SPARKNOTES

Some people approach the Bible as if it consists primarily of a set of doctrines to be learned. So they turn to the "experts" to hear their explanations of the various propositions it contains. 

But this is like "reading" a classic novel by studying the SparkNotes summary.

Sure, you might be able to spout back some plot details and describe a major theme or two and it will save you a whole bunch of time, but you will miss out on the joy of reading a masterpiece and the wonder of firsthand discovery.

And one thing is guaranteed: if you stick to the SparkNotes, that book will never have the chance to become your all-time favorite. 

Obviously, if you thought the book had something important to say, you would have read every word of it for yourself. 

And then you would draw your own conclusions about which characters are major and which minor and what symbolism spoke to you. 

Don't do SparkNotes for Bible. 

There IS a test coming.