One of my greatest concerns as a Christian blogger is to accurately communicate the truth of God’s word through my writing.
I want to “correctly handle the word of truth.”
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)
Sometimes, I’m afraid I’ll unintentionally misinterpret a verse by reading it out of context and understanding it wrong.
I was excited to read Chuck Swindoll’s Searching the Scriptures: Find The Nourishment Your Soul Needs, because I wanted to learn his methods of studying and teaching the Bible for over 50 years.
The book focused on helping the reader learn how to search the scriptures in order to gain sufficient spiritual nourishment.
Each section and chapter of the book centers around the metaphor of meal preparation. You are the chef and you’re going to learn how to prepare a spiritual feast.
“When it comes to cooking, it’s not enough to read about it or watch someone else do it; you have to actually get in the kitchen, roll up your sleeves, and give it your best effort! The same is true when it comes to studying the Bible.”
Searching the Scriptures: Find the Nourishment Your Soul Needs
The book is divided into three main sections:
Stage One: Finding the Food
1. Surveying the Shelves: Understanding the Basic Story of the Bible
2. Considering True Nourishment: Discovering the Transforming Nature of the Bible
Stage Two: Preparing the Meal
3. Choosing the Recipe: Pursuing the Treasures of Scripture
4. Reading the Ingredients: Observing the Text
5. Understanding the Nutrients: Interpreting the Text
6. Comparing the Flavors: Correlating the Text
7. Adding the Spices: Applying the Text
Stage Three: Serving the Feast
8. Setting the Table: Preparing to Dig into God’s Word
9. Tasting a Sample: Learning Where We Fit in the Story
10. Feeding the Hungry: Presenting the Truth
We must search the Scriptures deliberately, consistently, and intensely. Share on X
Swindoll begins the book by giving a helpful overview of the Bible and its history.
Then he teaches through application called, “Your Turn in the Kitchen” how to observe, interpret, correlate and apply the text.
You’ll learn about:
observation
“To inspect or take not of Scripture, to look carefully, with attention to detail”
interpretation
“Coming to an understanding of what the Bible means.”
correlation
“Comparing one Scripture with other Scriptures, precept upon precept and line upon line, to amplify our understanding of what the Bible is teaching.”
application
“Allowing the truths of God’s Word to grip us in areas that need attention and to call us to action.”
I loved the application section because it felt like Swindoll was personally passing along his wisdom and experience.
He outlines the principles of Bible Study in a way that will help you understand, apply and communicate God’s word effectively.
If you’re looking to understand the Bible on a deep and meaningful level, then this book would be a great resource.
I received this book for free from Tyndale Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
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Hello there! I'm Valerie, a mom of four and wife of 27 years. My writing inspires others to cultivate courageous faith and find solace in trusting God, especially in moments of fear and uncertainty. Join me on this adventure as we explore the beauty of trusting God when we are afraid. 
I reviewed the book a few weeks ago as well and thoroughly learned from and appreciated all that was shared. I have loved Chuck Swindoll’s radio program as well for years.
Featuring you this week on Women With Intention Wednesdays!
Wow! Thank you so much Jenny! What a blessing!
Thank you for this thorough review. This book looks like a great resource. It’s an interesting analogy with food and nourishment.
Yes, I thought the analogy fit well. Thank you for visiting, JoDitt!
Never heard of this book, but it looks great! Thanks for sharing at Women with Intention!
I thought the book was very well-written, Stefani! Thanks for leaving a comment.
I understand the weight of making sure the scriptures I use are correct and in context. As a safeguard, I placed myself under the authority of my pastor and asked him to call me out if I ever misuse a verse. Glad to be your neighbor at sitting among friends today.
I love your idea of asking a pastor to let you know if you have misused a verse. Thank you for taking the time to comment, Vickie!
Looks like a wonderful book! I’m discovering the treasures of this lately: “Comparing one Scripture with other Scriptures, precept upon precept and line upon line, to amplify our understanding of what the Bible is teaching.” But it’s come about because I felt nudged to do so in response to something I’ve repeatedly felt called to investigate.
God has opened my eyes to something I’m both excited and wary of sharing and He’s repeatedly led me to Scriptures that call me to be careful, to take my time, study well and look to promote unity, rather than division. Sounds like this book could be helpful!! Thanks for sharing. BTW have loved your posts on promise praying: been so blessed by Arabah Joy’s challenge.
Thank you so much for your kind words Anna! How exciting that you’re studying something God laid on your heart and being so careful to understand how He wants you to present it. I bet you will discover some wonderful gems of truth. I’m always amazed how there’s always something new to discover when we study scripture like that. And I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed the posts on praying. I really appreciate you letting me know! You blessed me!
This looks like another great book, Valerie! I love Chuck Swindoll!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Yep, it’s a great one! I learned a lot and plan on going back through the application parts. Thanks for visiting, Lori!
This looks like a great book, Valerie!
I love Chuck Swindoll!
Thank you for sharing this review~
Thank you, Melanie! I really enjoyed this book!