 |
I posted this over on my other blog, but reading this book - making notes, thinking about it - has taken up most of the month of January, so it seemed fitting to post here as well.
I received an advanced review copy of Fall in Love With God’s Word by Brittany Ann just as I started a small women’s group – perfect timing. The book is divided into three parts, each one a practical guide to studying and learning from the Bible. I particularly enjoyed the first part, which gives a clear, concise explanation of the different ways in which we might approach the Bible. None of these on their own is perfect and we need to understand the genre and context of the various books and writings if we are to read and interpret Scripture correctly. Brittany Ann also talks about the different ‘lenses’ with which we view verses, which helps to gain a correct interpretation and application to our lives.
The second part of the book explores how we can root out sin and recognise and replace incorrect teaching and unhelpful/sinful thoughts. Brittany shows that “We don’t read the Bible to learn about God. We read the Bible to meet with God.” and gives practical tips and strategies for doing so.
Lastly, Brittany looks at the obstacles we put or permit to stand in our way of growing closer to God. Busyness, tiredness, lack of motivation, distractions, forgetfulness, lack of biblical knowledge, lack of intimacy with God are identified and helpful tips for overcoming these are given. I am passionate about forming spiritually deep relationships with others and so I found the last chapter, Cultivate Spiritual Community, particularly encouraging and affirming.
This is a wonderfully practical manual which does what it says. I’ve just started a new small group of women who want to share ‘more than small talk’ and create community together: this couldn’t have come at a better time. A great book for all Christian women, wherever they might be in their journey with God.
Brittany Ann writes in an easy-to-understand style and this is a wonderful manual for exploring widely while diving deeper into Bible study. One to revisit.
(And one other reason I am grateful to Brittany Ann: last year I joined an Advent study group she hosted on facebook. To my delight, I found that an old friend - who I hadn't seen for two decades and who I had lost contact with - had joined the same group. We reconnected, much to our joy and delight. What an amazing 'coincidence'.)
