How to Study the Bible: 4 Resources

January 25, 2019 by jstults Leave a Comment

As a church-planter’s wife, I have the privilege of leading a weekly Women’s Bible Study group. Walking with these women through life has taught me a great deal about Christian women in general.

Most of us would agree that we need more time in God’s Word. Most of us would also agree that we face many obstacles – time, desire, the know-how, and so forth.

I believe Christian women desire to study the Bible, but many just don’t know where to start!

And let’s be honest, not all Bible study resources are worthwhile.

That’s why I want to wrap up the Benefits of Bible Study series with a list of Bible Study Resources that we have used and loved. These are trusted resources for everyone, from beginners to experienced believers. We have used these tools personally, as well as with our Bible study groups.

How to Study the Bible: 4 Exceptional Resources

The FOCUSed15 Series from Katie Orr

My first introduction to this series came from Katie Orr herself when she spoke at our state women’s conference a few years ago. Each of Katie’s sessions were rich with the Word, and I loved her idea of real, focused Bible study that only takes 15 minutes a day. It’s perfect for busy women!

This past year, I took a group of women through her study Everyday Obedience, and we all enjoyed the grace-filled approach. And as a woman who struggles with perfectionism, this study was a perfect follow-up after finishing my own book manuscript – Being Confident of This.

Reasons why I think the FOCUS15 series is the perfect starting place for any woman who wants to learn how to study the Bible:

lessons only take 15 minutes a day (yes, this born skeptic actually timed it), but she also includes additional verses for further study
there is a “cheat sheet” located at the end of each chapter, perfect for beginners
Katie’s easy Bible study method doesn’t equal fluff – you will learn the FOCUS method of study

You can also find a lot of free Bible study resources at her website!

2. Blue Letter Bible Website

If you have ever used the excuse that you don’t have the resources for “real” Bible study, then this is the site for you!

Blue Letter Bible is a website similar to Bible Gateway and Bible Hub that is useful for studying God’s Word when you don’t have tools like concordances, dictionaries, and parallel Bibles at home (and to be honest, even if you have those resources, using Blue Letter Bible is quick and easy).

If you want to know what the Bible says about a particular subject, just type it in the search bar. You can also look up a verse and, using the “tools” button, you get instant access to an Interlinear Bible (useful for keyword study), a Bibles tab that contains many different translations for parallel reading, a dictionary tab, etc.

Basically, this FREE website is a one-stop-shop for excellent Bible study, and is easy to learn to use by following online tutorials.

I use blueletterbible.org in my daily quiet time, to prepare Bible study lessons or talks for speaking engagements, and to teach our church members how to study the Bible, too! There’s also an app version available, but many of our ladies have found the app to be a bit finicky. So, I tend to stick with the desktop version (which you can still access on your phone)!

Reasons why I love Blue Letter Bible Website for everyone who wants to know how to study the Bible:

It’s absolutely free
I have nearly everything I need for in-depth Bible study in ONE spot
I can quickly switch back and forth between the tabbed resources it contains (and open as many windows as I need for my cross-references, too!)

3. Bible Study Methods by Arabah Joy

Friend, has your Bible time felt sluggish lately? Do you ever read the Word and walk away wondering if you got anything from it?

We use this course at our church plant because we realize that not every Christian enjoys studying the Bible in the same way. Arabah Joy’s course covers more intellectual, in-depth Bible Study Methods like root word/keyword study, topical Bible study, etc. However, she also explains how to do less time-consuming methods of study, like verse-mapping (my new favorite) and even methods of study that involve more worship, like her TASTE method.

If you are a Christian woman who has struggled with the desire to study the Bible for yourself, I highly recommend this course. Why? Because when you know several different Bible study methods, you can vary the ones that you use, which keeps Bible study fresh!

I, myself, am a creature of habit who loves drawing deeper connections, so I thrive on word and topical studies. Through the Bible Study Methods course, I realized I often neglect the aspect of worship during my Bible study time, as well. I find it difficult to be still before the Lord. I needed that push to learn new ways of connecting to God’s Word.

Reasons why I love Bible Study Methods for both beginners AND experienced believers who want to know more about how to study the Bible:

7 different methods allow for variety
the teaching videos teach new methods step-by-step – helpful for beginners!
it contains Bible study worksheets that you can print out over and over again

4. The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus by John Cross

Surprisingly, many Christians have never studied the Bible chronologically. I’ll save the reasons why for another time, but if you’ve never studied the Bible chronologically, you should! I grew up in a Christian home with parents who valued God’s Word. They were faithful to take me to church and provide opportunities for discipleship. Nevertheless, I failed to fully understand certain foundational truths until I read this book.

I’ll never forget how my eyes were opened to God’s plan from the very beginning. I’m still amazed at the symbolism of the tabernacle and events surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion!

Friend, do you know the tri-fold significance of Jesus’ dying words, “It is finished”? If not, you should.

If I could only recommend ONE book in my lifetime (aside from the Bible itself), The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus by John Cross would be it. It teaches us how to study the Bible by giving us the firm foundation we need in order to comprehend the rest of Scripture!

I’ve walked through this book with a variety of women – from the unsaved to mature believers.

Each time, I gain a new insight. Each time the women make new connections they had never made before. I really don’t have enough space here to tell you how much I love this book for Christian discipleship, so just go get one for yourself! 😉

Reasons why I love The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus and wish every believer would read it:

using Scripture, it walks readers from creation to Christ, providing an overview of God’s story of love
it provides the necessary foundation for real spiritual growth and roots new believers in a firm understanding of gospel truths
it helps readers understand the importance of the Old Testament and how it connects to the New Testament

Honestly, I could go on and on about this particular resource. I wish I could give one to every person I meet!

In fact, as a follow-up to the Benefits of Bible Study series, I will be hosting my first ever online Bible study group using The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus. If you’d like more details, be sure to sign-up for updates in the form below. You can also learn more by following along on the BCOT facebook page. We are limiting this group to the first 25 women to sign up, so don’t miss out!

Friend, the Word of God is so essential to our Christian growth. I pray you’ll take time this week to grow in the knowledge of the Word!

Do you have a favorite resource for learning how to study the Bible? Feel free to share with us in the comments below!

Jen

Would you like to stay connected so you can learn more about our upcoming online Bible study? Simply fill out the form below to join our subscriber list. As a bonus, you’ll receive a link to our library of FREE Bible resources! More information on the Bible study will be coming in the next couple of weeks! (BONUS: you’ll also get access to our library of FREE Bible printables!)

6 More Benefits of Studying God’s Word

January 14, 2019 by jstults Leave a Comment

Most Christian women have heard of the importance of regular Bible study, yet many fail to see the Bible as the powerful weapon and tool it is described as in Scripture. Some are simply unaware of the many benefits of studying God’s Word!

I see it all too often in my own life, and in the lives of others – we tend to rely on our own wisdom and the wisdom or advice of others more so than we do God’s Word.

Isn’t that sad?

But I’m frequently guilty of problem-solving on my own, and I’m sure you are, too, friend, because that’s human nature.

I can’t tell you how many times women have sat across from me, often in tears, relating a personal problem or issue they’re struggling with. Yet when asked, they can’t tell me what the Bible says about their problem, or even if they can tell me what the Bible says, they admit doubting it’s truth.

And I can relate because I’ve had that same struggle between knowing what is true and believing what is true myself!

If we want to experience confident faith and abundant life, then we must be more than just “familiar” with the Bible. The more time we spend in the Word, the more opportunity we have to grow in Christ, the easier it becomes to trust not only God’s character, but His very Word!

The Bible is clear that scripture is living and active, friend (Hebrews 4:12), a powerful tool in the life of Christ-followers, so why do we so easily lay it aside?

6 More Benefits of Studying God’s Word

**If you missed the original Benefits of Bible Study posts, you can read about why you need to study God’s Word for yourself here and then read first 5 promising benefits of personal study here.

6. One of the most important benefits of studying God’s Word is that it gives us life (both spiritual AND physical)!

Scripture teaches that man doesn’t live by bread alone, but by the word of God (Mt. 4:4). Studying the Word doesn’t just give us spiritual life, but also physical life! The same idea is confirmed in other places in the Bible, as well:

Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:30-31 (NIV)

For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 1 Peter 1:23 (NIV)

I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word. Psalm 119:25 (NIV)

This is my comfort in my affliction, That Your word has revived me. Psalm 119:50 (NASB)

7. Studying God’s Word also helps us to grow in faith and in Christ-likeness.

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation… 1 Peter 2:2 (NIV)

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. Romans 10:17 (NASB)

If faith comes from hearing the Word of God, then it follows that the more we hear it, the more likely our faith is to grow (obviously there are exceptions to this – it all depends on our heart condition and how receptive we are to the Word). When we are new in Christ, we are like spiritual babies who need spiritual milk to grow and flourish, but as we grow, we need solid food – deeper spiritual truths (as mentioned in Heb. 5:12-13).

Whether mature or immature, our spiritual growth relies on us taking in the nourishment we need consistently!

8. Another benefit of studying God’s Word is that as we mature, we can lead others in truth, too!

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 1 Peter 3:15-16 (NIV)

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)

As Christ’s ambassadors here on this Earth, we have a responsibility to share the truth with others, but we must be careful to do so in a God-honoring way. We cannot correctly handle God’s Word or train others (including our own children) if we don’t rightly understand His Word for ourselves. This is one reason why personal Bible study is essential in the life of Christian women!

9. Studying the Word also helps us to fight spiritual battles and experience victory!

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:1-4 (NIV)

As Christian women, the Bible is clear that we will face both temptation to sin and accusations from the Enemy.

And don’t we know it, friend?

But the Word is equally clear that we have a weapon to use in our defense – God’s truth!

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17 (NIV)

As part of our spiritual armor, we’ve been given a weapon – the sword of the Spirit – which is used not only to defend ourselves, but also to fight back!

Let’s follow the example of Christ. Let’s study the Word so that we know the best verses to use to combat the Enemy’s lies and accusations.

10. The Bible gives us peace and hope.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Phil. 4:8-9 (NIV)

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. Romans 15:4 (NIV)

One additional benefit of studying God’s Word is that we experience hope and peace that are beyond worldly explanation.

Is your life full of chaos? Spend time in the Word.

Does all hope seem lost? Run to the Word.

You will find in the Bible a special comfort that you cannot find in this world, friend!

11. Finally, spending time studying God’s Word helps us produce spiritual fruit.

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers. Ps. 1:2-3

What Christian woman doesn’t want to yield more spiritual fruit?

We can all use more patience, more joy, more peace, more kindness, right?

When we delight in God’s law (Old Testament reference to Scripture), when we study it by meditating on it and memorizing it, we bear fruit that we cannot possibly bear on our own.

We prosper! And in doing so, we bring much glory to the Father.

Friend, please don’t neglect the potential power of God’s Word in your life. It’s immeasurable and indescribable.

Time spent in the Bible is time well-spent. Just consider the many benefits we’ve discussed in the Benefits of Bible Study series!

Next week we’ll be wrapping up this series with some of my favorite tools for excellent Bible study – resources that will help you make the most of your time spent in the Word!

Until then, take a few minutes to meditate on God’s Word today, won’t you?

Jen 🙂

P.S. If you can’t wait until next week, one of my new favorite Bible study tools is below (my affiliate link) The Love the Word Bible Study Binder by Arabah Joy contains a whole year’s worth of Bible study helps – reading plans, journaling sheets, and the PROSPER Bible study method. I worked on the design for this binder, and it’s one of my favorite projects ever!! Knowing the both the quality AND quantity of material this product contains lets me recommend it with confidence. 🙂

Just a Closer Walk~ #TheLoft

November 3, 2014 by stultsmamaof4 18 Comments

My sisters in Christ, I’m very excited about this week’s topic for The Loft. I look forward to reading what each of you have to say about your walk with the Lord.

I know in my own life, I get easily distracted. I struggle with consistency and self-discipline so often.

And I used to believe that the sweetest times with the Lord were on the mountaintops, when I chose to abide closely in Him. I spent large chunks of time reading the Word and praying. But lately I’m learning there is a sweetness to be found in the valleys as well because what I’m hearing from Him in the valleys would have been impossible to hear on the mountaintops.

The last few difficult years have challenged my view of God like never before. His grace is much greater, His love much deeper than I ever could have imagined. He faithfully loves me even when I cannot love myself. Even when I loathe myself.

Perhaps it’s maturity at work in me or just life circumstances, but I find it easier to abide in Him, especially in the dark times, when I’m really honest with Him. I realize now that much of my “young” Christian life was spent trying to please a God who was already pleased with me. I held myself, and others, to high standards, and although I thought I understood grace, I think I was probably a little legalistic, maybe even self-righteous. I’m sure I still make that mistake sometimes even today, we all do at times. 🙂

And then came the valley of the shadow of death, or at least it felt like it, that filled these last couple of years. At times I didn’t even want to leave my bed. At times I begged the Lord to come quickly – everyday life felt like too much to bear. I questioned the Lord like never before. I wrestled with him like Jacob as one blow after another fell upon my life. I quit trying to act the part of perfect Christian and begged for understanding. I got real with Jesus.

It was (and still is in some sense) a most difficult struggle.

Yet my faith has been strengthened! Out of my honest conversations, out of my most desperate cries, came an understanding that I am perfectly loved, perfectly wanted, perfectly accepted. I knew a brand new Grace, and it blew my mind – still does!

Because when I was my ugliest self, He loved me still.

He loves me still.

He loves you, too, my sisters, even at your ugliest, your most unlovely, your most unworthy.

And when we come to Him honestly, then He can begin the real work of “creating a clean heart” within us. He gives us “grace-colored” glasses and teaches us that progress is what really matters, not perfection!

He teaches us confidence that only comes from fully understanding our Daughter-of-the-King status.

I’ve come out of that valley with a closer walk, not a perfect walk, but a closer one. Not because I do my devotions without fail, not because I am sweet to my family, not because I serve Him at church, not because of the words I type out here.

But because I know Him more deeply.

I trust Him more deeply.

You can trust Him, too, sisters. Whatever your valley may look like, He promises to carry you through.

…For He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,” so that we confidently say,

“The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid.
What will man do to me?” Heb.13:5-6

Even this.

Even this.

Jen 🙂

Also sharing this with Tell His Story.

The Loft is open, come on up!

Graphic by Kerry Messer

About #TheLoft

The Loft is the place for conversation, community, networking, and Christian growth.

PLEASE NOTE: We want to foster community and transparent conversation with one another, just like we’d do if we were meeting in real life. So we ask that your link stick to the weekly topic and that you mention The Loft in your post. Thank you so much!

We’ll have fun topics, serious topics, practical, soul-ful, holiday, and so, so much more…we can’t wait to get started! This is not only a great way to connect with others, it’s also a fun and easy way to establish a writing habit. If you aren’t a blogger, you are welcome to join in by leaving your comments in the comment section.

This Week’s Topic: “Intimacy with Jesus” (What does that look like for you? How do you abide in the vine? What barriers do you face or victories you’ve discovered in maintaining intimacy with Jesus? Let’s encourage each other!)

Get a running start on Next Week’s Topic:”Fall Recipes” (Please do share your favorite fall recipes so we can enjoy too!)

To Participate:

1. Be creative. Feel free to use words, photos, video, audio, your family pet, whatever, to communicate on the weekly topic. But please stick to the weekly topic 🙂

2. Listen twice as much as you talk. If you leave one link, visit two. Trust us on this one~wink.

3. Be a community. Include #TheLoft graphic and/or link back in your post so we can find each other. Also, share the great stuff you find when you visit around…we’ll be doing the same.

When you link up at The Loft, your link will appear on 4 blogs! We’d love for you to visit The Loft co-hosts and know who we are: Jen, Rebekah, Leah, Arabah

Now it’s time to link up!

Click to Add Your Link Below:

The Loft – Talking About Trust

September 15, 2014 by stultsmamaof4 4 Comments

The Loft is open, come on up!

Graphic by Kerry Messer

About #TheLoft

The Loft is the place for conversation, community, networking, and Christian growth.

Each week we provide a topic to start the conversation.

PLEASE NOTE: We want to foster community and transparent conversation with one another, just like we’d do if we were meeting in real life. So we ask that your link stick to the weekly topic and that you mention The Loft in your post. Thank you so much!

Monday night, at 9pm Eastern, the linky goes live and all week you can link up your post on that week’s topic.

We’ll have fun topics, serious topics, practical, soul-ful, holiday, and so, so much more…we can’t wait to get started! This is not only a great way to connect with others, it’s also a fun and easy way to establish a writing habit. If you aren’t a blogger, you are welcome to join in by leaving your comments in the comment section.

So grab your coffee mug and come on up! Hang out for a bit. We betcha you’ll be glad you did.

To Participate:

1. Be creative. Feel free to use words, photos, video, audio, your family pet, whatever, to communicate on the weekly topic. But please stick to the weekly topic 🙂

2. Listen twice as much as you talk. If you leave one link, visit two. Trust us on this one~wink.

3. Be a community. Include #TheLoft graphic and/or link back in your post so we can find each other. Also, share the great stuff you find when you visit around…we’ll be doing the same.

When you link up at The Loft, your link will appear on 5 blogs! We’d love for you to visit The Loft co-hosts and know who we are:

Leah
Kathy
Arabah
Jen
Rebekah

Now it’s time to link up!

This Week’s Topic: “Trust” (Opening another can of worms here, but let’s go there anyway~ wink. Is trust hard for you? Why or why not? What area are you struggling to trust God in? What have you learned about trust? The floor is open!)

Next Week’s Topic: “Best Practical Tip” (What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Or given? What one thing do you want to make sure you pass on to your children, friends, or family? It can be about homemaking, marriage, relationship with Jesus, anything… 🙂 )

Add Your Link Here:

How to Study the Bible: 4 Exceptional Resources

The FOCUSed15 Series from Katie Orr

Reasons why I think the FOCUS15 series is the perfect starting place for any woman who wants to learn how to study the Bible:

2. Blue Letter Bible Website

Reasons why I love Blue Letter Bible Website for everyone who wants to know how to study the Bible:

3. Bible Study Methods by Arabah Joy

Reasons why I love Bible Study Methods for both beginners AND experienced believers who want to know more about how to study the Bible:

4. The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus by John Cross

Reasons why I love The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus and wish every believer would read it:

6 More Benefits of Studying God’s Word

6. One of the most important benefits of studying God’s Word is that it gives us life (both spiritual AND physical)!

7. Studying God’s Word also helps us to grow in faith and in Christ-likeness.

8. Another benefit of studying God’s Word is that as we mature, we can lead others in truth, too!

9. Studying the Word also helps us to fight spiritual battles and experience victory!

10. The Bible gives us peace and hope.

11. Finally, spending time studying God’s Word helps us produce spiritual fruit.

The Loft is open, come on up!

About #TheLoft

To Participate:

The Loft is open, come on up!

About #TheLoft

To Participate: