I learned to study the Bible as an adult, during a season of closeness with the Lord. It began when the women at my church went through a particular Bible study, sparking a deep curiosity and desire for a richer understanding of God’s Word.
On a weekend getaway, I stumbled across a book about how to study the Bible and eagerly grabbed it. The following week, I found myself in my pastor’s office, asking if he had any commentaries or word study books I could borrow. After several trips to my car, I was loaded up with resources.
As the winter months rolled in and my nursing shifts often fell in the evenings, I had plenty of time to spend my mornings settled near the fireplace, my guitar propped against the couch and books sprawled across the floor and coffee table— those were sweet moments of communion with the Lord.
When I eventually returned the books to my pastor, I expressed my amazement at the sheer number of resources needed to really dig into the Word (I may have been a little winded from hauling them all back!).
He chuckled and asked, ‘You do know there’s software with all these resources available electronically, right?’
…No, I didn’t! 🤯 (and then promptly purchased a Logos software package)
Among all the wonderful resources that help us study the Bible, Chasing Sacred stands out as an accessible book for everyone. It offers a method and model that will equip you for deeper engagement with Scripture.
Let’s take a closer look inside!
A Guide to Inductive Bible Study: Reviewing Chasing Sacred by Mikella Van Dyke
Content
My Take: Methods and Time
Content
Purpose of the Book
Mikella Van Dyke’s Chasing Sacred is written to guide readers in gaining a deeper understanding of God’s Word and to offer a clearer perspective on why we study Scripture—not just for knowledge, but as an act of worship to our Savior. The book also provides practical steps to help readers engage meaningfully with the Bible.
Table of Contents
Introduction
PART 1: Why Chase Sacred?
CHAPTER 1: Find Something Worth Chasing After
CHAPTER 2: Experience the Delight of God’s Word
CHAPTER 3: Discover the Bigger Story of the Bible
CHAPTER 4: Recognize False Teachings
PART 2: Who Helps us Chase Sacred?
CHAPTER 5: The Role of the Spirit
CHAPTER 6: The Role of Prayer
PART 3: How Do We Chase Sacred
CHAPTER 7: Which Bible Should You Choose?
CHAPTER 8: Observe and Ask
CHAPTER 9: Uncover Context
CHAPTER 10: Identify Genre
CHAPTER 11: Interpret
CHAPTER 12: Apply
Conclusion
Summary
In three parts, Mikella Van Dyke explains the value of studying Scripture for the Christian life. She explores how the Holy Spirit and the discipline of prayer support us in this journey and provides a practical guide to studying the Bible inductively. Throughout, she shares relatable stories from her cross-cultural experiences as a missionary kid in Thailand, enriching her insights with personal examples.
My Take
Methods
If you’ve ever tried this method of Bible study before, it can feel daunting.
Understanding the context of a passage can be tricky if you're new to the Bible, and thinking about original languages might seem impossible. And if the words “study” or “books” make you cringe, I get it—the struggle is real.
Now, you’ve probably gathered by now that I’m a bit of a nerd (I write book reviews for fun, after all), and when I first learned this method, I was so excited that I dove headfirst into it.
But I also understand that it’s not like that for everyone. The process of studying the Bible can be intimidating! And if you feel awkward or hesitant about it, that’s okay—you’re not alone!
There are so many great resources to guide you if you’re new or unsure. (I have a few collected here). One of the best ways to start is by joining a Bible study or gathering a few friends to learn together. You’re already doing hard things—raising kids, managing your home, juggling so much. You can do this, too!
Keep in mind the ultimate reward: the joy of knowing and loving the Lord more deeply. The time we spend in His Word equips us, strengthens us, and prepares us to walk in obedience and grow to be more like Christ.
Time
Carving out time to study is also a challenge. In the introduction, I shared memories of cozy mornings by the fireplace with books and hours at my leisure. But life looks different now. With three kids, work, and other activities, time isn’t entirely my own anymore. So, I’ve had to be more intentional about when and how Bible study fits into my days.
You’re probably facing similar challenges. Pray about it. Ask the Lord to help you find the time. After all, His Word is our guide, a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Ps. 119:105).
You might be wondering, ‘How do I fit it all in? What about my Bible reading?’
My friend Jana puts it this way, “Bible reading is for breadth. Bible study is for depth. We really do need both!”
There have been seasons when I’ve had more time to dive deeply into study, and others when I’ve only had time for daily reading. One rhythm that has worked for me is maintaining a steady pace of Bible reading during the week, then setting aside a day to study a book of the Bible more in-depth.
The point isn’t to follow a legalistic routine or check off spiritual disciplines—it’s about keeping ourselves rooted in the beauty, goodness, and truth of His Word.
How can you carve out time in your current season of life to grow deeper in your understanding of Scripture?
My Recommendation
This book will draw you toward your Bible and refresh your desire to study his Word.
If you’ve been feeling a little stuck in your study of scripture, or have never learned how to study before, this is the resource for you!
Find more resources on the Chasing Sacred website to find Bible Study Journals, Bible Studies of Ephesians and Philippians and a couple free ebooks.
Quick Stats
# of Pages: 259
Level of Difficulty: Easy
My Rating: 5 stars
Book Trailer
I hope you'll enjoy this short intro to Mikella's book and bible study. It's always fun to get to hear from the author a little, right?
More Like This
Scriptures About Knowing & Loving the Bible
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16)
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Ps. 119:105)
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect (Rom. 12:2)
That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col. 2:2-3)
And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers (1 Thess. 2:13)
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*A big thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and for the opportunity to post an honest review!
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