Alpha Teach Yourself The Bible in 24 Hours

 

by W. Terry Whalin

Alpha Books, 2003 (Pearson Education, Inc.)

 

How much do you know about the Bible? Is your knowledge of this all-time bestselling guide to the Christian faith limited to random verses pulled out of a hazy memory in times of need? Here's an invaluable reference book by prolific author W. Terry Whalin, whose experience includes service as a former Wycliffe Bible translator and associate editor at Decision, the publication of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Whether you're a brand-new Christian or a seasoned believer who's interested in brushing up on Sunday school lessons you learned decades ago, Alpha Teach Yourself the Bible in 24 Hours provides effective steps that will guide you toward a fresh familiarity with the Bible.

 

The success of this book lies in its unique approach to learning, one hour at a time. Whalin begins with a thorough introduction of the authors and organization of the various books; how Bible translations differ, and which study tools are most helpful. Discover the beauty of Creation, the birth of the nation of Israel, and more, as the author leads you through four distinct divisions:

• "The Kings and the Prophets"
• "The Old Testament Wisdom Books"
• "Meet Jesus Christ"
• "The Church is Born and Letters from the Apostle Paul"

Any good study involves a time of personal thought and application. Alpha Teach Yourself The Bible in 24 Hours delivers both! At the close of each hour, W. Terry Whalin has included an "Hour's Up!" section, with ten questions to deepen the focus of that lesson. According to the author, "The Bible is more than a series of good stories or practical advice; it's a book that provides people with personal applications for everyday life." He realizes how busy our lives have become, and has purposefully planned this guidebook to work around manageable blocks of time. Whalin believes Bible study can be "easy and fun," and has added fascinating sidebars to enrich the takeaway value: Cultural Fact, Historical Fact, and Just a Minute (tips, biblical insight, and advice).

 

Readers are immersed into the lives of people like David, "a man after God's own heart;" Moses, "prince, shepherd, and leader;" and Queen Esther of Persia. Discover why the Psalms were written for singing, and what the word blessed means in Greek. Explore what it means to become a follower of Jesus, and why Jesus often taught in parables. Learn how the early Church began, and what it meant in the lives of those very first Christians.

 

Alpha Teach Yourself The Bible in 24 Hours proves that Bible study does not have to be laborious or dry. It eliminates any preconceived notions by presenting "faithful and flawed men and women who followed God" in a manner that's unstilted and easy to grasp. Readers come away with a realization that God has a plan and a purpose for his world, and a deep personal love for each of us.

Think you're too busy to dig deeper? W. Terry Whalin will change your mind.

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