...of Spiritual Growth and Development

Talk It Out:
Good Bible Studies for Learning on Your Own

 

"One of my New Year’s resolutions is to do more in-depth Bible study in 2008. Can anyone recommend some of the best Bible studies you’ve found for use during daily quiet times? I am looking for more than just a devotional book. I want to really study the Word." ~ Sarah


Responses:

 
"I have been very, very blessed to use 'The Daily Bible In Chronological Order 365 Daily Readings'  published by Harvest House in the New International Version. This particular Bible has completely changed my life. I used to read the Bible as a chore, something I knew I needed to do. Now I read it as a delight. I can hardly wait to see what is going to happen next. By putting the Bible in chronological order, my understanding has exploded! It reads like a great novel. Before, I was so confused, I never had any clue what was happening or why. There were lots of people with the same name and I was so lost. Now I actually get it. I know that the man with the same name is actually generations apart from the other man with that name. I attended Bible College. I took Old Testament Survey and New Testament Survey, but I will be the first to admit, I just didn't understand what I was reading. Yes, a verse here and there blessed me, but the rest was a struggle. I have used this Bible for three full years now and I am still loving it and learning more each day. I think that is how the Lord wants it to be for us. It truly is my daily bread." ~ Jonanna

 
"The best place I know for good solid Bible Studies is the web site www.BibleUniverse.com  All the Bible studies follow the Bible and the Bible only, and best of all they are all FREE.  Just my price range!" ~ Susan

 
"Beth Moore studies are terrific. Check out www.Lifeway.com." ~ Sheridan 

 
"I have found that not all Bible study requires a study guide.  I think all too often we lose the ability to read the Word and develop an understanding on our own.  I participate in a ladies group study and this is our protocol. Choose a portion of scripture. Pray for wisdom and understanding before and after reading it several times over a weeks time (or sometimes 2 weeks). Read it in different translations to compare similarities and differences. Journal about it. Review cross references.  Dig for understanding. Sometimes that means referencing a concordance or other resource material. Don't forget to include a journal entry regarding how it impacts you personally and how you will live differently because of this study. When our group comes together, we each have a time to share our findings -- what God has laid on our hearts.  In most circumstances the study will have been focused in a different area for each of us.  We all learn from each other's experiences. 
 
I have found that many Christians are afraid to study on their own.  I am not refuting the significance of many wonderful study guides. Some are a tremendous eye openers; but they are sometimes TOO relied upon and the Word becomes a secondary source. We are to 'search for it [wisdom] as for hidden treasure,' yet these resources sometimes take the searching out of the study.  The Lord expects us to seek wisdom and understanding and if we pray in that regard, he will bless us.  Consider His Word in Proverbs 2:1-5:
 

My son, if you accept my words
And store up my commands within you,

turning your ear to wisdom
And applying your heart to understanding,

and if you call out for insight
And cry aloud for understanding,

and if you look for it as for silver
And search for it as for hidden treasure,

then you will understand the fear of the Lord
And find the knowledge of God.

Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts on this." ~ Jenny V. 

"Oxygen by Keri Wyatt Hunt is a great bible study geared to moms, but any women could do it. I love the simple format: a passage of scripture for each week and then 4 entries/responses/activities to complete throughout the seven days. She does a great job giving you new opportunities and ideas to truly meditate on scripture. I have also read Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver and there is a 12 week study (one per chapter) at the end of the book. I believe you could reflect well on the questions and passages she gives you alone or in a group. She asks application questions as well as asking you to meditate on different scriptures. More and more books are giving questions with each chapter to get you involved in the text of the book but also refer back to scripture. Elizabeth George has many good studies as well with a Bible study companion to her books. The Emmaus Correspondence School http://www.ecsministries.org/ also has tons of Bible study materials. You can purchase the books and send your answers and questions in and a grader gives you feedback as you learn. They have topical studies as well as book studies." ~ Sarah


"I am completing Beth Moore’s 'Believing God' Bible study online, and I feel like I have learned a lot from it.  It is convenient because I can do it whenever I want, and the online community and study helps are really nice, too." ~ Becky


Editor's Note: Thanks to these subscribers for taking the time to respond.

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