Although there are many great resources on how to read and study Scripture, hardly any focus exclusively on how to approach it in the first place. That’s what Smethurst provides in this unique “prelude” to opening your Bible. For without the right heart postures, we’re not yet ready to start reading.
“Today there has been a movement toward a ‘spiritual reading’ of the Bible that puts the greatest emphasis on one’s own experience of the text rather than on a careful, close reading and study of it. Yet Bible study must never be a merely academic exercise either. Matt Smethurst’s little book is a needed re-orientation so that Christians can genuinely hear God’s voice through his written Word.” – Tim Keller, chairman and co-founder, Redeemer City to City and author of The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness
“If you tend to grab your Bible, flip it open, and mumble a quick request for Holy Spirit-help, you are setting yourself up for something less than spectacular. But if you wish to hear the Spirit of Jesus speak life-altering words to you, it will mean laying aside your agenda, rallying your sensibilities, and remembering the majesty of the One who has words for you. Matt Smethurst has written a stellar little book on this rare but important subject. If you desire to approach your Bible as God wants you to, read this and be renewed!” – Joni Eareckson Tada, Joni and Friends International Disability Center
“In our culture of productivity and efficiency, we desperately need to slow down and think about God’s Word. This timely book by my friend Matt Smethurst teaches us how to humble ourselves and approach Scripture the right way. Before You Open Your Bible is filled with great wisdom about how you can reconnect with the power of the Christian life: God’s Word. After reading this book, get alone with God and his Word, and be amazed at the grace that you find.” – Rick Warren, founding pastor of Saddleback Church; author of The Purpose Driven Life
“As evidenced by his social media presence, my friend Matt Smethurst is one of the more thoughtful Christian commentators out there today. I’m thankful he’s written a book on how to rightly interact with God’s Word. This is something that no Christian can afford to neglect.” – Shai Linne, Christian hip-hop artist and author of God Made Me and You
“Matt Smethurst is brilliant and creative. But more than that he is what every Bible teacher should be, and that is faithful. In Before You Open Your Bible, Matt reminds us of the significance of God’s Word by focusing on the way we approach it as readers. This book will help you read Scripture in a deeper, more meaningful way.” – Russell Moore, president, The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention
“No one ever comes to God’s Word empty-handed. What you bring with you will shape how you receive it, understand it and live it. As I read Matt’s book, I was reminded once again that the battle of Bible study is really a war for the reader’s heart. I love this book! I need this book and so do you. Read it and keep it near, because you’ll need to read it again and again.” – Paul David Tripp, president, Paul Tripp Ministries and author of Suffering: Gospel Hope When Life Doesn’t Make Sense
“This book is a treasure. It is precisely what the church needs. I know of nothing else quite like it. I want to get this book into the hands of Christians of all ages.” – Burk Parsons, pastor, St. Andrew’s Chapel, Sanford, Florida and chief publishing officer of Ligonier Ministries
“Give Matt Smethurst an hour and he will send you back to your Bible with renewed awe and expectancy. A little gem of a book.” – Glen Scrivener, evangelist and author of Reading Between the Lines
Matt Smethurst is planting pastor of River City Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia; managing editor of The Gospel Coalition; and author of several books. He and his wife, Maghan, have three children
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