About the Book
This is a book for people who teach the Bible--for people who seek to interpret and apply the Scriptures with confidence. Do you want to remind yourself of familiar principles? Organize scattered methods? Prepare for a teaching ministry? Learn more about what exegesis entails? This serious but nontechnical introduction to Bible interpretation will meet you where you are and help you to hone critical skills. Professor, author, and former pastor Daniel Doriani presents six steps of interpretation in the order in which students of Scripture use them: context, analysis, problems, themes, obligations, and reflection. He also presents the steps for a topical Bible study, discusses available resources, and offers suggestions for getting started. Since its original publication in 1996, Getting the Message has been used by teenagers, college students, and seminarians and by Christian leaders on each inhabited continent. This new edition has been revised with a global audience in mind.
About the Author :
Daniel M. Doriani (MDiv, PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary; STM, Yale Divinity School; Research Fellow, Yale University) is professor of theology at Covenant Theological Seminary. He is the founder and president of the Center for Faith & Work, St. Louis, and a member of the Council of The Gospel Coalition. He was a lead pastor for fifteen years and currently serves as interim senior pastor at Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Alabama.
Review :
A master teacher, Dan Doriani has developed an approach to studying God's Word that will equip anyone to read, apply, and even teach it with Christ as the ultimate focus. Even without seminary or Bible-college training, a layperson can become a competent student by performing Dan's exercises at the end of each chapter. And be advised: those skills gained will make you thirst for more, so you'll probably enroll in seminary!--George Robertson, Senior Pastor, Second Presbyterian Church, Memphis
Dan Doriani has spent his life equipping others to faithfully teach the Scriptures. With his usual clarity and skill, he shows us how to move from studying a passage to teaching it with integrity, power, conviction, and, most of all, a heart for the glory of God. So, whether you are a pastor, seminary student, Bible teacher, or simply someone wanting to better read, understand, and apply the Scriptures, this revised edition of Getting the Message is an invaluable tool!--Courtney Doctor, Coordinator of Women's Initiatives, The Gospel Coalition; author, From Garden to Glory: A Bible Study on the Bible's Story and In View of God's Mercies: The Gift of the Gospel in Romans
For over thirty years now, I have looked to Dan Doriani not only as a friend, but also as my premier role model and teacher for rightly approaching, interpreting, receiving from, and communicating the truths of Scripture. Getting the Message, in both its original and newly revised formats, has been a great help not only to pastors and Bible teachers, but also to others who wish to know Christ better through robust Bible study. I anticipate that this will continue to be the case for many years to come. The better you understand the contents of this book, the better equipped you will be to understand every part of the Book.--Scott Sauls, Senior Pastor, Christ Presbyterian Church; author, Jesus Outside the Lines and Beautiful People Don't Just Happen
I've been preaching the Bible for over forty years. It's easily the most difficult part of the pastoral vocation. It's what keeps me up at night and wrings me out emotionally as each weekend approaches. What I would have given for Dan Doriani's wisdom and clear guidance in Getting the Message at the beginning of my ministry. The chapters on application alone are gold! For those who believe that preaching really matters, here's the help they need to do it confidently, accurately, and joyously.--Ray Cortese, Senior Pastor, Seven Rivers Presbyterian Church, Lecanto, Florida
The CAPTOR method that Bible readers and beginning Bible teachers will be introduced to in this volume represents a remarkable combination of qualities. It reflects the author's years of honed expertise and consistent devotion to Scripture as the Word of God. Its six steps are comprehensive, yet simple, and work across genres. Overall, CAPTOR fosters a more attentive reading of Scripture even as it facilitates accurate interpretation and enables responsible application. Advanced Bible teachers will recognize this volume to be informed by more sophisticated hermeneutical discussion, but Getting the Message remains accessible enough to every reader earnest about seeking the meaning of the Scripture. This is a fine book--a much-needed book--and those who give themselves to following its guidance can expect to grow in both interpretive confidence and ability.--Mark P. Ryan, Director, Francis A. Schaeffer Institute; Adjunct Professor of Religion and Culture, Covenant Theological Seminary
