There has been a lot of discussion of whether print, online, or computer programs are the best type or place for Bible study resources.
In today’s episode I talk about all three and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each. And in the Bravehearted Voices segment, we listen to a clip from Paris Reidhead’s sermon “So Great Salvation.”
Listen to and Download the Episode
Episode 35 Overview
In this episode, we will …
- discuss the three types
or places that most Bible study resources are found - talks about the advantages and disadvantages of each type: in print (physical resources), online, and computer programs
- listen to a clip from Paris Reidhead’s sermon “So Great Salvation” and discover that salvation consists of more than forgiveness
Show Notes / Additional Resources
3 Types of (3 places to find) Bible Study Resources:
1. In Print Resources (physical)
These are the physical resources/books that have pages, purchased from a Christian bookstore or from a place like Amazon.
- Advantages
- look great on your bookshelf … and seeing it reminds you to pick it up and use it
- you don’t have to be connected online
- write notes in the margins
- if your computer crashes … still have access to all your resources
- Disadvantages
- heavy & clunky
- often hard to search for key information
- take up a lot of space
- hard to travel with (or even take to a coffeeshop to study with)
- often cost more than digital versions
2. Online Resources
These are often free websites that give basic tools, resources, and helps for Bible study—such as:
BlueLetterBible.org
BibleStudyTools.com
BibleArc.com
Computer Apps
- Advantages
- great search options
- access to easy-to-use resources
- often free! (or cheap)
- great for beginners of Bible study
- gives easier access to original languages, grammar, etc
- Disadvantages
- must be connected online
- takes time to learn how to use the resource
- don’t have access to as many key resources
- you read differently on a screen than in print
- potentially more distracting since you are online
3. Computer Programs
These are often paid computer programs with advanced tools, resources, and helps for Bible study—such as:
Logos (what I use … and love!)
PC Study Bible (BibleSoft)
Accordance
e-sword (free for the basic version!) /mac-sword
- Advantages
- powerful search capabilities
- don’t have to be connected online
- tons of resources at a cheaper than print cost
- faster search options … can save time
- unique search options (Peter in Gospels even when his name isn’t used)
- gives easier access to original languages, grammar, etc
- Disadvantages
- have to purchase … often expensive
- often complex and has a learning curve
- most people have lots of resources they will never use
- most people don’t utilize a lot of the program’s capabilities
Bible Study Articles:
- 3 Steps to Help You Study the Bible – Part 1: Observation (episode 20)
- 3 Steps to Help You Study the Bible – Part 2: Interpretation (episode 21)
- 3 Steps to Help You Study the Bible – Part 3: Application (episode 22)
- A list of key articles on deeperChristian about how to study the Bible
- The 3 most important Bible Study tools
Other Resources:
Join the Conversation
Question: What type of Bible Study resource do you like to use (print, online, or computer program), and why?
Leave a response or ask a question and we will try to address it in a future episode.
The difficulty with podcasts is that they are one-sided—so each week I ask one question for you to participate in the conversation. Head over to the deeperChristian Facebook page to leave a comment and join in the conversation.
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About NRJohnson & the Deeper Christian Podcast
NRJohnson (Nathan Johnson) is a Christian who has an overwhelming passion for Jesus, the Gospel, and Studying God’s Word. He is a writer, teacher, and communicator who helps other believers understand and apply the Bible as they grow and mature in their faith—desiring that they gain greater intimacy with Christ, experience the victorious Christian life, and transform the world through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Read more about him here.
The Deeper Christian Podcast is the podcast to help you study God’s Word, know Jesus intimately, and discover how you can build your life around Jesus Christ. This weekly audio program, hosted by NRJohnson, dives into Scripture and encourages Christians to keep their focus upon Jesus Christ—equipping believers in how to study the Bible and know God’s Word, grow in their spiritual lives, and change the world. Main discussion topics center around practical advice on Christian living, Bible study, prayer, the Gospel, freedom from sin, evangelism and how to share your faith, the Christian disciplines, and the lives and messages from the Christian heroes from yesteryear such as A.W. Tozer, Charles Spurgeon, Major Ian Thomas, Oswald Chambers, Hudson Taylor, Amy Carmichael, Corrie Ten Boom, C.T. Studd, George Müller, Andrew Murray, Leonard Ravenhill, E.M. Bounds, and others. Learn more about the deeper Christian life.
Leave a response or ask a question and we will try to address it in a future episode.
The difficulty with podcasts is that they are one-sided—so each week I ask one question for you to participate in the conversation. Head over to the deeperChristian Facebook page to leave a comment and join in the conversation.
Subscribe to the Podcast
If you have enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe on your favorite app.
Like what you hear? … Leave a rating & review
If you enjoyed the podcast, please take 30 seconds and rate it on your favorite app (and write a brief review if you can). This would be a tremendous blessing to help us get the word out to others who might be encouraged and blessed by it—apps use the rating and reviews in their searches to help other people find the podcast.
About NRJohnson
NRJohnson (Nathan Johnson) is the host of the Deeper Christian Podcast and has an overwhelming passion for Jesus, the Gospel, and Studying God’s Word. He is a writer, teacher, and communicator who helps other believers understand and apply the Bible as they grow and mature in their faith—desiring that they gain greater intimacy with Christ, experience the victorious Christian life, and transform the world through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Read more about him here.
About the Deeper Christian Podcast
Many Christians feel frustrated because they don’t grow spiritually. The Deeper Christian Podcast helps equip Christians to understand the Word of God and cultivate a passionate love for Jesus that turns the world upside down.
Whether you want to learn how to study God’s Word, grow in your faith, cultivate a powerful and effective prayer life, share the Gospel boldly, deepen your intimacy with Jesus, live victoriously, or transform the world through the indwelling life of the Holy Spirit, the Deeper Christian Podcast with NRJohnson (Nathan Johnson) will encourage and equip you to grow spiritually and live a Christ-centered life.
