Bible Reading Resources
The Bible is full of transformational truth that can help you gain a closer relationship with God. People typically rely on someone else, such as a pastor or priest, to explain the Scriptures. Use the resources available, such as a concordance, devotional, alternative translations, reading plan or church class, to study the Bible in a small group, or on your own.
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Bible Concordance
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A Bible concordance is a collection of the words and phrases found in the Bible. Use this tool to understand and study the shared concepts of certain words, such as how often things are repeated and why. Obtain a copy of Strong's Exhaustive Concordance or use an online resource like BibleGateway.com.
Software companies offer programs that can enhance your understanding of the Scriptures and help you better interpret them. Bible Works 8 was released in 2010 and offers most of the modern-language English Bibles in use today. Use its interface to search the Bible for cross references, understand the meanings of ancient words and utilize its concordance.
Devotional
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Devotionals are practical thoughts that are rooted in Bible passages. Authors such as Max Lucado and Beth Moore write books and studies that can help you sift through the process of applying what you've read. Other free publications, such as "Our Daily Bread," offer devotions that are intended to be read on a specific calendar date.
Download podcasts from iTunes or church websites to listen to devotional thoughts from all over the globe. Popular speakers such as Bill Hybels and Andy Stanley make their sermons available to listen to online or through an MP3 player. Read their blogs or Twitter feeds to gain additional insights.
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Alternative Translations
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Compare different Bible translations and paraphrases to find a version you can understand and would enjoy reading. Type in a passage reference into the search engine of BibleGateway.com, and change the Bible options to scroll through the alternatives. Visit a local Christian bookstore to purchase the version you best identify with. Select a Bible or paraphrase that includes additional information about the background and people whom God interacted with.
An Audio Bible is a way to hear Scripture while you drive, exercise or work. New versions, such as the "Word of Promise" audio library, feature well-known actors whose acting skills can help enlarge how you imagine people from the Bible interacted with one another and God. Listen for dialogue that you may have pictured happening as intense and stoic instead coming across as personal and relational, or vice-versa. Download the free "Audio Treasure" MP3 compilation to add the Bible to your computer or portable media player.
Reading Plan
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Reading the Bible from cover to cover is a task people typically give up on after trying. Bible reading plans create an opportunity to read the Scriptures in smaller chunks. The sense of victory you can feel by finishing a reading plan can inspire you to read even more.
Church Class
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Sign up for a class your church offers, or talk with a pastor about starting one, to better comprehend the Bible. Invite a friend or family member to join you so you can help each other discover how others interpret the Scriptures. Determine Bible study goals that you will offer accountability to achieve.
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References
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