This guest post is by freelance writer Jeremy Bouma (@bouma) with Zondervan employee Adam Forrest (@ZonderAcademic).

If you haven’t read all of the books you own, you’re not alone. I (Adam) worked in a bookstore for five years, and I used to joke with coworkers that owning a book is the best excuse for not reading it.

But alarmingly, the same may be true for the Bible.

[See the Bible Gateway Blog post, A Summary of Recent Bible Reading Surveys]

This year, the American Bible Society reported on the state of the Bible. Apparently Bible ownership remains strong, but readership is weak. Though 88% of households own a Bible—and those households own an average of nearly five Bibles—only 37% of Americans read it once or more a week.

More concerning, as many Americans are “skeptical” of the Bible as those who are “engaged” with the Bible: 19% in each category. It’s even worse for young adults. They are:

• Less likely to view the Bible as sacred literature;
• Less likely to believe the Bible contains everything they need to lead a meaningful life;
• More likely to never read the Bible.

As someone exiting young adulthood myself, I (Jeremy) found these statistics particularly interesting. And depressing.

What gives? Why the shift, especially among my generation? And what can you do to give the Bible its proper place in your life, read it with confidence, and find life within the meaning-filled pages of God’s Word?

Actually, there’s a classic resource that’s been helping Christians do all of the above and more for generations. It’s called Halley’s Bible Handbook (Zondervan).

[Become a member of Bible Gateway Plus and enjoy Halley’s Bible Handbook Notes alongside Scripture as you read the Bible on Bible Gateway.]

You may be thinking, “Hey, my grandparents used that!” But before you dismiss it, give us just thirty more seconds to show you some benefits of this book. Because in Halley’s Bible Handbook you’ll find everything you need to “defy the statistics,” dig into the Bible, and grow in your relationship with God.

Read the Bible with Confidence

Part of the reason why people—especially younger people—are so skeptical of the Bible is that their confidence in it has been shaken. New scientific discoveries, the claims of other religions, popular authors, and other factors challenge the reliability of the Bible.

That’s where Halley’s Bible Handbook could help you most. Consider the author, Dr. Henry Halley, a helpful, trusted advisor who will restore your confidence by arming you with important information and historical evidence.

Dr. Halley dives deep into the original setting of Scripture, explores why it’s important, outlines the major empires of the day, provides maps and charts—he even explains the seasons (apparently October through April is rainy!).

He also explains what the Bible is, how we got it in the first place, and what it is about. He even provides important detail on each biblical book, including each book’s author, date, and themes.

One of my (Jeremy’s) favorite benefits of this guide are the sidebars. They’re packed with super helpful and interesting information. Did you know other cultures have a “Fall” narrative similar to the one in Genesis 3? (Pict4, Fall chart) Or that kidnapping was an offense punishable by death? Halley also charts the various kings of Israel, the timeline in each book, archaeological evidence that’s been uncovered, and bushels more.

This handbook will help you discover that God’s word is reliable; that it’s a sure, steady foundation upon which you can build your life. Halley’s Bible Handbook will give you the confidence you need to share this truth with our skeptical culture.

The Meat of Halley’s Bible Handbook

Beginning with Genesis 1:1 and continuing through the close of Revelation, Dr. Halley helps you find meaning in every passage, chapter, and book of the Bible. Take the Psalms. He summarizes each psalm while also explaining some of their details.

In his section on the Gospels, Dr. Halley provides a fascinating exploration of the life and teachings of Jesus, helping you find God’s guidance for your life. For instance, explore what the Gospels say about the power of faith and prayer.

It’s sad that people today are less likely to believe the Bible contains what they need to know for leading a meaningful life. This guide will help you digest the life-giving meaning of the Bible, so you can grasp God’s purpose for your life, and help the people around you find purpose, too.

Rediscover Priceless Truths

Dr. Halley didn’t write his handbook to help people simply know more about the Bible. No, Halley’s passion was to get people and churches to read the Bible in order that they might meet and listen to the God of the Bible and come to love His Son, Jesus Christ.

“The Bible is the most priceless possession of the human race,” writes Dr. Halley. And throughout the handbook you’ll find tools to help you place God’s priceless Word at the center of your life.

Take this reading plan:

If you’re like me (Adam), this kind of structure can yield powerful results. I’m a lot more likely to accomplish my goals when I can apply some structure to my Bible study.

Other helpful tools for studying the Bible include these six tips for giving the Bible its proper place (20-21):

• Accept the Bible just as it is;
• Read the Bible with an open mind;
• Read the Bible thoughtfully;
• Keep a pencil at hand;
• Habitual, systematic reading of the Bible is best;
• Read at a certain time each day.

“Bible reading is not something that stands outside of daily life. It should be part of our daily living, like food and water,” writes Dr. Halley. And his handbook will help you develop a regular rhythm of spending time in God’s Word.

Defy the Statistics

We’ve seen how Bible reading is weakening in America. But Dr. Halley’s classic handbook could be just what you and others in the church need to defy the statistics and dig into the Bible as God intends. You’ll be better prepared to learn from God and to help others come to love his Son, Jesus Christ.

After all, that’s why God gave us His Word in the first place.