ABBAMEDIA

Like a craftsman building a home, it is wise to have a variety of practical tools to accompany the building of a relationship with God. This article focuses on the primary power transforming our lives: His Word / the Bible. Most suggestions listed are for the beginning student of the Bible. Having the right tools can quicken and deepen the process of building our spiritual foundation. Tools that illuminate on the historical, cultural, and language concepts are valuable assets.

MAKE IT PERSONAL

However, no amount of biblical knowledge can change us, if we don’t allow its meaning to become personal.

Meditate on a given passage or story. As a committed follower of Christ, we have a helper He gave us: His Holy Spirit. So Bible study really becomes a powerful time spent with the ultimate Best Friend. Pray, asking God’s Holy Spirit within us to illuminate the personal application of that specific section. Let that specific message sink deep into your soul. That is where God speaks. Often described as a “still small voice,” He speaks, encourages, convicts, promises, guides, warns, and so much more — through His Word. This is how He gradually changes our desires to be more like Jesus.

Diversifying one’s study time between more than just one biblical world-view also helps enlighten our view, just as different facets of a diamond can be seen at different angles.

CHOOSING A BIBLE

Bibles are now available in both hard copy or digital version. The one chosen should be used for a range from spiritual transformation to practical application in daily life. A good study Bible is recommended. Study Bible’s can have cross-references; commentary on key themes; a reasonable margin for personal notes. A reminder that His Word is how His Spirit can grow through our whole being, to change and guide us through the complexities of life. It is designed by God to supplant His own firm foundation into us.

TRANSLATIONS

Here is a chart of various translations to help guide, to your own personal Bible. Finding a translation is important, to help speak to the heart with terms and flow that are already understandable.

You can also compare translations here, at the YouVersion digital Bible — where the “parallel” mode has been activated for comparisons. Simply choose the pull down arrows to browse translations.

YouVersion DIGITAL Bible: One of the most popular digital bibles. YouVersion Bible is ready to use immediately. A wide variety of translations makes comparison of text further illuminating. Available through desktop computer website or app via smartphone / tablet. The app allows for dynamic note taking, for future references. (The hyperlinks on this site use YouVersion Bible: https://www.bible.com )

RESOURCES TO ACCOMPANY BIBLE STUDY:

• GOT QUESTIONS: An amazing database for answers on just about any biblically related question. https://www.gotquestions.org/
• BIBLE PROJECT: A video teaching of the Bible. Contemporary illustrations and narrations help guide the viewer through short videos, covering a wide range of biblical topics / themes. https://bibleproject.com/
• ARTICLE: “How To Read The Bible for Beginners” A simple approach. https://jesusinthecenter.com/how-to-read-the-bible-for-beginners/
• VERSE BY VERSE VIDEO SERIES: “Verse by Verse” Bible study is a method otherwise known as “Systematic Theology.” This method of teaching systematically covers the entire Bible divided by the books and chapters. Verse-by-Verse studying unveils a clear chronology, as we watch God dynamically unfold His plan for our reunification with Him beginning here on earth. Verse-by-Verse studying brings the Bible to life, with wide depths of application for our daily lives. However, the benefits of an online video series should not replace the absolute necessity of live interaction / accountability within a community of believers. It is an accompaniment. In online video study, the user has the option to: pause the video for notes, or cross reference passages to notate (“rig”) your Bible, and pausing the video to meditate / pray on the subject matter, without missing the remaining teaching. Out of the many excellent “verse by verse” video available, here are a couple of solid Bible teaching videos. These two teaching references below view the Bible as one meta-narrative from Genesis to Revelation… that ALL scripture deliberately and masterfully points to Jesus Christ as our personal savior: Cornerstone Chapel at https://www.youtube.com/@cornerstonechpl/playlists ; Calvary Chapel in Ontario Oregon at https://www.youtube.com/@CalvaryChapelOntario/playlists ;
• RADIO BY GRACE: Sound biblical teaching, with the option to stream live, at home, or in your car. https://www.radiobygrace.com/
• 30 DAYS TO UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE An excellent “15 minute a day” guide. https://churchsource.com/products/30-days-to-understanding-the-bible-30th-anniversary-unlock-the-scriptures-in-15-minutes-a-day?utm_campaign=thirtydays&utm_content=book&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=studygateway&variant=14931255001157
• JOURNAL / NOTES: This last paragraph, may be the most important component in Bible Study. A written record of what God reveals personally to you is invaluable in His building a strong foundation. This means despite life’s myriad of earthly distractions, we can always go back to the record of our time spent with Him, and remember what He privately shares with each one. The reveal may involve something regarding an ongoing need; who He is; His patterns; or perhaps a broad universal truth of one’s personal nature; … all the way to a deep personal conviction when He speaks directly to you. Notes can be taken directly in the Bible, and/or separately according to Bible books / subject matter. For maximum internalization, it is best to journal both ways — in Bible and externally. This kind of note taking “massages” the information in our intellect and soul by more personally recasting Bible meaning — before we write it out. To really allow Him to advance the message more deeply into your heart: the following day, re-read your notes from the previous day, and then pray over what He taught you. Our human minds forget those “vertical” moments God quietly intervenes. “So TAKE NOTE, of the Word that He gave, cause memory and mind are easily swayed.”

All subject links in the Wellspring Posts are here:

• Love Beyond Understanding;
• God and His Word;
• How He “Engraves” Our Hearts;
• Bible Options / Resources;
• Finding a Community of Believers;
• Avoidances