Today there has been a movement toward a spiritual reading of the Bible that puts the greatest emphasis on ones own experience of the text rather than on a careful, close reading and study of it. Yet Bible study
must never be a merely academic exercise either. Matt Smethursts little book is a needed re-orientation so that Christians can genuinely hear Gods voice through his written Word. Tim Keller, chairman and cofounder,
Redeemer City to City and author of The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness
Of all the treasures on earth, none is quite so precious as the Bible, for it gives us unique access to the mind, heart, and will of God. Yet those who wish to benefit from Gods Word must learn to approach it with
an appropriate posture of the heart. Matt Smethursts little book helpfully teaches how to approach the Bible not just as a book, but as the best and most important of all books. Tim Challies, blogger, Challies.com
"Matt Smethurst has written a stellar little book on this rare but important subject. If you desire to approach your Bible as God wants you to, read this and be renewed!" Joni Eareckson Tada, Joni and Friends International Disability Center
"Before You Open Your Bible is filled with great wisdom about how you can reconnect with the power of the Christian life: Gods Word. Rick Warren, founding pastor of Saddleback Church; author of The Purpose Driven Life
As evidenced by his social media presence, my friend Matt Smethurst is one of the more thoughtful Christian commentators out there today. Im thankful hes written a book on how to rightly interact with Gods Word. This is something that no Christian can afford to neglect. Shai Linne, Christian hip-hop artist and author of God Made Me and You
In Before You Open Your Bible, Matt reminds us of the significance of Gods Word by focusing on the way we approach it as readers. This book will help you read Scripture in a deeper, more meaningful way. Russell Moore, president, The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention
I love this book! I need this book and so do you. Read it and keep it near, because youll need to read it again and again. Paul Tripp, president, Paul Tripp Ministries and author of Suffering: Gospel Hope When Life Doesnt 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. Andrews 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
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 Smethursts 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
Matt Smethurst has done us, both pastors and church members, a great favour. Buy several copies of this book and give them away at church! Juan Sanchez, senior pastor of High Pointe Baptist Church, Austin, Texas
Before you open The Book, be sure to spend time in this book. It will enrich and amplify your experience with the Word of God! Lee Strobel, bestselling author of The Case for Christ and The Case for Faith
