Logo

 

Banner Image:   Baptist-Times-banner-2000x370-
Template Mode:   Baptist Times
Icon
    Post     Tweet


Life from the Living Word by Stuart Creed 
 

'A fine introduction to the principles of understanding and interpreting the Bible'

 

Stuart Creed Life from the LivLife from the Living Word
By Stuart Creed 
Living Word Literature 
ISBN: 978-1913741129
Reviewed by David Jackman


I have known Stuart for almost 30 years. He is a faithful and effective Bible teacher with a deep concern to extend the principles he has learned and which have shaped his ministry, to those who have had little or no Biblical training, particularly in Africa.

The "Living Word" ministry which he founded in Uganda has reached hundreds of students and young professionals in equipping them to understand and rightly handle God's Word - a ministry which continues to spread ever more widely. Now the essence of that training has been captured in this fine introduction to the principles of understanding and interpreting the Bible, all with a view to enabling clear, persuasive and applied preaching and teaching.
               
Under the three main divisions of Observe, Understand and Apply, we are conducted through the process of opening up a Biblical text, in order to discern its meaning, significance and implications for life. The material is written at an accessible level without being simplistic; not just presenting principles, but liberally illustrating them with many Biblical examples, supported by very helpful graphics. There are also exercises for further personal study and application following each of the main teaching ingredients.               

Important sections include how to develop observational skills to see what the text is really saying, analysis of its structure and dealing with the text in its contexts - the immediate, the book and the whole Bible. Moving from the original readers to us today, we are clearly shown that Christ is the centre of all the Scriptures and that the Bible's promises, patterns and major themes all find their focus and fulfilment in the Lord Jesus. Not only is it strong in positive instruction, but also contains pertinent warnings about common pitfalls and dangers to avoid.
                 
This is a vibrant study-course manual, a handbook to get the aspiring new Bible handler moving in the right direction, with practical hints and helps all along the way.

But I doubt that there is any experienced Bible student or teacher who would not be enlightened and challenged by its contents and who would not be refreshed and encouraged by its insights, vitality and enthusiasm.

Moreover, for every pastor seeking to develop young preachers, this will be a hugely valuable aid.

 

David Jackman, Past President, The Proclamation Trust 

 

Baptist Times, 27/10/2023
    Post     Tweet
Reading Genesis by Marilynne Robinson
'Brings her unique experiences as a novelist to bear on the nature of the text, while sharing her insights as a female writer on the importance of women'
Giving the Church, by Michael Moynagh
Giving the Church is a comprehensive critique of how the church at large presents itself to contemporary society
A Handful of Pennies, by Afaf Musallam
This Palestinian Christian Arab woman’s long journey searching for identity and peace works on several levels
Easter Inside Out: The story as if you were there, by David Kitchen
​​'If this kind of retelling scripture is something you have never tried, this is a great place to start'
Raised to Stay, by Natalie Runion
The author uses her own trauma to reflect and share what she has learned; an engaging read but perhaps more suitable for a US context
365 Truths for Every Woman's Heart, by Holley Gerth
'A really useful resource that when everything gets too much in the day (or night), can provide a calming reminder of how God never leaves us or forsakes us'
    Posted: 21/03/2025
    Posted: 04/10/2024
     
    Text Size:  
    Small (Default)
    Medium
    Large
    Contrast:  
    Normal
    High Contrast