Mike Abendroth Issues in Expository Preaching 80311 Dr. Akin A Book Review: Living By The Book I.

SUMMARY Living By The Book, written by Howard Hendricks and his son William, is an excellent primer on both learning the Bible, and living it out for the glory of our God. This book is the collaboration of a faithful father and son team, and has Bill, the son, putting his fathers seminary class, on the basics in Bible study, into book form. It is a how to book that actually does what is says it will do, and it does this without watering down the subject matter and running hither and thither away from the text of Scripture. Highlights include many Hendricks-ese quotes, such as, Lord, clothe the facts with fascination. Help me crawl into the skin of these people to see through their eyes, to feel with their fingers, to understand with their hearts, and to know with their minds (p. 104). The authors have a way with words that create the ambiance of an actual classroom. The building blocks found in this book emanate from men who speak, both experientially, and from the heart. The main emphasis, in the words of the authors, is that effective Bible study requires a method (p. 26). This statement pretty much sums up the entire book in a nutshell. The main book divisions include Step 1: Observation, which contains Ten strategies to first-rate reading with comprehension. These flow well and are not forced. I especially appreciate the year long plan that exposes the reader to eleven different kinds of biblical literature (p. 85). The kind of monthly repetition brought out by this book is a magnificent way to remember what one reads. The other divisions are Step 2: Interpretation (five keys to

interpretation content, context, comparison, culture, consultation) and finally, Step 3: Application.

II. CRITIQUE A. Purpose. The closest thing I found to an actual purpose statement given by the authors is located in the Preface, where Howard said, I share my lifes passion on paper that believers who rest their eternal salvation on Christ will hear and heed His written revelation (p. 8). The title itself, in my opinion, is the ultimate purpose statement, to live out your whole life in accordance with the Holy Book, the Bible. This purpose would include, by deduction, the personal ownership of the right thoughts about God, what God has accomplished, and what He intends His followers to do. The authors want the readers to first understand the Bible, then they want them to live it out. B. Credibility. Even though there is not a whole lot of journal level scholarship, there is no credibility lacking in this fine book. Dr. Hendricks has a track record for motivation and pushing believers to take the plunge into the full fledged study of the Word. Part of this passion stems from the unvarnished enthusiasm this book exudes from the class and heart of the professor himself. His personal drive for the truths contained in this book cannot be underestimated. The author may not appeal to much of the higher academia for his credibility, but this book exudes integrity and sincerity on almost every page by showing an earnest desire for the student to learn life changing truths. If there is one book to get that summarizes the whole ministry of Howie, it is this book. I am certain that his son Bill thought the same thing and that is the reason he decided to write down the very class for all of us to enjoy.

C. Scholarship. Has he researched those who disagree with his thesis? I am not sure this type of question needs to be asked for a review of such an introductory and practical book. Dr. Hendricks is less concerned about scholastic debates and more focused upon getting the Bible student to crack open the text and live out what he or she is learning. It is very practical and it does not contain tons of technical and exegetical study. It is more of a jumpstart or primer on initially studying the Bible and having a plan to follow. Having said that, the reader never would get the idea that the author has not done his own studying, on the contrary, much of the books appeal is because Dr. Hendricks is known for putting the cookies on the bottom shelf. This implies the proper garnering of the cookies. D. Writing Style. This book reads just like you are in one of Dr. Hendricks classes. It sounds just like him, with his slogans, stories, and unique way and style of teaching students about the great riches in Scripture. For example, on page 19, I can just hear him teach about the strawberries-and-cream type of Bible reader. This kind of statement is so Howie that I feel I am in the middle of his classroom as I read the book. This bonus feature facilitates the reading of the book and makes it very personal, both for accountability and for education. Not only is the writing style easy to follow, the book is packaged in such a way that it is very easy to read. I would almost compare it to the newspaper, USA Today for extensive use of charts and eye catching graphics (it is not as dumbed down as USA Today ). The authors often employ very catchy descriptions, such as the Figuring out the Figurative (Pg. 261-264). Excellent displays of pertinent data are found all over this book. E. Main Strengths. This book is enjoyable because it is simple, yet it is both manageable and useable. This utilitarian benefit can be too easily discounted in a day of scholasticism and academic pursuits. A strong suit to this book is that it can be used in the local church!

In keeping with the Hendricks hands on approach, they agreeably insert charts and to do follow ups. This reinforces the truth just taught with specific ways to learn the realites taught in the chapter. Another strong point is the very convicting chapter on Why Study The Bible. At one point in this chapter, the authors ask the penetrating question which I will never forget, If my spiritual life depended on my knowledge of Deuteronomy, how would I make out? I have read Deuteronomy many times since, always with this quote looming over my head. The publisher should be commended for some additional excursuses that are shaded in blue. These include, How to Select a Bible, and Can We Trust the Bible? Both of these are not only presented well, but they reveal enriching truths that deal with their respective issues. Profitable application sections force the willing student to do their homework. These are often called the You Try It sections and this book outclasses its rivals with nuts and bolts personal application and trial. Every new Christian should read this book and do the homework. When it comes to Bible observation, the Hendricks definitely excel. No detail is trivial comments, are just the kind of detective work that the authors strive to make clear. Lastly, the Chart for each book of the Bible is very simple, yet very mnemonic and it is a welcome addition to a book of this nature. The Gospel of Mark Chart, on page 183, so succinctly summarizes the gospel that I wish I would have read this book before I preached all the way through Mark! F. Main Weaknesses. I find this a little long for the purpose that I want to use it for, namely, discipling brand new Christians. I would love see this book down sized from approximately 350 pages to just shy of 200 pages so that it could be more easily absorbed by the layman. The

abridged book would fill a necessary niche in Christian publishing world and it would be a supplement to the other books that help the student find rich treasures in Gods Word. The authors give slightly too much credence to many modern Bible translations. They endorse J.B. Phillipss New Testament, The Living Bible, and even the Cotton Patch Version of the Gospels. Although I agree with reading less than familiar versions, with todays glut of dynamic equivalent translations, or better, I do not think these types of translations under gird and facilitate the very in-depth Bible study that the Hendricks want to see their readers strive for. Why promote watered down Bible versions in a book that is solely designed to understand the Lord and His Word? G. Value for Preaching. In this reviewers opinion, the value of this book for preaching is minimal for the pastor, but this book has great worth to the pastor as he uses it to disciple men and women to be self studiers. After re-reading this book, I plan to use it for this very purpose. Overall, it is the perfect book to have the new Christian read right after he or she takes the New Membership Class for the local church. It is as close to being personally tutored by Dr. Hendricks as most of the congregation will ever be. I also understand a study guide booklet can be additionally purchased that would facilitate growing a healthy congregation fed by expository preaching. More directly for the preacher, this books application section, Nine Questions To Ask, could be printed at the bottom of every Sermon Notes insert for Sunday worship. This would make a perfect addition to churches that are exposition driven!