The Bible, comprising the Old and New Testaments, stands as humanity's most influential library of writings. Our Bible Tools resource aids in comprehending this divine-human book, revealing its unified message and fulfillment in Jesus.
NOTE: Unless otherwise noted, video content in our Bible Tools resource comes from the Bible Project↗︎ .
WHAT IS THE BIBLE?
This video explores the origins, content, and purpose of the Bible. Through this video, you will learn how to approach these brilliantly designed Scriptures with greater insight and wisdom.Click to Watch Video
THE STORY OF THE BIBLE
In this video you will discover the one unified story about Jesus woven throughout all the Scriptures. You will learn about the Scriptures' main storyline in this short overview.Click to Watch Video
THE STORY OF THE BIBLE...
The Extended Version by Dr.Tim Mackie
BIBLE READING & MEMORIZATION
Whether you are looking to get more out of your personal devotional time or dig deep into the mysteries of the Scriptures, these questions will help you discover the intended meaning of the author while allowing God to reveal His character and heart. The memorization tips will help you build up a library of Scripture in your mind from which you can draw strength, comfort, encouragement, and peace no matter your strength.
HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE
This video series explores hermeneutic principles for how to study the Scriptures. These principles are taught by looking at three Scriptural "threads": (1) Jesus is perfect theology; (2) Jesus is perfect humanity; and (3) Jesus' kingdom exists today. These videos come from a weekly ministry gathering we held back in 2022.Click to Watch Videos
Jesus Is Perfect Theology
Jesus Is Perfect Humanity
Jesus' Kingdom Exists Today
HOW TO READ THE BIBLE
Understanding the Bible can feel like an overwhelming pursuit. This series of teachings explores how Jesus viewed the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament). It also reveals the ways we can misread and misuse the Scriptures. These videos come from a weekly ministry gathering we held back in 2022.Click to Watch Videos
How Not To Read The Bible
The Bible Jesus Read
Misreading Scriptures
| READING QUESTIONS ABOUT THE BOOK |
- Who is the author of the book (or the passage)? What was their intended purpose in writing?
- When and where was the book written?
- What is the setting in which the book was written? What is the background or cultural context behind the book?
- Who is the intended audience or recipient of the book?
- What are the main issues or events behind the book? What are the main issues or themes being addressed?
- What did God want the original audience to learn, feel, or do?
- How does the book fit into the overall revelation of Scripture?
| READING QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PASSAGE |
- What is the setting of the passage? When do the events take place? What is happening? What is the background or cultural context behind these events or ideas?
- Are there any similarities regarding the setting to our culture? How are they like us today? How are they different? How is this comparison and contrast relevant to us in our culture today? What might my thoughts and feelings have been in a similar situation? How might I have responded in that situation?
- What are the surrounding verses? How does this passage fit into the overall context of the book? How does this passage fit into the overall Biblical revelation? Does any writtings outside the Bible, during the time of the Biblical events, address the same issues, ideas, or events?
- Is there conflict or tension in the passage? Who or what does it involve? What attitudes, actions, values, beliefs, and ideas are beings addressed?
- What is revealed about God (e.g., attributes, characteristics, behaviors, etc.)? How are these revealed in the life of Jesus? If contradictory to Jesus, then what might Jesus be revealing about this seeming contradiction?
- What timeless/cross-cultural principles or truths are being addressed? Where do these truths apply to my life (mentally, relationally, spiritually, physically, etc.)? What types of sins does this reveal and address in my life? What ideas and principles can I impliment in my life? What might be my first action step?
| READING QUESTIONS FOR APPLICATION |
- Who or what is your judge from whom you are seeking approval?
- To whom or what do you give your “first fruits” of time, energy, finance, or emotions?
- Who or what in your life must you get permission from before doing what God is asking you to do, say, or believe?
- When daydreaming about escaping life, what does your "heaven" look like?
- To whom or where do you go to feel safe, comfortable, or to hide?
- What do you use to minimize discomfort or emotional/mental pain?
- Who or what do you plan and/or pray for?
- Who or what, if taken from your life, would cause you to doubt God's goodness and love?
| MEMORIZATION TIPS FOR MEMORIZING |
WHAT ARE YOU MEMORIZING?
- Look it up in a different translation.
- Use a dictionary to discover similar words.
- Go online and look up the Hebrew or Greek words.
- Read the surrounding passages for context.
- Read similar verses (using cross references).
HOW TO MEMORIZE
- Memory Hooks (gestures, tones, etc. that help you remember).
- Reward yourself.
- Challange your spouse, kids, or friends with it too.
- Give yourself a deadline.
- Use your learning style (auditory: say it outloud; visual: look at it then cover different words; kinesthetic: write it out or draw it.
REASONS TO MEMORIZE
- Use in your own prayers.
- Use to pray over someone else.
- Use to fight temptation or unhealthy thinking.
BIBLE TOOLS & LINKS
SACRED WORDS CONFERENCE (©2020)
HISTORY OF THE BIBLE
The Bible is the best-selling book of all time and its influence on Western culture beyond compare. But how did this group of ancient books written and then copied over millennia become the Bible we now know?
Sacred Words was the Text & Canon Institute’s↗︎ inaugural conference where people learned from internationally known speakers about how the Bible has been copied, collected, and confessed as God’s sacred words.
