional tools to understand the text's original languages, history, cultural, and literary background. Tools include cross-references, variant translation notes, commentary, concordance, book introductions, helpful charts, timelines, and maps.

  2. Book introductions. Every book contains an invaluable introduction to the author, date, situation, themes, outline, and more.

  3. Biblical Theology tools. These help readers understand how individual sections are related to the overarching biblical storyline. The “History of Salvation in the OT” section shows how every chapter in the Old Testament points to Christ. The “OT Passages Cited in the NT” section shows how the New Testament uses the Old.

  4. Timelines. These helpful timelines include the History of the OT and NT, the Kings of Israel and Judah correlated with prophets, Jesus' life, and more. 

  5. Articles. These articles cover a variety of topics, including an Overview of biblical doctrine, an Overview of biblical ethics, an Interpretation of the Bible, the Canon of Scripture, an Overview of Christian Sects, an Overview of Religious Cults, and more.

  6. Healthy doctrinal perspective. The introduction describes this perspective as classic evangelical theology in the historical stream of the Reformation with confidence in the complete truthfulness of the Bible.

  7. Written by a large team of respected evangelical scholars from various backgrounds, this collaborative effort strengthens the content by avoiding blind spots and biases of individual writers.

  8. Commentary focused on accurate observation and sound interpretation. The commentary notes aim to help the reader understand the text accurately. The Spirt-illuminated reader, then, must make proper application.

  9. Digital access with additional free and paid resources. There are a host of digital resources available, some free, some paid, on the ESV website.

  10. English Standard Version translation. The ESV is one of the best, highly respected, "essentially literal" translations available today.

In the interest of balance, here are a few critiques of the ESVSB:

  1. Not Exclusively Baptist. This is not a concern, but it is something to be aware of. All churches, including ours, are more precise than the ESVSB in areas such as the ordinances and the doctrine of the church .

  2. Neutral on controversial doctrines. For example, it even-handedly presents three millennial views. Realize the ESVSB’s purpose. When required, look elsewhere for resources that will assist in greater doctrinal precision.

  3. Size. It is a thick, heavy book. My suggestion is to use this one at your study spot at home and bring a lighter “reading” Bible to church gatherings.

We stock copies of the ESVSB in our bookstall. Five more were delivered today! (We make no profit—we're just trying to get good resources into your hands.)

 For His Glory,

 Pastor Thomas

Do You Study?

"Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them." Psalm 111:2

DO YOU STUDY?

The word "study" may bring to mind memories of pouring over books, class notes, and study guides as you crammed for final exams. Notice in Psalm 111:2 (above) that studying the works of the Lord is an act of worship. The passage is clear - all who delight in the Lord's great works will study them. If you enjoy the Lord and delight in knowing him, you should hunger to know what he has done. As your knowledge about his acts grows, your joy and wonder in him are enlarged!


Where do we go to study these great works of the Lord? The Scriptures. These are the record of God's great works. Have you studied God's works today?


Church, we have homework.


For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

How are you growing as a disciple of Christ? (Daily Bible Reading Plan)

We are called to be progressing as disciples in every season of life. Our COVID world may be challenging in many ways but it should not stop your forward progress as a disciple of Jesus. In fact, every trial and hardship is designed by God to strengthen your appreciation of Him and grow in faith. So, how are you growing as a disciple?

You may already have your own plan for daily Bible reading. If so - great! If not, then I want to give you the loving challenge to make the most of this season. Whether or not you are currently participating in our Wednesday night discipling gathering, I'm encouraging you pick-up and participate in the daily Bible reading plan and journaling we are doing. This is a wonderful way to grow together as a church family.

Attached you will find the DAILY BIBLE READING PLAN we are following. (For those who use the ESV Bible app or ESV Study Bible website, this is the "Digging Deep Into the Bible" 1 year plan if you want to take advantage of digital resources.) We are following the Gospels and Epistles track but feel free to add any of the other three tracks if you'd like more reading. We are currently reading through the Gospel of Luke.

Each day read the assigned portion and journal your observations. Attached instructions for daily journal entries.

Even if you cannot meet with us currently on Wednesday nights, by keeping up with this reading plan you will be sharing the experience, growing in God's word, and will be ready to jump into discipling groups when you are able to attend on Wednesdays.

I pray this is a blessing and encouragement to you!

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas


DAILY BIBLE READING PLAN

JOURNALING INSTRUCTIONS