The Bible has been our resource guide to God’s word for thousands of years, yet our ways of interacting with it don’t have to be as ancient. Today’s resource list includes 6 ways to utilize technology for bible study.
1) There’s an app for that!
There’s an app for everything these days, including the Bible.
One of the best ones I’ve found is YouVersion.This one has numerous translations to choose from, audio recordings, reading plans, bookmarks, highlights, notes and reminders that popup on your phone.
2) Let email become your “God-mail”
I subscribe to a daily Bible reading plan so I have each day’s passage in my inbox when I wake up. I always have my phone with me, but not always my Bible – so this way I can easily read through my Bible reading as I find a few minutes here or there, right in my email inbox.
I also subscribe to some daily devotionals. Just another great way to start the morning in God’s word, with some practical applications. My favorite is from Proverbs 31 Ministries.
3) Listen to the Bible
The Bible began as oral tradition; passed down through generations by telling the stories aloud. Audio Bibles have been around for a long time, but now they’re even more accessible. The YouVersion app has a great audio version and the best part is it’s on your mobile device, so is always with you.
I like to listen during my commute to work. I’ve found I pay more attention, especially to some of those Old Testament readings, when it’s read aloud. You better can hear the beauty of the language and the emphasis of key words and phrases when your eyes aren’t trying to skim ahead.
4) Join an Online Bible Study
I highlighted a couple of online Bible Studies in Tuesday’s resource post. The YouVersion app above also has a community feature where you can join others in a reading plan and share notes about what you’re reading. These can be great when you’re not able to join a real-life Bible study group.
5) Use Your eReader
While I still love to hold and touch the pages of a physical Bible, I find I read more from my eReader. Kindle is my eReader of choice and it’s always with me – either my Kindle device or the app on my phone.
When my babies were infants, I actually read more than ever before. Shocking for such a busy season of life, but technology enabled me to squeeze in reading as I had time. My phone was always with me, so as I nursed or rocked my babies, I’d read a few pages of a book. I’d catch a few more pages as we waited at doctor’s visits, during naps, whenever I found a few minutes. As I got into a book, the more minutes I’d find to read a page or two.
6) Online Study and Reference Tools
You no longer need a library of reference books, concordances and different translations. There are great reference sites online that allow you to research quickly and easily – oh, and they’re free!
www.biblegateway.com is one of my favorites. You can search by key word or topic, look up any verse or book, and compare in a number of different translations.
[reminder preface=”Question:”]What other ways do you use technology to read and study the Bible?[/reminder]
[callout]This post is part of the “A Better Change” series. For more information on this series and to find related posts, click here: A Better Change Series – Overview[/callout]
Sharing with: #TellHisStory, Friendship Friday
inspiredbyjune says
Great resources,Kathryn! I love the reading plan available on You Version and use Bible Gateway all the time!
Kathryn says
I love how much easier all these great websites and apps make studying the Bible! I still love to read from my paper version, but technology keeps me in the word more.
Imperfect Allie says
Great suggestions! I never though of listening to the Bible!
Kathryn says
I found it’s actually a great way to read the Old Testament. Those stories were meant to be told aloud – and they’re much more engaging (even all the ‘begats’) in audio. Also keeps me from skimming ahead.