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30 Days to Understanding the Bible in 15 Minutes in a Day
30 Days to Understanding the Bible, the innovative teach-yourself guide that's helped so many readers get more out of the Bible, just got even better! Now Max Anders' remarkable resource for Bible learning is available in a new, expanded edition, with all the features that made the original so popular plus much more.
Proven effective by over 200,000 readers, 30 Days to Understanding the Bible helps you learn to position key Bible characters, places, and events in chronological order so that you can "think your way through" the entire Word of God. Through interesting, memory-enhancing exercises, 30 Days to Understanding the Bible acquaints readers with the core teachings of Scripture in just 15 minutes a day!
Proven effective by over 200,000 readers, 30 Days to Understanding the Bible helps you learn to position key Bible characters, places, and events in chronological order so that you can "think your way through" the entire Word of God. Through interesting, memory-enhancing exercises, 30 Days to Understanding the Bible acquaints readers with the core teachings of Scripture in just 15 minutes a day!
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 1988
211 people are currently reading
806 people want to read
About the author
Max E. Anders
81 books13 followersMax Anders (Th.M. Dallas Theological Seminary, D.Min Western Seminary) is the author of over 20 books and the creator and general editor of the 32 volume Holman Bible Commentary. Dr. Anders has taught on the college and seminary level, is one of the original team members with Walk Thru the Bible Ministries, and has pastored for over 20 years. He is the founder and president of 7 Marks, Inc., a ministry specializing in support for local churches.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
August 29, 2012
MY REVIEW:
Quite honestly, I didn't think I needed to read this book. I had already done some CE studies through Moody Bible Institute in both Old Testament and New Testament Survey. However, I decided to read this book so I could be familiar with it before recommending it to others. Despite my whole 30+ years of being in Sunday School, Sunday services, Youth Group, and doing independent studies, I learned a LOT from this book. I say all this to stress the fact that this book is appropriate for both the new Believer and the mature Believer - for the scholar and for the person who's never in their life taken a class on anything Bible related.
As the title indicates it is divided into 30 chapters which average around 8 pages long yet are incredibly easy to read and quick to finish. You can do this study well in 15 minutes a day. It first gives through and intro and overview of the Old Testament, then likewise for the New Testament, followed by a simple, yet comprehensive, overview of the basic 10 doctrines that the Bible teaches. The book is stuffed full of charts and fill-in-the-blank self tests that encourage and aid you to learn long term and not just for the moment. This study uses pictures and the first letter of words along with charts to help you connect new facts and knowledge to what you already know and to your life. My favorite use of charts and pictures was with the comparison of Old Testament history to the history of the early years of the USA. It took something I was familiar with to help me learn something new.
This book can be read as a book or used as a study - either personal or in a group setting. As a group setting it's meant to be covered in 13 lessons with 1 person leading and adding some personal teaching time to each session. The only down side to a group study using this book is that the person leading does need to invest probably about an hour a week or so in preparation as well as already have a base knowledge of this topic or at least familiarity with this book. I personally think it would make a fabulous discipleship tool to use in 1-on-1 settings. It also written to be flexible for a wide range of ages and would be appropriate for early early teens and on up - you're never too old to learn!
All in all, I can't recommend this book enough! It was fun, easy, yet engaging. I am excited to share it with someone or do a group study!
Quite honestly, I didn't think I needed to read this book. I had already done some CE studies through Moody Bible Institute in both Old Testament and New Testament Survey. However, I decided to read this book so I could be familiar with it before recommending it to others. Despite my whole 30+ years of being in Sunday School, Sunday services, Youth Group, and doing independent studies, I learned a LOT from this book. I say all this to stress the fact that this book is appropriate for both the new Believer and the mature Believer - for the scholar and for the person who's never in their life taken a class on anything Bible related.
As the title indicates it is divided into 30 chapters which average around 8 pages long yet are incredibly easy to read and quick to finish. You can do this study well in 15 minutes a day. It first gives through and intro and overview of the Old Testament, then likewise for the New Testament, followed by a simple, yet comprehensive, overview of the basic 10 doctrines that the Bible teaches. The book is stuffed full of charts and fill-in-the-blank self tests that encourage and aid you to learn long term and not just for the moment. This study uses pictures and the first letter of words along with charts to help you connect new facts and knowledge to what you already know and to your life. My favorite use of charts and pictures was with the comparison of Old Testament history to the history of the early years of the USA. It took something I was familiar with to help me learn something new.
This book can be read as a book or used as a study - either personal or in a group setting. As a group setting it's meant to be covered in 13 lessons with 1 person leading and adding some personal teaching time to each session. The only down side to a group study using this book is that the person leading does need to invest probably about an hour a week or so in preparation as well as already have a base knowledge of this topic or at least familiarity with this book. I personally think it would make a fabulous discipleship tool to use in 1-on-1 settings. It also written to be flexible for a wide range of ages and would be appropriate for early early teens and on up - you're never too old to learn!
All in all, I can't recommend this book enough! It was fun, easy, yet engaging. I am excited to share it with someone or do a group study!
May 20, 2023
Excellent book. Helps you understand the geography of the Bible, key characters, places and events. Very easy fast read for an excellent overview. I especially loved one of the last chapters ‘what the Bible teaches in 1000 words’ and also ‘the message of the Bible’. Summarizing the Bible very well in a simple but comprehensive way. Excellent read for both new Christian’s and also older Christian’s.
January 4, 2012
Before Oct 2011, I had never read the bible. I still haven't read it all, but I've at least started. I had actually purchased a study bible more than a year ago with the intent of reading it (more from an academic standpoint). But I didn't. Part of the reason is because it is a daunting task to undertake alone. Joining a church and a bible study group helps with that. But it's easy to feel lost in its vastness. 30 Days to Understanding the Bible helps put things in perspective. It provides an overview of the structure of the bible. It breaks the books of the Old and New Testaments down into their respective eras. It also gives an overview of the major doctrines of the bible. This is certainly a 15,000 foot overview. If you've never read the bible and are a little intimidated, this is the primer to help you jump start your studies.
July 24, 2010
Just what I needed. Finally, I have a general structure and overview for Bible. I love that this is a fill-in-the-blank book where you repeat what you're learning by actually writing it. I hope it will stay with me better now.
September 19, 2015
I have thoroughly enjoyed the reading of this book, “30 Days to Understanding the Bible” by Max Anders. One thing in particular that I appreciated was the way it was able to systematically layout the Bible in a very succinct and simple manner that helped me to better understand the structure of the Bible. At first glance, an individual will see the Bible as merely a collective gathering of an assortment of books written by foreign authors with unusual names. Instead, the Bible is a culmination of books written with a distinct purpose in mind, each with its own literary form and character, proclaiming many spiritual truths while flawlessly flowing from one time period to another. These books were written by men who were solely inspired by God and each book was written with a single object of affection in mind: a future redeemer, the coming Messiah, and a holy King, to deliver mankind from the bondage of human depravity.
The purpose at which I strived to complete the reading of this book is not for selfish gain nor ambition, but to acquire enough knowledge to impart upon those with whom I will be serving and ministering to on the mission field. I have found many basic principles in this book that any new Christian can gain from. I wish I had read this book early on in my life as a new Christian. It accurately laid out the structure of the Bible and categorized sets of books based upon the type, the purpose, and era of which the book was written. While most of these books were placed in chronological order, some were not. Furthermore, “30 Days to Understanding the Bible” did a splendid job in briefly summarizing each book of the Bible. And, as a teacher of God’s Word, a short synopsis of each book of the Bible can be proven to be very useful especially in helping young, new, Christians to understand God’s entire plan for mankind.
I am thankful that I have read this book and it will indeed remain a helpful tool in my ministry to disciple and teach new believers on the mission field. I hope and pray that I will be able to see the fruits of my labor, but will remain content even if I don’t.
The purpose at which I strived to complete the reading of this book is not for selfish gain nor ambition, but to acquire enough knowledge to impart upon those with whom I will be serving and ministering to on the mission field. I have found many basic principles in this book that any new Christian can gain from. I wish I had read this book early on in my life as a new Christian. It accurately laid out the structure of the Bible and categorized sets of books based upon the type, the purpose, and era of which the book was written. While most of these books were placed in chronological order, some were not. Furthermore, “30 Days to Understanding the Bible” did a splendid job in briefly summarizing each book of the Bible. And, as a teacher of God’s Word, a short synopsis of each book of the Bible can be proven to be very useful especially in helping young, new, Christians to understand God’s entire plan for mankind.
I am thankful that I have read this book and it will indeed remain a helpful tool in my ministry to disciple and teach new believers on the mission field. I hope and pray that I will be able to see the fruits of my labor, but will remain content even if I don’t.
January 27, 2016
4.5
The book uses extreme repetitiveness to encourage memory. It's impossible not to have everything memorized after you've read ten chapters and had to fill out the same things on each chart. I didn't read this once in 30 days; it was sitting on my "currently reading" over a year. The reason being I read half of it in one sitting and kept meaning to get back to it for study but didn't. I'm not one who can do a reading cycle.
The ten doctrines of the bible is the third section are interesting as it departs from the charts to teach something different. It's written very simply to have the basics and outlines, order, books, events, all make structural sense. The point behind this is if you all the structure memorized back to back, when you get into more indepth study on your own, it will be easier, make much more sense, and come together as a whole. It can get a bit boring because of the repetitiveness, but it's a learning tool hammering it into your head.
The teaching technique used completely work for me. It may not for others, so I recommmend seeing an example of the workbook type structure before purchasing. Also, I do recommend extending this beyond 30 days. 30 Days of reading will definitely mean you completely get it and memorize it, but I think stronger memory and comprehension would pay off better extending it over a few more months.
The book uses extreme repetitiveness to encourage memory. It's impossible not to have everything memorized after you've read ten chapters and had to fill out the same things on each chart. I didn't read this once in 30 days; it was sitting on my "currently reading" over a year. The reason being I read half of it in one sitting and kept meaning to get back to it for study but didn't. I'm not one who can do a reading cycle.
The ten doctrines of the bible is the third section are interesting as it departs from the charts to teach something different. It's written very simply to have the basics and outlines, order, books, events, all make structural sense. The point behind this is if you all the structure memorized back to back, when you get into more indepth study on your own, it will be easier, make much more sense, and come together as a whole. It can get a bit boring because of the repetitiveness, but it's a learning tool hammering it into your head.
The teaching technique used completely work for me. It may not for others, so I recommmend seeing an example of the workbook type structure before purchasing. Also, I do recommend extending this beyond 30 days. 30 Days of reading will definitely mean you completely get it and memorize it, but I think stronger memory and comprehension would pay off better extending it over a few more months.
September 15, 2015
This book is a very good overview of the Bible and Biblical doctrine. Its emphasis is on understanding the basic structure so that the reader can see how it is all put together and know what to expect when reading the different books. That is, you will learn which books are historical, poetic, prophetic or epistles (letters). Given this information, you will not be expecting a history lesson when you are reading a book of poetry or prophecy (although some history will be included). This book also covers ten great Biblical doctrines. Each doctrine is divided into 4 parts which each part having a definition and a central passage. The book is excellent for beginning Bible students to help them get an overall, big picture of where they are heading. It is also excellent for more seasoned Bible students to reinforce what they are learning.
June 3, 2017
Because I sensed I had "lost" some of the chronology of the Bible, I decided to read through the Scripture this year. At the same time, I found Anders book which made it possible for me to review, review, review in just fifteen minutes a day and rediscover the core teachings of Scripture, the geography of the Holy Land, and refresh myself with the significant characters, places, and events of God's story. Anders uses visual images, charts, repetition, and key words to reinforce the learning.
The "Summary of the Bible" gives an overview from Genesis to Revelation in a few pages.
In addition, there is a 13-week teaching outline which could be used for a small group or Sunday School class study.
This is an excellent resource for anyone who needs a refresher course or who is simply curious, wondering what the Bible is all about.
The "Summary of the Bible" gives an overview from Genesis to Revelation in a few pages.
In addition, there is a 13-week teaching outline which could be used for a small group or Sunday School class study.
This is an excellent resource for anyone who needs a refresher course or who is simply curious, wondering what the Bible is all about.
March 2, 2017
This is an excellent resource for bible studying and understanding. Worthy of opening time-and-again. It will help with increased understanding and comprehension of the content within the two covers of your Holy Bible. It, could be, a great study, in itself, for the bible.
April 18, 2017
So complete and yet simple. Looking forward to studying this with our family during the next school year. We may even start sooner I'm loving it so much!
July 19, 2012
Good overview of the Bible. I liked taking the self-tests!
March 25, 2016
I was not really impressed with author's approach to understanding the Bible. It seemed contrived and extremely repetitive.
October 18, 2017
Helpful information, but SO redundant as a workbook.
December 6, 2024
Third time reading this book and I still love it. It’s a great tool for learning the Bible!
October 28, 2018
I read the new edition from the fall of 2018, never heard of the book before that. I absolutely loved the way Anders broke down the structure and history of the old and new testament in the first half of this book. It was clear and simple and I learned a lot even though I've been a bible reader for many years.
I was a little less satisfied with the second half where Anders tried to use the same techniques on 10 biblical doctrines. To be fair, this is a much more complicated topic, but I felt he sometimes lost clarity to clear writing. I still learned a great deal and I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to get more out of their bible reading.
I was a little less satisfied with the second half where Anders tried to use the same techniques on 10 biblical doctrines. To be fair, this is a much more complicated topic, but I felt he sometimes lost clarity to clear writing. I still learned a great deal and I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to get more out of their bible reading.
January 1, 2019
Anders puts together 30 15-minute lessons to help the reader get an overview of the Bible.
He breaks down the Bible into an Introduction and a Conclusion with three sections between:
1. The Story of the Old Testament
2. The Story of the New Testament
3. The 10 Great Doctrines of the Bible
At the end of each chapter Anders provides a review Summary and a Self-Test to help the reader remember.
My brother and I read and discussed it over the phone with weekly phone calls and it was a solid book and a really good introduction to the Bible and Christian doctrines.
He breaks down the Bible into an Introduction and a Conclusion with three sections between:
1. The Story of the Old Testament
2. The Story of the New Testament
3. The 10 Great Doctrines of the Bible
At the end of each chapter Anders provides a review Summary and a Self-Test to help the reader remember.
My brother and I read and discussed it over the phone with weekly phone calls and it was a solid book and a really good introduction to the Bible and Christian doctrines.
May 7, 2019
Ooph. While the theology of this book was fairly solid, the tedium can drive one nuts. And there are errors in the book. I've at least the fourth edition. You'd think by then those errors would have gotten edited out, but check pg 252 for example.
This might work well as a basis for a Sunday school class? Perhaps some of the charts would work as a bell ringer. I would not recommend for anyone who has more than a fifth grade reading level.
This might work well as a basis for a Sunday school class? Perhaps some of the charts would work as a bell ringer. I would not recommend for anyone who has more than a fifth grade reading level.
February 9, 2018
Even though the title talks about understanding the Bible in 30 day’s, there is so much to learn in this book. I read it for two classes: the Old and the New Testament. I imagine coming back to this book as I continue to grow and learn. It will be good for practicing and reviewing the different aspects in the Bible.
September 4, 2018
Helpful tool in trying to understand the bible
I gave it a five star because I enjoyed how it tried to break down and simply the bible. I would recommend reading it. What I didn't like about it is that there were some activities but I couldn't do them because I was on the kindle. Read it in book form.
I gave it a five star because I enjoyed how it tried to break down and simply the bible. I would recommend reading it. What I didn't like about it is that there were some activities but I couldn't do them because I was on the kindle. Read it in book form.
December 3, 2018
This is a great book to get a basic overview of the Bible. It covers the structure, breaks the books down and gives some doctrine. It did have several typing errors throughout and it was VERY repetitive with the fill in the blanks. I understand repetition making it easier to remember, but it was too much for me.
July 20, 2025
The book offers simple and comprehensive topics regarding the Bible's structure, lessons, and other contexts that matter. For beginners, or even other Christians that are not new to the scriptures, new and “basic” information is very helpful. But still, read the whole scripture for full understanding. The book is just a help for us.
October 11, 2018
The book was very repetitive, but I didn’t mind because I’m not going to forget what I read ever. Whether you’ve never read the Bible or if you’ve read it 100 times, I believe this book is beneficial. It beautifully gives a timeline and background and ingrains it in your memory.
September 7, 2024
Really helpful big picture framework of the story line of the Bible, core doctrines, and key geographies.
Highly recommend reading a copy that has no writing in it (that you can write in) since most of the memory work comes from repeatedly writing throughout the chapters.
Highly recommend reading a copy that has no writing in it (that you can write in) since most of the memory work comes from repeatedly writing throughout the chapters.
August 8, 2017
This is a workbook. Very good if you are learning about the Bible and how to maneuver through it.
October 20, 2017
Excellent overview of the Bible! History, context, and doctrines all in one book.
April 14, 2018
Second time I've worked through this book and still learned many new things. This book is great for all age levels and spiritual maturity levels.
August 16, 2018
Great read!
Great read for an overview. Good study tools though you have to write so it’s hard to use on kindle. Great read!!
Great read for an overview. Good study tools though you have to write so it’s hard to use on kindle. Great read!!
October 15, 2018
Workbook format that offers simple and easy to follow information about the Bible.
Anders uses a repetitive format to reinforce the information and lessons on scripture.
Anders uses a repetitive format to reinforce the information and lessons on scripture.
January 18, 2020
Very good to get a history and clearer understanding of events in the Bible.
August 8, 2020
Uno de los primeros libros de hermenéutica que estudié como parte del seminario y me ayudo mucho
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews