The word study has many meanings. Some refer to a brief period of time during which we spend time in preparation for something else, while others refer to the process of getting information or understanding in relation to the teachings of the Bible.
Some studies include reading and studying the Bible, but not as a first step. Rather, you use the information that you gain in this study to develop your understanding of the Word and to change your thinking about what you read.
You can start any way you want- right away, next week, or even next year! As with any source of information, be careful how much you accept as proof of truth when used rightly. Too much can make you think that what you are receiving is true and reliable.
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Concordances
Concordances are helpful resources that find similar words or phrases in the Bible. Concordances are typically written near the end of the book, after every biblical passage has been carefully studied.
Many concordances include computer-generated searches that will find similar words or phrases in the Bible. These searches are extremely helpful as they can easily change up how you study the Bible.
When using a computer-generated concordance, make sure to input your notes into an appropriate format. Many concordances do not include a way to enter notes into an appropriate format, making it harder to use.
The best way to use a concordance is to find a specific verse or verses that you want to study, then enter that specific verse or passages into the concordance and search for that word or phrase.
Online Bible search
Having a good online Bible search tool is a necessity for studying the Word of God. There are many different online resources, all designed to help you find and study the Bible.
Many of these tools require you to create an account before you can use them, which does not take away from the fact that the Bible is a great source of guidance. You can always go back to previously created accounts if you have one set up for studying the Bible in your life.
Some of these online tools include: Apple’s iBeacon, nProvenment’s WebBook, Google’s GoWeb, and Kindle’s Lookup Tool. Each of these provides you with a different way to find and study the Bible.
Bible study apps
There are so many bible study apps available that it can be hard to choose one that is right for you. Most of them are very easy to use and set up quickly.
Some of them also have web sites where you can get more help and input from creators as to how you should use the app. Some include SheReads Him and The Creation Bible as trusted sources.
Some include audio or video features so you can truly learn in-app. You can watch or listen while you read the scriptures, making it much easier to understand.
You can make this app your own by choosing some features you want, but not others.
Printed commentaries
Today, most people read the Bible online or printed off. Both of these things require a printed commentary.
A commentary is a separate document that provides additional information about a specific verse in the Bible.
There are many printable commentaries today that you can download and use as your primary study resource. These include the New International Version (NIV), Holy Cross Greek / English NT, and Red Letter / NIV Bible Versions.
These additional details are provided by qualified biblical scholars and pastors to help you better understand the text and why it matters.
Printed anthologies of readings
These books are designed to help you study the Bible. They are typically large, heavy volumes that you can lay on a table and pick through as you study.
You can look for topics within the text or focus your studying on individual passages. These books aren’t for everyone, but leaders in the church use them to help guide study of the Word.
They are a great way to start your Bible study! Many of them include free resource guides that you can download. You can then link these into your new Bible study account.
Many of these titles include hard-hitting themes and questions that will challenge your understanding of the text, so be careful! There are plenty of quality Bible studies that don’t use resources as a crutch. They make it clear what texts they’re focusing on and why they’re important.
Reading plans
This can be a little tricky! You want to be sure to have access to the right reading plan for you. There are many ways to study the Bible, so be prepared to choose the one that fits your needs!
Many people use a bible study plan because they do not have time to read every chapter of the Bible in full. A bible study plan can fit into your schedule and you can pick up a book and read it in your off time.
The beauty of a bible study plan is that you pick what you want to read and how much you want to read. There are literally thousands of pages of varying quality available for download.
Because there are so many books available, it is important that you find ones with similar themes or content to the biblical books. By doing this, you will save time looking up information on these other books.
Online web sites for reading the Bible
Over 500 million copies of the Bible have been printed, and yet billions of people worldwide continue to study the Bible through regular web sites, online resources, and mobile apps.