Studying Together (Book Review)
Mark Finley has designed the book, “Studying Together,” as a concrete, specific, practical tips to put into practice as you share Jesus and His truth with others. It is designed to assist any Bible based Christian in studying with all types of people with different religious backgrounds, churches and even those of various denominations of the Christian faith. The book has suggestions for approaching these people in the Spirit of Christ.
It contains a series of doctrinal bible studies, followed by most commonly asked questions regarding each doctrine and scriptural answers discussing these major teachings.The Word says in Isaiah 28:13 (KJV):
“But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little……”
It also consists of a series of practical bible lessons for the daily problems that we may face in life.
As we know the Word of God contains life changing power and the same Holy Spirit which inspired the words in the bible is the same Holy Spirit that will accompany you as you present its precious truths to others.
[One of the lines that were written in the introduction of this book was so true. It said, “ you may feel inefficient yet the Holy Spirit will be your efficiency. You may feel ignorant but the Holy Spirit will be your wisdom. You may feel weak yet the Holy Spirit will be your strength.”
“There is no limit to usefulness of one who, by putting self aside, makes room for the working of the Holy Spirit upon his heart.”(Desire of Ages, p.250) The Spirit if God will richly reward you as you enter into the most wonderful work in the world, studying the bible with others. There will be souls in the Kingdom of God as a direct result of your ministry. Studying together is only a tool. You are the key ingredient our Lord desires to use to win souls—His Spirit will enable you to do it.]
My personal experience with this book has been absolutely phenomenal. It only cost $8.00 from the Adventist Book Center, so inexpensive but yet holds so much priceless treasures. I don’t go anywhere without it. It’s helped me become more knowledgeable in studying with others before they even tell me what it is they believe, such as: Mormons, Jehovah’s Witness, and even as Baptist (which is what I was raised as).
The only thing I would add to this book are the beliefs of Rastafarians, Nation of Islam (NOI) and Hebrew Israelites.
I like how it states some doctrinal beliefs held in common as a SDA with all the other religions and denominations. It’s always good to meet on common ground. My approach is not always the best but this book has given me a lot of pointers and suggestions in starting out conversations in studying.
Would I suggest this book to anyone? Certainly! I would recommend this book to those who desire and have an interest to know what God commands us as Christians, especially Seventh Day Adventists. Jesus said in Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV):
19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
