Recommended Bible Study Resources

The following is a short list of books which will help the average Christian worker get started in systematic bible study without being overwhelmed.  They are books that I have personally found to be very helpful in learning to read and study God's word in a reliable and systematic manner.  Each of these books is readily available from a Christian bookstore or Mail-order distributor.  Noticeably absent from this list are Bible commentaries and encyclopedias.  It is my firm conviction that these resources should not be consulted first but rather after the Bible student has acquired a basic understanding of what Scripture actually says. (John 14:26, 15:26, 16:13-14)  Once this firm foundation has been established, commentaries and encyclopedias on the Bible text can be consulted to compare what other scholars have concluded about Scripture.
 

1. Living by the Book - Howard and William Hendricks.

This book teaches various methods to read the Bible, how to interpret the meaning of a passage of Scripture, and how to make application of the truths to one's own life.  It is written in an informal, engaging style.  The authors include questions and projects at the end of each chapter for the reader to pursue further study.
 

2. Christ-Centered Preaching - Bryan Chapell.

Although the title might make it appear applicable to preachers only, any Bible teacher will find the techniques within very useful for Bible study.  It focuses on the preparation of expository messages from the Bible -- that is, to glean the intended meaning in the Biblical text and use that as the main thought for the message.  What a concept!
 

3. Talk Thru the Bible - Bruce Wilkinson and Kenneth Boa.

This book provides an overview and introduction to each book of the Bible.  It includes plenty of charts and diagrams to aid the Bible student in understanding the main message and themes for every book.  Detailed outlines of the entire book are found at the end of each section.  This book will prepare the Bible student or teacher with a solid context for meaningful study.
 

4. How to Study the Bible for Yourself - Tim LaHaye.

Somewhat like "Living by the Book,"  LaHaye offers numerous methods the student can use to glean the truths and application of God's word.  This book provides forms that can be copied and used for different forms of study such as studying a parable, studying a Bible character, as well as studying an individual verse.
 

5. Strong's Concordance.

A dictionary of all the Bible words from their original languages.  Look up an english word and find the original Greek, Hebrew, or Aramaic word with its meaning.  This has long been a mainstay for Bible students who do not know the original languages.
 

6. Vine's Expository Dictionary.

Like Strong's Concordance, this is another mainstay for Biblical studies.  It highlights many of the Old and New Testament words with a more detailed description of meaning and usage throughout the Bible.
 
 

Copyright 1999, Randy Lariscy.