Sneak a Peek at John Piper's "Look at the Book"

10/7/2014

I'm a huge fan of reading the Bible closely. This is why I talk about the habit of "observation" - and practice it whenever I can - in Brookside Institute classes. (The place we spend the most intentional time devoted to this is our class called "Bible Basics: An Important Class about God's Word.")

After all, the question we never get away from when reading God's Word is this: "What does God’s Word actually say?" As we read God's Word, we need to look at what’s actually there. Then look again. Look, look, look. See what those in the passage saw. Hear what those being addressed heard. Don’t feel an obligation to rush through God’s Word. Walk slowly and pay careful attention to the surroundings.

All of this is why I'm excited to introduce you to a recent undertaking by John Piper - his "Look at the Book" series of short videos where he practices careful observation of God's Word to mine its treasures. And the ultimate goal? (I love this.) "...to help you read God's Word for yourself."

Here's a closer look at "Look at the Book":

Here's a fuller introduction to the series on the Look at the Book website:

There’s no book like the Bible. Learn to read it for yourself.

Look at the Book is a new online method of teaching the Bible. It’s an ongoing series of 8–12 minute videos in which the camera is on the text, not the teacher. You will hear John Piper’s voice and watch his pen underline, circle, make connections, and scribble notes — all to help you learn to read God’s word for yourself. His goal is to help you not only see what he sees, but where he sees it and how he found it.

Here's a short (less than 3 min) video preview of Look at the Book:

Here are some actual "labs" where he practices a close reading of specific passages:

My disclaimer is that I've not watched all the "labs" listed on the "Look at the Book" site, but I really like the couple I've already previewed. And I love that Piper models how to read the Bible closely for ourselves.

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