Bible Revival passionately explores why the Bible needs to be the single most important book in the Christian’s life—and how to make it so. Unlike most books about the Bible, Berding digs deep to uncover the motivations and distractions that keep Christians from engaging with the Bible. But he does more than just point out the problems; he lovingly offers solutions in order learn, value, understand, apply, obey, and speak the Bible.
This helpful, little volume promises to do a great work for the modern church. Immensely practical, Bible Revival focuses the heart and the mind of the reader on the importance of reading and applying the word of God in a powerful way. May it be that those who take the time to read this book be found to be like Ezra whom God blessed because he had committed himself to meditating on God’s Word, applying God’s Word, and teaching others to do the same.
—Peter Beck, Pastor of Doorway Baptist Church, North Charleston, SC; Associate Professor of Christian Studies & Director of the Honors Program, Charleston Southern University
Bible Revival is at once an accessible and soul-searching read. Kenneth Berding is prophetic and characteristically pastoral in his approach to difficult and sometimes personal questions. Early on, he identifies what he calls a ‘famine of hearing the words of the Lord.’ He goes on to present clear, scripturally grounded strategies for finding nourishment in the famine. You cannot help but be challenged by this book, and if you receive Dr. Berding’s admonitions and advice, you will find yourself reevaluating the place of Scripture in your life.
—Barry H. Corey, President, Biola University
Bible Revival is more that the title of Kenneth Berding’s latest book; it is a hope and an intent of his heart. Berding has been a keen observer of the growing need for the Bible to be known and lived. Passionately, he rightly argues for how Christians, if they are indeed Christians, approach, absorb, and apply God’s Word. His engaging writing style is a rare gift, and will guide many to desire, know, and live out the truth that the Bible is God’s powerful words for life for the individual and the community.
Joanne J. Jung, Associate Professor, Biblical and Theological Studies, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University
“But it is my conviction that we will never see anything that lasts—that is, we will never see anything worth calling a revival of the Holy Spirit—unless we recommit ourselves to the Bible. We need a revival of the Bible.” (Page 12)
“Christians used to be known as ‘people of one book.’1 Sure, they read, studied, and shared other books. But the book they cared about more than all others combined was the Bible. They memorized it, meditated on it, talked about it, and taught it to others. We don’t do that anymore, and in a very real sense we’re starving ourselves to death.” (Page 16)
“we have ‘failed to take into account man’s almost infinite appetite for distractions.’7” (Page 23)
“In the book of Amos, people who experienced a ‘famine of hearing the words of the Lord’ are portrayed as undergoing divine judgment. Amos paints a picture of people without access to God’s revelation searching for a message from God like desperate people—hungry and dehydrated—in search of food and water (Amos 8:11–12). In Amos they want it, but are not permitted it. In our case, although we have unlimited access, we often don’t want it.” (Page 19)
“Might it be that our commitment to fun has resulted in famine, our laughter has yielded loss, and our distractions are ultimately leading to our destruction?” (Page 23)
Kenneth Berding is professor of New Testament studies at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. Before coming to Biola, he was a church planter in the Middle East. An overseer at Redemption Hill Church, he has a heart for God and ministry and has written many worship songs. He is the author or co-editor of numerous articles and books.