Top 9 :. Tools for Engaging and Exploring God’s Word
- Posted by jasondaye on February 24th, 2009 filed in bible, books, resources, spiritual formation, tools
We’ve recently completed a series entitled TXT MSG where we focused on the history, authenticity and relevancy of God’s Word, the Bible. I offered some suggested resources and tools to help get the most out of exploring the scriptures. Here are my Top 9 Tools for Engaging and Exploring God’s Word…
1. A good bible translation is a the place to start. My preference for teaching is the New International Version. You can learn more about how the New International Version was translated click here.
2. I also suggest using another translation of the bible as a resource to allow you to ‘hear’ the passage in a different voice. I use the New Living Translation to supplement my scripture reading. For my personal reading, this is my favorite translation.
3. In my opinion, the best additional resource for helping you begin to dig a bit deeper into God’s Word is a book entitled How to Read the Bible for All its Worth . Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart do a superb job at providing an introduction to biblical interpretation, an explanation of bible translations and an overview of the various sections of scripture (Old Testament narratives, Psalms, Gospels, etc) all in very understandable language. A must-have resource!
4. BibleGateway.com is an online resource I use every single week… it is user-friendly and extremely helpful. You can look up a specific passage and view it in a number of different translations and versions. You can also search by keyword which is helpful in a handful of ways. For example, if you are wanting to look up a specific topic or if you remember a couple words from a bible verse but cannot remember where it is located in the bible, plug in the words and hit search. 
5. For a quick overview of every book of the bible including author, audience, date and place of writing, outline and more, visit the Introductions to Books of the Bible site by clicking here. This is a great little online resource with a wealth of information available to answer most basic questions you might have about every book in the bible.
6. iPhone and ipod touch users can download a very cool app for free (my favorite price!) that keeps a searchable copy of the bible on your device. There is also a version available for Blackberry users. When connected via wifi you can also read a number of different bible translations. This app was developed by LifeChurch and I carry it along with me most everywhere I go. It also has a handy bible reading plan built-in that guides you in your daily reading if you want to read through the entire bible. iPhone and ipod Touch users go here to download. Blackberry users go here to download.
7. YouVersion.com is the online version of #6 above. It is incredibly interactive in that you can make notes to any passage of scripture and those notes are ‘attached’ to that specific bible verse or passage. Others can view the notes, insights and thoughts you offer and you can read what others have shared. There is also an option to keep your notes private for personal use or make them available to a specific group (family, friends, small group, etc.) if you would like. Very cool!
8. I absolutely love having this dramatized, theatrical production of the entire bible in mp3 format on my ipod. It is called The Bible Experience: The Complete Bible and it is amazing. Amazon states: “The Bible Experience is a captivating performance of the Bible presented by a stellar ensemble of almost 400 of today’s award-winning actors, musicians, clergy, directors, and producers. This historic production features an original musical underscore by the Prague Symphony Orchestra and Hollywood-style sound design created at Technicolor Studios…” You can listen to God’s Word as you run, work out at the gym, walk the dog or drift off to sleep… a great way to ‘download’ God’s Word into your mind and heart.
9. One of my favorite tools is… drum roll, please…. friends! That is correct - a community of others to share with and learn from. Most of scripture was written to communities of people and I think one of the best ways to truly receive all God has for us is when we engage, explore and wrestle with scripture as a group. One or two friends, your spouse, maybe a small group… however you approach it, it is so much more meaningful to immerse yourself in the bible with friends.
So there you have my Top 9…
Anything I missed? What tools and resources would you suggest?
Comment below and let us know! Peace.
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February 25th, 2009 at 12:26 am
Great tools for sure. I have used a couple of different reading plans over the years. The one that I have used most consistently has been to read 2 chapters in the OT and 2 chapters in the NT. If you do that, you’ll get through the entire OT in one year and the NT at least twice….I also really like the NIV One Year Bible–daily readings that will get you through the entire Bible in one year.
February 25th, 2009 at 9:11 am
Excellent post, my friend!
February 25th, 2009 at 11:06 am
Thanks for this post, very informative. I’m going to download the Bible App for my iPod touch. Woo Hoo!
February 25th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
I loved the Tools you outlined! I bookmarked the IBS-STL site. This is a great resource. Thanks!
February 25th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Excellent tool suggestions.
Here are a few thoughts:
For me, the internet can often be a distraction when I’m trying to focus in my Bible study or especially if I’m preparing to teach something, so I prefer tools that don’t require me to be online.
For Windows users, e-Sword is a great, free Bible study tool that offers a ton of flexibility.
For mac users, e-Sword has a cousin, macSword.
Both offer tons of plugins that allow you to study and search several translations of the Bible at once, and they both include links so you can use Strong’s Greek and Hebrew dictionaries to find the original meaning and use of words.
I also recommend beginning with the computer off, and the traditional notebook and pen. Something about the abundance of information that a computer makes available can overwhelm the senses and lead you towards learning and teaching what other people have taught and read, rather than what God wants to speak to you personally.
I think computers can be great tools, but I believe they should be used secondary to the scripture alone.
February 27th, 2009 at 10:11 am
let me ask this: for those in ministry, do you approach your study of God’s Word differently when you are engaging for your personal spiritual development than when you are preparing to teach/preach?
If so, how so?
February 27th, 2009 at 10:27 am
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