Before You Open Your Bible PB

We know the Bible is important, but many of us struggle with it. We’re not biblical experts—though we may have started enough reading plans to be really familiar with Genesis. If we’re honest, the Bible often intimidates us, confuses us, and reading it doesn’t always thrill us.

And yet, the Bible is where God reveals his loving character and incredible plan of redemption. In a practical and engaging manner, Matt Smethurst—managing editor of The Gospel Coalition—presents nine heart postures that will prepare you to unpack all that’s awaiting you in God’s Word.

Although there are many great resources on how to read and study Scripture, hardly any focus exclusively on how to approach it in the first place. That’s what Smethurst provides in this unique “prelude” to opening your Bible. For without the right heart postures, we’re not yet ready to start reading.

What others are saying about Before You Open Your Bible:

“No one ever comes to God’s Word empty-handed. What you bring with you will shape how you receive it, understand it and live it. As I read Matt’s book, I was reminded once again that the battle of Bible study is really a war for the reader’s heart. I love this book! I need this book and so do you. Read it and keep it near, because you’ll need to read it again and again.” — Paul David Tripp, President, Paul Tripp Ministries and author of Suffering: Gospel Hope When Life Doesn’t Make Sense

“This book is a treasure. It is precisely what the church needs. I know of nothing else quite like it. I want to get this book into the hands of Christians of all ages.” — Burk Parsons, Pastor, St. Andrew’s Chapel, Sanford, Florida and chief publishing officer of Ligonier Ministries

“Give Matt Smethurst an hour and he will send you back to your Bible with renewed awe and expectancy. A little gem of a book.” — Glen Scrivener, evangelist and author of Reading Between the Lines

“Are you someone who wants to want to read the Bible? But, if you’re honest, you’ve found yourself feeling intimidated, apathetic, or simply bored? In its short and conversational chapters, Before You Open Your Bible invites you into a fresh way of approaching this divine book, so that you will be drawn into it and better positioned to build your life on it.” — Nancy Guthrie, Bible teacher and author of What Every Child Should Know About Prayer

“Just as our bodies need right posture for physical health, so our hearts need right posture for spiritual health. Matt Smethurst’s book offers a posture for Bible reading that will serve the heart of anyone set on right worship.” — Jen Wilkin, Bible teacher and author of Women of the Word