Transformed by Truth

Katherine Forster, 2013 winner of the National Bible Bee Competition, encourages teens to study the Bible for themselves in her new book, Transformed by Truth: Why and How to Study the Bible for Yourself as a Teen. As a Bible Bee competitor, Forster had memorized countless Bible verses and passages, but they didn't mean much until one day God brought the truths in her heart alive and gave her a greater love for Him. From that day, she became even more enamored with God's Word and it's power in her life. Conversational and not at all preachy, Forster simply tells readers about her own experiences, shows them truths in God's Word, and teaches them how to dig into God's Word themselves and mine it for truth.

In Transformed by Truth, Forster also managers to help teens understand the metanarrivative of the Bible -- the big story that runs throughout all 66 books. Additionally, she helps readers understand how to observe, interpret, and apply God's Word, and she gives teens a list of recommended resources and tools to help them in their studies. On top of that, readers will find some extra tips and helps for memorizing Scriptures--great tips from a person who has memorized chapters upon chapters of the Bible!

All in all, Forster has managed to put together a great resource for teens that encourages them in spiritual growth and spurs them on to study the Bible for themselves and commit it to memory. Transformed by Truth is certainly a guide I'll be buying for teens in my life.

Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.

This is a great tool for teens that want to study the Bible, but do not know where or how to get started. Though I am an adult, I found this book useful and will definitely recommend it to my teenage cousins (and those who will soon become teens).

As we behold God's glory in Scripture, we will be transformed into his image at a heart level, which will result in visible obedience to his commands.

A study for teens and I would dare say teens parents, grandparents or Christian to better understand how transformation works. So many of us and when I say us I mean me, try to change on our own efforts instead of letting the word transform us. It takes time and many times we want a quick fix. This text is real as it challenges and keeps your eyes focused on the character of God. It becomes a way of failure when we make the bible about us and it is important to see how easily this can happen. We get discouraged and we give up and walk away from the faith. When we become the center of the focus, transformation doesn't happen. It can't. Because then we are dealing with feelings of fear, anxiety, and pride.

The study is done in two parts. The question of why? There are many questions that teenagers are asking and as young kids the first question they ask is why. The why's are important as they lay the foundation of faith and purpose. The 2nd part is how. We all need instruction, guidance and tools for transformation. We need community for application.

I think this study would be great for a family devotion as a family to discover biblical truths that will last for eternity Highly recommend

A Special Thank you to Crossway Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

First sentence: When I was eight, the Bible was boring.

What sets Transformed by Truth apart from other books about how to read and study the Bible is the fact that it's written specifically for a teen audience. The author's intent is to get (more) TEENS to actually read and actually study the Bible for themselves. This comes at a time when many professing adults do not actually-actually read or study the Bible. At least if stats are accurate. (Have you ever wondered who is being surveyed?)

The contents of this one could easily be applicable to teens and adults alike. True some of the narrative is recounting the author's experiences as a teen (and she comes across as a young or younger author) and focuses on a few things that would only apply to teens (living with parents, going to school most of the year, studying for tests, deciding electives and hobbies, choosing colleges, deciding career and life goals). But the mechanics of HOW to read the Bible are the same no matter if you're fifteen or fifty-five.

The first five chapters focus on the WHY of Bible reading and Bible study. These chapters are inspiring and encouraging. Often filled with quotes from some of my favorite theologians (aka John Piper, J.I. Packer, John Calvin, etc.)

The last five chapters focus on the HOW of Bible study. The study method recommended throughout this one is the INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY method. And this method can be intimidating--very intimidating--for many adults.

I love the idea of loving this one. I do. I love, love, love reading the Bible. I do. I always have. Or almost always, always. I became a Christian at age 8. I found the Bible far from boring. Of course, I wasn't trying to read it cover-to-cover. I wasn't aiming to read and understand every verse of every chapter of every book. There were sections of the Bible that I read often, very often. There were sections of the Bible I didn't even pretend to attempt before going to college. (I was about seventeen or eighteen before I read the WHOLE Bible.) I did often find myself feeling alone and out of sorts with others because I did read my Bible and actually enjoy it. (Not that I had a great grasp of all points of theology; I didn't. I cringe when I think back on some of my theology.)

I love the QUESTIONS section which ends each chapter. I think these are well done and take the book to the next level.

Does Forster expect too much of her readers?! Or do we expect too little from ourselves and others?!