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. 🙂

3 Important Traits of a Missional Believer

May 7, 2014 by stultsmamaof4 3 Comments

Today I’m honored to share a word from Rosilind Jukic, the author of the newly released Missional Handbook. If you want to know more about The Missional Handbook, be sure to visit Monday’s post with my brief review.

The small eBook sat on my hard drive for nearly a decade. It was a project I had begun as a rookie missionary in Tuzla, Bosnia where God challenged every classic notion I had about missions. During my 3-month stay in Bosnia I received a number of emails asking about missions and how one could prepare to become a missionary. The slower pace of that small town enabled me to take ample time to reflect on these important questions, which led to more questions, and what poured out was a small document that was abandoned for nearly a decade while God allowed those thoughts to mature and deepen.

In this complex idea of missional living that today’s church is trying so hard to grasp, there are three things that stand out to me as being most important

Three important traits of every missional believer.

1. Realize that all believers are called be missionaries.

Some are called to foreign missions while others are called to local missions. Some are called to full-time missions while others are called to be missional at the workplace. Wherever we are, we are standing on a mission field and are called to bring God’s kingdom to bear in our realm of influence: no matter how narrow or wide that realm may be.

2. Recognize the power of motivation

The era of spectatorship is over. It is time for the lay people to arise with the power and authority given them in Christ and fulfill Christ’s command. Pastors, missionaries and evangelists cannot and should not do it all. Jesus spent 3 years training and empowering His disciples to minister, and those disciples trained and empowered the early church to minister. Local people reaching those within their sphere of influence is what the 21st century missional community must look like!

3. Understand the force of multiplication

If one missionary successfully reaches ten souls, then those ten souls have the potential to reach one hundred souls. If those one hundred souls each reach ten souls, one thousand new souls have been won for Christ! If one thousand believers reach ten new souls, ten thousand new souls have entered the kingdom. The concept of multiplication is seen throughout scripture. Unfortunately, it is not prevalent on today’s mission field. We still operate under the old system of missionaries carving out new works on foreign fields. This is not as necessary as it was 150 years ago. However, what is very necessary is mentorship. Most countries need quality, seasoned believers to mentor them in effective soul-winning, ministry leadership and discipleship. Mentorship creates multiplication. Multiplication allows the flood of the gospel to sweep a nation with an atomic force.

After leaving Bosnia in March 2006, I returned to Croatia where I have served in a small local church in Zagreb. Over these past eight and a half years I have watched these three traits in action. I have added to that small abandoned booklet and it has finally been released in what I simply titled “The Missional Handbook”. The Missional Handbook examines missional living on local, technological, and global levels, each from many varied angles.

A missionary is simply a believer who takes the message of the gospel to the lost, wherever they may be. What is your sphere of influence? The neighborhood park? Your work place? The classroom? That is where Christ has commissioned you to be a missionary.

I pray that as you read this book, that it’s simple challenge will cause you reexamine all you’ve thought missions to be, and find new and innovative ways to become missional right where you are!

Rosilind is an American girl married to a Bosnian guy who lives in a
small village just outside of Zagreb. They have two crazy boys who are
as opposite as boys can be. When Rosilind isn’t writing, she is dreaming
up recipes and searching for ways to organize her home better. She is
the founder and author of Missional Call – a resource center and community for missionaries and those who are passionate about missions.

What Makes a Missionary?

May 5, 2014 by stultsmamaof4 18 Comments

I recently finished reading Rosilind Jukic’s new release The Missional Handbook, a handy guide for those considering a missionary lifestyle and even those simply interested in missions work. In it, the author addresses a key question that is often misunderstood: what makes someone a missionary?

from Missional Call

I remember struggling with this question in my early years of college, when I was searching for God’s plan for my life. After my years spent as an MK (missionary kid) on the field of Papua New Guinea, I knew the urgent need for career missionaries and I felt a real burden for unreached people groups. So, of course, I assumed I would be an overseas missionary someday. 🙂

Oh, how the Lord has a way of changing our best-laid plans! Once I met my husband, I began to consider a different ministry, that of pastor’s wife. Even before we married, I wholeheartedly embraced the role of youth leader and helpmeet to my husband, who was a young youth minister. I found purpose and contentment in this role.

But then our first child came along and I was no longer as free to be involved with my husband’s ministry. Life became busy and more complicated, as it usually does after children. 🙂 Suddenly, the role I thought I was meant for had to be put aside while I focused on raising our son. I began to feel like a bit of a failure since I wasn’t “serving the Lord” in the way I thought I should be, one of many undesired sacrifices I offered up in my attempt to earn the approval He freely gives!

Fast forward a year or two and we decided to take an extended break from full-time ministry. We had marital issues that needed tending to, as well as wounds from the past we both needed to deal with. It was a difficult time for both of us as we often felt like failures. We questioned God’s path for us, for our future.

It took me a few years, but slowly I began to learn the truth that Rosilind Jukic shares in The Missional Handbook – we can and should minister right where we are! We should all be involved in missionary work, whether it be in our homes, on our streets, in our churches, or overseas. Eventually, I began to see that mothering itself is a ministry, a mission field of sorts – we should be missionaries first in our own homes to the young minds we have been entrusted with!

from Missional Call

So, if you are ever tempted to think, I’m just a mom – what can I possibly do?, recognize that as the voice of the Great Deceiver. He likes us to believe that ministry work only “counts” if titles and positions like missionary or pastor are involved. He likes to make investing in others more about us and less about Christ. He wants us apathetic and discouraged and feeling like failures. Because then we are paralyzed to do the work God has set before us.

If you desire to reach others with the Good News, begin right where you are!

Ask the Lord to show you those He has put in your path. Ask Him to bring you someone to mentor or disciple (and then be ready for a possibly surprising answer!). Or perhaps you are mother to young children? Begin right there in your home. Be intentional about teaching your children biblical truth (don’t just leave it to the church). Be intentional about teaching them the importance of missions, too!

It’s never too late to start being a missionary.

In fact, you probably already are one whether you realize it or not. 🙂

For more information on modern missions work, be sure to check out Rosilind’s new book, The Missional Handbook (buy before Wednesday when the sale ends!)

The Missional Handbook available now!

In this book, you’ll find first-hand experiences of missionaries entering overseas fields and tips for potential missionaries. You’ll also find Jukic’s unique ideas on how missions work needs to be modernized to be more effective, and practical ways that readers can become more missions-minded right in their own countries. I especially enjoyed her section on “uncommon” missionaries, the question and answer section, and the personal accounts she includes in the bonus section of her book. You’ll even find a short story from me and one from another MK!

So, be a missionary every da-ay! (Anyone else know that song??)

Jen 🙂

If you enjoyed this post, you might also enjoy our Much Ado About Missions series – practical resources and methods for teaching children the importance of reaching the unreached.

I may be sharing this with any of these lovely blogs and here:

A Little R &R, Missional Call, Cornerstone Confessions, A Mama’s Story, My Joy-filled Life,

Finding Heaven Today, Wholehearted Home

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.

Three important traits of every missional believer.