Bible Engagement Basics Comments

Since publishing Bible Engagement Basics in July 2017, I have gathered comments about the book’s distribution. People shared their feedback during face-to-face conversations, often after Bible Engagement Sunday services where I preached a Bible advocacy message and offered the book for sale. Others who read the book reached out to me to share their stories.

I would not have thought about blogging these comments if it hadn’t been suggested by a friend. He asked me about the book’s impact, and while telling him, he stopped me and said, “You should blog these stories. They’re encouraging and could be helpful.”

So here are some comments about Bible Engagement Basics:

“Thank you for your message this morning and for your book. You said things I can’t say … good things that the congregation needed to hear … just recently the Sunday School teacher asked me, ‘Who came first, Moses or Jesus?’ … Your book will help!” – Rector of an Anglican church.

“When I bought the book I thought I’d only read one or two chapters, but I ended up reading all of it. Which is unusual because I don’t usually read non-fiction books.” – Young man in his twenties.

“Thank you so much for your book’s practical coaching and instructions on engaging with the Word of God. I have greatly benefited! I wish every one of my staff can get to read it. It is very informative and ssimplifies the aspects of Bible engagement so well.” – National Director of SU Uganda.

“If you can’t afford a copy of Lawson’s book, I’ll personally buy one for you. Everyone needs this book!” – Pentecostal pastor after a Bible Engagement Sunday service.

“I’ve never read the Bible, but after hearing your message today (it was on 2 Kings 22-23), I’ve promised God that I’m going to start reading it and hope that your book helps me do this.” – Gentleman in his eighties who has worshipped in an Anglican church all his life.

After preaching a Bible engagement message at a seminary chapel service, I asked one of the professors why the school gave copies of Bible Engagement Basics to their students after the service. “Students are usually expected to buy their books. This is unusual,” I said. He smiled as he replied, “We believe this book expresses the core values that are important to us.” – Toronto Baptist Seminary Professor.

“Since reading your book, I felt compelled to read the Old Testament. I’ve never read the Old Testament before but started reading Isaiah. It’s amazing. It’s like Isaiah is describing our world today!” – United Church member.

“I agree with what you said about reading the Bible. I’m a pastor from Jamaica and have been visiting family in Toronto. I go back home tomorrow. I’m taking copies of your book for some people in my congregation. It will help them.” – Baptist pastor at a Bible Engagement Sunday service.

“Recently, at our International Leadership Team conference in Colorado, I passed along copies of your book ‘Bible Engagement Basics’ to a number of our international regional directors. They were eager to accept it. Now the book is in Hong Kong/China, 2 directors covering the whole of Africa, India, US, France, our directors of Latin America and the Middle East.” – CEO of an international Bible agency.

“I’ve needed a handbook like this. I’m not reading the Bible as much as I should. I hope this will strengthen my Bible reading.” – Middle-aged lady.

“We had a conference for SU school group leaders and members this past weekend where we used Bible Engagement Basics. Rather than just sell them or give them away, we want, where possible, to use the book with small groups to introduce them to it and get them engaging with it so it can be maximum help to them in engaging with the Bible.” – Executive Director of SU Scotland.

“I finished reading your Bible engagement book yesterday and enjoyed learning new things from it, like Lectio Divina. I don’t usually read theological or academic books, but this was easy to read! Thanks for your encouragement to emphasize reflection with reading the Word.” – Physiotherapist.

“It’s really good! I never expected it to be this good!” – Mission Agency colleague.

“I was so pleased to hear that 250 of your books were sold after the Sunday morning service … Thank you for presenting a wonderful, biblical exposition. You applied the truths accurately and meaningfully and in an interesting way. Hearing your message was also a wonderful blessing.” – Church of the Nazarene Pastor.

“It’s very potent, your book … every time I pass my Bible where it sits in the living room, I feel guilty and feel I should be reading it and nothing else!” – My mother.

Bible Engagement Basics is available from Christian Books Canada.

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Summary

Since the release of Bible Engagement Basics in 2017, the author has received a variety of encouraging comments from readers, shared during church visits and personal interactions. Feedback highlights the book’s practical approach to Bible engagement, with many expressing gratitude for its simplicity and effectiveness in deepening their understanding of Scripture. Some pastors and church leaders have shared the book with their congregations or staff, while others have started or improved their Bible-reading habits. Overall, the comments reflect the book’s positive impact on individuals and communities, sparking greater engagement with the Bible worldwide.

© Scripture Union Canada

2 Corinthians 4:5