Free Bible Study Tools
Do you want to learn about the Bible?
Are you interested in learning more about the Bible? There are many ways you can learn how to study the Bible and take advantage of free Bible study tools.
Reasons to read the Bible
Regardless of your affiliation with a church, there are many reasons why studying the Bible can benefit you. Consider the following:
- The Bible is popular: It's the best-selling book of all time, despite changes in tastes and cultural norms.
- The Bible is literature: It contains different types of books, all within one cover.
- The Bible is realistic: It shows how humans behave and the emotions they experience (bliss between newlyweds, jealousy motivating a murderer, sadness in the person who's lost everything).
- The Bible is practical and philosophical: It addresses basic human questions such as "Where did people come from?", "Why am I here?", and "What is the meaning of life?".
- The Bible is practical: It's more than just a lecture to humans on how to behave. Contrary to some opinions, it is not irrelevant for today. It provides wisdom for basic living. Advice on how to deal with everyday problems can be found in the Bible. It speaks to modern problems and includes advice on how to avoid or deal with issues such as violence, family dysfunction, personal finance, marital discord, and worry.
- The Bible changes lives: Its creed has motivated criminals to leave behind their past ways and embrace a new way of living. It is the system of belief for countless people around the world, living and dead. Its 10 Commandments are laws even in countries that do not claim to be Christian.
Learn the Bible a Verse a Day
While the Bible is a large book, you can get to know it in small steps. Start your quest of understanding the Bible one day at a time: visit DailyBibleVerse dot com, and sign up for the mailing list. Every day, a verse will be sent to you in the morning. It's a tiny addition to your daily routine that will help you get more familiar with the Bible.
Get The Right Translation
What good can a Bible do for you if you're not reading it? If you're not reading the Bible because it's too hard to understand, try reading a different translation. You can find an understandable translation.
One of the easiest ways to do this is to visit a website called BibleGateway dot com. While you may prefer to read a print version of the Bible (as I do), BibleGateway dot com gives you the opportunity to browse among numerous translations. Consider just how many versions of the Bible exist:
- NIV: New International Version
- KJV: King James Version
- NKJV: New King James Version
- ESV: English Standard Version
- MSG: The Message
- NET Bible: New English Translation
- AMP: Amplified Bible
This is just a list of some of the translations of the Bible that you can choose from. You can look up a passage and read it in one version, and then go back and select a different version of the Bible. Each version of the Bible will read differently, but you'll probably find that you prefer one particular version of the Bible over the others. Once you find the translation you prefer, it may be easier to understand the Bible.
Use a Bible Concordance to Search
Want to Google the Bible? You can, but you can also use a Bible concordance. Just like a glossary or an index can help you find a certain word, a Bible concordance is perfect for pointing you in the right direction. If you're looking up a certain word, like "money" or "love", you'll find several results in a Bible concordance. On the other hand, if you need an answer to a more general question, like "What's a Biblical way to date?", you would want to look for several words, like "marriage" or "courtship" or "lovers". You can find a free online Bible concordance by doing a brief internet search.
A Bible Commentary Provides Insight
A Bible commentary is another tool you can use if you'd like to study the Bible in depth. A Bible commentary interprets and explains the Bible for you. It's like having a guide with you to provide insight. You can read a Bible commentary before you do reading of the Bible yourself. There are Bible commentaries online that you can use for free online.
Free Bible Sermons
Did you know that there are free Bible sermons available for you online? You do not have to be a member of a church to listen to these recordings. In an mp3 format or in a CD format, you can hear teachings about the Bible from Grace to You, a radio ministry led by Bible teacher John McArthur. Their audio recordings are available on their website, and periodically, they offer free books. You can access Grace to You's online sermons on their website.