{"id":40507,"date":"2018-01-17T08:58:06","date_gmt":"2018-01-17T16:58:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.olivetree.com\/?p=40507"},"modified":"2022-03-01T12:31:30","modified_gmt":"2022-03-01T20:31:30","slug":"is-a-study-bible-right-for-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.olivetree.com\/blog\/is-a-study-bible-right-for-you\/","title":{"rendered":"Is a Study Bible Right for You?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

With so many different kinds of resources out there to help you study the Bible, it can be challenging to know what is a good fit for you. A good place to start is with a study Bible<\/a>. So, answer these four questions to find out if a study Bible is right for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) A<\/strong>RE YOU A VISUAL LEARNER?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes the best way to make sense of a lot of text is to represent it visually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is why many study Bibles come with photos<\/strong>, charts<\/strong>, timelines<\/strong> and more. That way, if you’re reading a description of a place you’ve never visited in the Middle East, you can see a picture of it. Or, if you’re reading about a long list of historical events, look at an organized charts of all the important dates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you consider yourself a visual learner or not, these resources will immerse you in your Bible study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"ESV<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"NIV<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

2) HAVE YOU WONDERED WHAT LIFE WAS LIKE IN BIBLE TIMES?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you’ve ever read Leviticus, you definitely know that the Bible talks about confusing<\/em> rituals and practices. Since we’re living in the 21st century, and most of us aren’t professional historians, these passages can be daunting. You’re not alone in wishing that you could step inside the Bible times, even for just a second.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Surely it would give some insight into what the Bible is trying to communicate.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thankfully, there are Christians who enjoy studying history professionally! With plenty of research and fact-checking, these scholars have published their notes in study Bibles for us to read. Not only that, but they have made them understandable<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

READ NOTES WITH JUST A TAP<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"NKJV<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

3) ARE YOU UNSURE HOW TO APPLY SCRIPTURE?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

So, you may know a thing or two about the Bible’s history… but you aren’t sure how it affects your daily life<\/em>. This is a really common problem! Without guidance, it can be difficult (and almost dangerous) to make those kinds of analogies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is another great reason to have a study Bible. Although it depends on the author and which study Bible you choose, most have sections meant solely to help you apply the Bible to your life. You’ll find explanations<\/strong>, scenarios<\/strong>, insightful questions<\/strong>, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HERE’S AN EXAMPLE<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"KJV<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

4) DO YOU HAVE UNANSWERED QUESTIONS?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Here’s some truth: everyone has unanswered questions<\/strong>. We can’t know everything<\/em>\u2014and we especially can’t know everything<\/em> about God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But when we doubt, wonder, or question what we read in the Bible, the best places to look are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. In the Bible itself and<\/li>
  2. In books that teach us what Christians have been preaching for the past 2,000 years.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    This is the last and most important reason to own a study Bible: to have input<\/strong> into your unanswered questions. Before jumping to conclusions or making decisions based on a misunderstanding, see if any Biblical scholars have something to say about the passage you’re reading. It could affect the way you live your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"unanswered<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    WHY GET A DIGITAL STUDY BIBLE?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Here’s a few reasons why using this resource in the app is way more helpful to your study time:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. You can tap on images and enlarge them<\/li>
    2. Tap on verse references to open them (in context!) in a pop-up window<\/li>
    3. Reading multiple translations? The resource guide will always let you know if your study Bible has any information on what you’re reading<\/li>
    4. You can make unlimited<\/strong> notes and highlights that sync between your devices<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      SEE HOW IT LOOKS IN ACTION!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n