Bible Engagement Basics Archives

August 18, 2020
by Dr. Lawson Murray Leave a comment

Bible Engagement Basics Audio-book

NEW RELEASE!

The practical handbook Bible Engagement Basics is now available as a FREE audio-book.

Bible Engagement Basics is a practical, accessible introduction to the Bible that’s full of creative ideas and suggestions for connecting and growing in one’s interaction with the Word. This go-to book helps and encourages thousands of people around the world to meet with Jesus and live in harmony with His Story.

While many people are benefitting from Bible Engagement Basics, many aren’t because even though they may love books, finding the opportunity to read can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve recorded Bible Engagement Basics as an audio-book. It provides a convenient alternative to old-fashioned reading.

Another reason why Bible Engagement Basics is made available as an audio-book is because around 30 percent of the population is made up of auditory learners. With Bible Engagement Basics available as an audio-book, it makes the book more accessible to more people.

Printed book http://scriptureunion.ca/bookstore-1/books-adults/bible-engagement-basics

E-book https://www.amazon.ca/Bible-Engagement-Basics-Lawson-Murray-ebook/dp/B079B77Y72

Audio-book https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kc05awL7Onk&feature=youtu.be

Click on the link below to listen to the audio version of the chapter about engaging children with the Bible.

Bible Engagement Basics

Lawson W. Murray

ISBN 978-0-9951694-1-8

January 23, 2018
by Dr. Lawson Murray Leave a comment

Bible Engagement Basics Comments

Since Bible Engagement Basics was published in July 2017 I’ve been gathering comments connected with the distribution of the book. The comments have been made during face to face conversations, usually during church visits at the conclusion of a Bible Engagement Sunday service where I’ve preached a Bible advocacy message and made the book available for people to purchase. The comments have also been made by people who have read the book and then connected with me because they wanted to tell me their stories.

I would not have thought about blogging these comments if it hadn’t been suggested by a friend. He asked me about the impact of the book, and while telling him, he stopped me and said, “You should blog these stories. They’re encouraging and could be helpful.”

So here are some comments about Bible Engagement Basics:

“Thank you for your message this morning and for your book. You said things I can’t say … good things that the congregation needed to hear … just recently the Sunday School teacher asked me, ‘Who came first, Moses or Jesus?’ … Your book will help!” – Rector of an Anglican church.

“When I bought the book I thought I’d only read one or two chapters, but I ended up reading all of it. Which is unusual because I don’t usually read non-fiction books.” – Young man in his twenties.

“Thank you so much for the practical coaching and instructions through your book on how to engage with the Word of God. I have greatly benefited! I wish everyone of my staff can get to read it. It is very informative and simplifies the aspects of Bible engagement so well.” – National Director of SU Uganda.

“If you can’t afford a copy of Lawson’s book, I’ll personally buy one for you. Everyone needs this book!” – Pentecostal pastor at the conclusion of a Bible Engagement Sunday service.

“I’ve never read the Bible but after hearing your message today (it was on 2 Kings 22-23) I’ve promised God that I’m going to start reading it and hope that your book helps me do this.” – Gentleman in his eighties who has worshipped in an Anglican church all his life.

After preaching a Bible engagement message at a seminary chapel service I asked one of the professors why the school, at the conclusion of the service, was giving copies of Bible Engagement Basics to their students. “Students are usually expected to buy their books. This is unusual,” I said. He smiled as he replied, “We believe this book expresses the core values that are important to us.” – Toronto Baptist Seminary Professor.

“Since reading your book I felt compelled to read the Old Testament. I’ve never read the Old Testament before and started reading Isaiah. It’s amazing. It’s like Isaiah is describing our world today!” – United Church member.

“I agree with what you said about reading the Bible. I’m a pastor from Jamaica and have been visiting family in Toronto. I go back home tomorrow. I’m taking copies of your book for some people in my congregation. It will help them.” – Baptist pastor at a Bible engagement Sunday service.

“Recently at our International Leadership Team conference in Colorado, I passed along copies of your book ‘Bible Engagement Basics’ to a number of our international regional directors. They were eager to accept it. Now the book is in Hong Kong/China, 2 directors covering the whole of Africa, India, US, France, our directors of Latin America and the Middle East.” – CEO of an international Bible agency.

“I’ve needed a handbook like this. I’m not reading the Bible as much as I should. I’m hoping this will strengthen my Bible reading.” – Middle aged lady.

“We have had a conference for SU school group leaders and members this past weekend where we have been using Bible Engagement Basics. Rather than just sell them or give them away we want, where possible, to use the book with small groups to introduce them to it and get them engaging with it so it can be maximum help to them in engaging with the Bible.” – Executive Director of SU Scotland.

“I finished reading your Bible engagement book yesterday and I enjoyed learning new things from it like Lectio Divina. I don’t usually read theological or academic books but this was easy to read! Thanks for your encouragement to emphasize reflection with reading the Word.” – Physiotherapist.

“It’s really good! I never expected it to be this good!” – Mission Agency colleague.

“I was so pleased to hear that 250 of your books were sold after the Sunday morning service … Thank you for presenting a wonderful, biblical exposition. You applied the truths accurately and meaningfully and in an interesting way. It was wonderful for me to also be blessed by hearing your message.” – Church of the Nazarene Pastor.

“It’s very potent, your book … every time I pass my Bible where it sits in the living room, I feel guilty and feel I should be reading it and nothing else!” – My mother.

2 Corinthians 4:5

July 4, 2017
by Dr. Lawson Murray Leave a comment

Bible Engagement Basics Review

Bible Engagement Basics is hot off the press! Here’s a review:

If I am honest, sometimes … actually, maybe MOST times, the Bible is hard work. Its hard work getting the motivation to read it, to bridge the gap between the world of the original writers and recipients and mine, and to try and make sense of it through my 21^st century worldview.

Any support, encouragement and practical ideas are welcome, and Bible Engagement Basics ticks all 3 boxes.

It’s an ambitious book by any standard. It attempts to engage a global audience, whilst laying out a clear theological premise for the importance of Scripture, as well as providing practical suggestions for those wanting to explore different models and ideas for Scripture engagement. I think it does it well.

When I speak to groups of young Christians, I sometimes pose the question “What IS the Bible?” Responses offer an immediate understanding of not just how, but why they read (or don’t read) the Bible. “God’s love letter to me,” or “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth,” and “A manual for how to live” are some of the common responses. I appreciate that from the opening pages, Bible Engagement Basics explores Scripture as Gods Story, and that Story – as Lawson so eloquently writes “is a spacious realm that we are invited into with imagination and faith, and once we have entered, to see ourselves as participants.”

Throughout history, the Bible has at times been used to contain, control and condemn people. It has been seen as a weapon of oppression, not a source of liberation and life as it is intended. To gather in community and be transformed by Gods Word, it requires “new postures of authenticity, vulnerability and consecration” as Lawson articulates well. Reading in community, where we bring our stories, questions and revelations, and together prayerfully allow God to speak to us is highlighted in this book. I cheer on this approach, mindful that Scripture was written (or spoken) for communities – not individuals, and is most powerfully entered into within community.

Let me warmly commend this important and timely resource to you.

Adrian Blenkinsop, Youth Bible engagement specialist, Author of “The Bible According To Gen Z.”

Bible Engagement Basics

Author: Lawson W. Murray | ISBN: 978-0-9951694-1-8 | Publication Date: July 2017 |

Order: http://scriptureunion.ca/bookstore-1/books-adults/bible-engagement-basics

Order (French): http://boutique.llbquebec.ca/products/principes-dinteraction-avec-la-bible

More Information: http://www.scriptureunion.ca/beb

2 Corinthians 4:5

May 3, 2017
by Dr. Lawson Murray Leave a comment

Bible Engagement Basics

I’m excited to announce that Bible Engagement Basics will be published in June 2017 by Scripture Union and Principes d’interaction avec la Bible will be published in the Fall by Ligue pour la lecture de la Bible.

Bible Engagement Basics was fermenting in my mind for several years, though I didn’t know it. It was only when my colleague Donald Tardif directeur Ligue pour la lecture de la Bible suggested that I write a book on Bible engagement that I realised it was destined to be and prayerfully started the research, planning and writing.

My motivation for writing Bible Engagement Basics was to help people connect with the Bible to connect with Jesus. That’s what this book’s about – connecting us with God’s Story in ways that lead to meaningful encounters with Jesus Christ and our lives being progressively transformed in Him.

The target audience for Bible Engagement Basics is Christian leaders, pastors, teachers, congregations, and believers who identify that Bible reading alone is not enough. In other words, it’s for people who want to know the “how to” of practically improving and enhancing their engagement with the Bible.

The book is presently being reviewed by researchers, writers, theologians, pastors and ministry leaders. Here are some of the recommendations:

This is such an important and timely book. I appreciate that from the opening pages, Bible Engagement Basics presents Scripture as Gods Story: a Story that we are a part of, and as we engage with it we discover we are not bystanders or passive observers, we in fact are participants in this big Story. The importance of engaging with this Story is outlined clearly, but to then present a huge variety of models and practical ideas for engaging with it is outstanding and places this book as a must-read for those of us with a passion for Scripture. Adrian Blenkinsop, Youth Bible engagement specialist, Author of “The Bible According To Gen Z.”

I’m very “into” Bible engagement. I believe in its spiritual importance, practice it, teach on it, research it and have read everything I can get my hands on about it. Bible Engagement Basics is the book I’ve been looking for over the past 7 years but couldn’t find. Thank you Lawson Murray for providing us with this excellent resource! Bible Engagement Basics gives us a biblical, theological and practical foundation as to why Scripture is the key to our relationship with God, and then takes the all-important next step (often skipped) to give us a broad selection of engagement practices to help us all learn how to actually reflect on the Bible with depth. Just as there are many ways to exercise and get in shape, Lawson shows us a number of ways that we can come to the Bible to meet and know God. The book is full of clear and practical suggestions, encouragement and resources that can help any and all Bible engagers meet God in His Word. One of my favorite sections of the book suggests thoughtful and creative ways people in different age groups can best engage the Bible. I highly recommend this book as the “go to” book about how to engage Scripture to engage God. Phil Collins, Professor of Christian Educational Ministries, Taylor University, Executive Director (Training and Content) Taylor Center for Scripture Engagement.

Lawson Murray’s book on Bible engagement is filled with wisdom. It is a rallying call to get God’s words inside of us so that we are lit up with life, so that the Word might become flesh again and again, read and known by everyone we meet (2 Cor. 3:2). But Murray’s book is not just a rallying cry; it is filled with insight as to how to make this happen. A major part of the solution is to realize that Scripture is one amazing Love Story from beginning to end, a Story in which every human being who ever lived is included, and that the Author has entered His own Story to communicate the most radical love possible for each person. Read this book and be changed! Stephen G. Dempster, Professor of Religious Studies, Crandall University.

Whether you are finding for the first time the riches found within the Bible, or you are a seasoned teacher of the Bible, Lawson’s book offers guideposts to going deeper. These guideposts are practical, encouraging and grounded in the experience of one who loves God and His living Word. Mark Forshaw, Chair, Forum of Bible Agencies – North America.

Bible Engagement Basics gives the gift of perspective. It examines the Bible as a relevant tool with timely, applicable advice about navigating through life’s challenges. This book gives readers practical coaching on how to engage with God’s Word that will be meaningful to those who are new to the Bible or have been studying it for years. Bobby Gruenewald, Founder of YouVersion and Innovation Leader at LifeChurch.tv

Lawson Murray’s excellent book “Bible Engagement Basics” offers a very readable overview of how we can connect with God in His Word. In so doing he’s done what John Stott’s “Understanding the Bible” did for a past generation; he’s expressed the heartbeat of the global Scripture Union movement in a fresh new way. Whitney T. Kuniholm, President Emeritus, Scripture Union USA.

Whatever you know about Bible engagement, you’re sure to discover another approach in Dr. Lawson Murray’s book, Bible Engagement Basics. Dr. Murray explores many approaches to Bible engagement, like the basics of reading, teaching and preaching God’s Word. But he also encourages readers to use their imagination to enhance the experience. The common denominator to all of his approaches? They set us up for meaningful encounters with Jesus Christ so our lives are transformed in Him. Roy L. Peterson, President & CEO, American Bible Society.

There is nothing more critical to Christian growth than learning to engage with the Bible. I wholeheartedly recommend this book as a comprehensive approach to doing just that. May God use this book to point many to The Book. Janet Pope, speaker, blogger and author of “God’s Word in My Heart.”

In our LifeWay Research study, we found that Bible engagement had the highest correlation with every other area of spiritual growth. We’ve all seen it – engaging the Bible is essential to spiritual growth. Now, you can be encouraged through Bible Engagement Basics to help you engage well! Ed Stetzer, Billy Graham Distinguished Chair, Wheaton College.

In a culture that speaks in story and image, here is an invaluable resource for moving the minds and hearts of your people from the Bible as The Word in words to the Bible as The Word in story, from the greatest story never told, or half told, or partially told, to The Greatest Story EVER Told. Leonard Sweet, best-selling author, professor (Tabor College, Portland Seminary, Drew University), and founder and chief contributor to preachthestory.com

We call ourselves “People of the Book,” but many find the slow meditative reading that lets it sink into our hearts hard to do. This book is filled with suggestions to help you find approaches to taking in the Scriptures. Pastors and leaders will find in it a rich and thoughtful biblical theology of Bible engagement. James C. Wilhoit, Professor of Core Studies and Scripture Press Professor of Christian Education, Wheaton College.

Bible Engagement Basics Author: Lawson W. Murray | ISBN: 978-0-9951694-1-8 | Publication Date: June 2017 | Publisher: Scripture Union |

Media Contact: Amy Csoke Scripture Union 905.427-4947 or amy@scriptureunion.ca

2 Corinthians 4:5