Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin
Visit the Author's Website HERE
Publisher: Crossway
Publishing Date: July 31, 2014
Goodreads Summary:
Many Christian women find great encouragement and joy in and through women's Bible studies. However, popular Bible teacher Jen Wilkin is concerned that sometimes we let our emotions rule our study of Scripture and forget that the Bible is primarily about God, not us. Challenging hungry women to go deeper in their study of Scripture, this book will help you refocus your efforts on feeding your mind first and foremost. Whether you're young or old, married or single, this accessible volume will energize and equip you for Bible study aimed at transforming both the heart and mind.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Find a Kindle copy for $9.06 today! (7/24/14)
My Thoughts:
A beautiful cover disguises some hard hitting truths in this release from Jen Wilkin. Right off the bat, she begins with two turnarounds she needed to make in her approach to Bible study. I immediately saw myself in those 'backward' approaches and thought *gulp* I am in for it here! While Wilkin does take a firm approach, it is a friendly, Bible-based approach.
The realization of those turnaround points in my own life are what have stuck with me the most. The rest of the book, while extremely well written, wasn't that new for me. Any fault I find in this book is completely mine, not the author's. Wilkin's approach to Bible literacy isn't new to me. I did an awesome study on 1st Peter that followed a lot of her same tactics, and it was one of the best studies of the Bible I have ever done. I have another one for the book of Isaiah, which overwhelms me a bit.
So while I can't claim that Wilkin's book is earth shattering for me, 'Women of the Word' still reminded me of where I can improve my study and Bible reading. The points she brings up are very true. As 'busy' women, we are pushing true Bible study off to the side. Wilkin lays out several ineffective approaches to Bible study that we frequently take and thus why the Bible doesn't transform us. We, the 'busy' people, turn to the Bible to get our fix, to find comfort, or check off our list. I'm completely guilty myself here. But the Bible isn't about us! And if Jesus could sacrifice His life for us, we can surely sacrifice our time and activities to get to know Him.
Bible study is an investment with a long-term payoff. Rather than reading a specific text to try to meet an immediate need, give the benefits of your study permission to be stored away for future use.The rest of the book Wilkin walks us through her 5 Ps, a framework for good Bible study. She outlines her Purpose, Perspective, Patience, Process, and Prayer 'steps' and then walks us through a brief example with the book of James. It was totally practical, which we know, I love.
Conclusion? Worth your time if you need to take Bible study more seriously and haven't used this approach before. Wilkin is fighting for Bible literacy among all women, and with this book, it can happen! It is a wonderful read and I would recommend it to all who can take the time to read it and apply it. I still am rating it with 4 stars, because while it was good, it was a bit repeat for me. It did however, motivate and inspire me to pick up my journal, pen, and Bible to dive deep into Him.
Glad I saw this, I've been looking for a new study and I think I'll see if I can find this one :) Last year I did a bible study at our old church, where we did a Beth Moore study, and it was amazing! But since that ended in the spring I haven't been doing anything, and I need to get plugged into something again :)
ReplyDeleteOh man! I love Beth Moore's studies; they always pack a powerful punch! Women of the Word isn't necessarily a study on it's own, however, it gives you some great tools to study the Bible fully on your own!
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely guilty of letting the busy push away real study. Of course, on the other hand, I tend to approach things WAY too intellectually with very limited emotional involvement. Hmm...this one might be helpful in striking a healthier balance. :)
ReplyDeleteThis does sound great to me. I do need to focus more on the bible. I feel that I don't read it often enough anymore. In fact.. I wish I had someone to do bible study with locally but I don't. I would love to pick this up soon!
ReplyDeleteI think you would like this book then. It uses an intellectual approach, but one that helps you stop and think things through on your own first, before turning to study aids and other quick answers.
ReplyDeleteI participate with Hello Mornings Bible studies. Have you ever heard of them? Its online, so not local per se, but they provide great resources and help me study and meditate on the Bible daily!
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