Reading the Book One to One

A few days ago I mentioned my excitement at reading David Helm's new book One to One Bible Reading:  A Simple Guide for Every Christian (Kingsford, NSW:  Matthias Media, 2011).  I had intended to put it aside for a week or two in order to finish some other books, but an unexpected ministry opportunity made it a bit more urgent.  I would say this even if Dave wasn't my pastor:  this book is one of the simplest, clearest, and encouraging books for gospel ministry that I've read.  What's more, it's equally valuable for the ordained pastor or lay person.

One to One Bible Reading gives four reasons why Christians should read the Bible with other people (11-16).  First, Scripture is effective and sufficient for salvation.  Second, Scripture is effective and sufficient for sanctification.  Third, reading one to one provides great training in Christian life and ministry.  Fourth, reading the Bible with another person is inherently relational, which is at the heart of Christian ministry.  Underlying all these points is the conviction that the ministry is something every Christian does (Eph. 4:11-16), not just the trained professionals.  Thus, every Christian should be seeking out opportunities to intentionally disciple another person by reading the Bible with him or her.

Helm leaves no stone unturned.  He gives very simple, practical advice on how to initiate reading relationships; preparing for a meeting; which biblical books to read for non-Christians, new Christians, and mature Christians; and how to lead a discussion in which the goal of the meeting is to see what the Bible is actually saying and then to think through how it applies to life today.  Even the person with no formal or informal training in interpreting the Bible or in discipling another person will be encouraged to see how down to earth the process really is.

Perhaps the best praise I can give for One to One Bible Reading is to quote my wife:  "It makes you want to read the Bible with another person."  By all means get this book and start discipling today.