Online Bible Tools
There are many ways to study the Bible. One of the tools that I use regularly is an online Bible. I do not use an online Bible to replace my printed Bible. I’m still “old school” and love to hold the actual book in my hands. But, I do use the online Bible as a supplement and a study aid. These Bible sites have additional tools and resources, such as concordances, reading plans, and even audio Bibles that you can listen to. All of these tools can help you study God’s Word. Particularly if you want to do more than just read the Bible – if you want to really study it so it can truly be the guide for your life.
There are several good sites you can choose from, like Blue Letter Bible, Bible Gateway, Bible Hub, and Logos Bible. Most of them have a web version that you can access using a computer and an app that you can download to your mobile device.
I recommend that you choose one of them and get familiar with it until you are comfortable with it. For this note, I will share the three that I use most often.
And if you are looking for some tips for how to study the Bible and dig into the text, here are some suggestions we have put together for you. There are many ways you can study, but here are a few that have worked for us. “Beyond Reading – Steps for How to Study the Bible.”
Bible Gateway
I started using Bible Gateway years ago. It is very simple to use. You can search for a book of the Bible or a verse from the Bible. You can even examine a single keyword if you want to study a topic like “truth.”
One of my favorite things about Bible Gateway is the audio Bible. You can listen to the Bible while you are doing your work or cleaning your house or driving. I find this very helpful!
Bible Hub
Bible Hub is the tool I now use most often. It has more study tools that Bible Gateway. So, I can dig a little deeper.
I enjoy looking at the parallel version so I can see how a verse is translated in the different versions. Then, I love to look at the meaning of the original words by using the “Interlinear” version of the text to compare today’s translations to what the original author intended the word to express.
Next, I use the atlas a lot to look at the maps so I understand where things were taking place.
Finally, there are summaries and outlines and questions on each book of the Bible.
Purely Bible
This site has a great study help – they call it a “challenge.” It is a little different than the other two sites I suggested.. This site has great little short videos that provide an overview of each book of the Bible. It is a great tool for learning how the whole story of the Bible fits together. If you are reading through the Bible, I recommend watching their 10-15 minute introductory videos as you start each new book.
The Chosen
If you haven’t watch the show called “The Chosen,” you are missing out on a great story-telling event. This show, currently in its 4th season, is based on Scripture and is biblically accurate in its references. Additionally, the writers add back stories that are not in the Bible to many of the biblical characters we read about in the New Testament. The series’ makers take care that their back stories do not take away anything important from the Bible’s own narrative, nor add anything that would not be consistent with the Bible’s narrative. The back stories are there simply to add some viewer interest and give personality to the characters. The show overall is a portrayal of Jesus and His Apostles, based on the accounts given in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
This show should not replace your Bible study, but I do think it will help to build your faith as you see the words on the page come to life. Hopefully, watching this show will send you back to the Bible to read the stories you have see on the screen.
This show also has an app you can download. All the shows are free.
Prayer Podcast
Video: YouTube Link
Handout: Download PDF
If I have not mentioned it to you before, please be aware that, earlier this year, I shared my experience with the spiritual discipline of prayer on a podcast. If you would like to watch it, perhaps you will be encouraged to try it, too. You will be more grateful and you will become more hopeful as you become accustomed to the practice.
