Bible Study

PLAN

It is good to read the Bible in a planned way.  There are lots of good Bible reading plans out there.

If you want to attempt to read the whole Bible in a year Ben recommends reading an Old Testament passage, New Testament passage, Psalm and Proverb all on the same day.   You could also read the Bible chronologically, or from start to finish.

To sign up for a Bible plan to help you keep track, go to youversion.com or download the youversion app for your mobile phone.

For indepth study on your own or in a group check out Biblex

LISTEN

Why not listen to the Daily Audio Bible Podcast?  You can listen to the whole Bible being read over a year or just focus on certain books, like proverbs.  It’s available at dailyaudiobible.com and on itunes.

You can also listen to the Bible on youversion.com and biblegateway.com.  The Youversion app also lets you listen to it on your phone.

SOAP Soap

(Colossians 3.16)

It is good to read the Bible but it’s also important to reflect upon it and apply it.  SOAP will help you to do this.

S for Scripture
Open your Bible to the reading in your Bible reading plan. Take time reading and allow God to speak to you. When you are done, look for a verse that particularly spoke to you that day, and write it in your journal.

O for Observation
What do you think God is saying to you in this scripture? Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and reveal Jesus to you. Paraphrase and write this scripture down in your own words, in your journal.

A for Application 
Personalize what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now.  Write how this scripture can apply to you today.

SPACEPETS by Rick Warren is a helpful way of thinking about it.
S – Is there a Sin to confess?
P – Is there a Promise to claim?spacepets
A – Is there an Attitude to change?
C – Is there a Command to obey?
E – Is there an Example to follow?
P – Is there a Prayer to pray?
E – Is there an Error to avoid?
T – Is there a Truth to believe?
S – Is there Something to thank God for?

P for Prayer 
This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Remember, prayer is a two way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say! Now, write it out.

STUDY AIDS

There are loads of great Bible study aids.

GLO is a really good multimedia Bible app with commentaries, videos, maps, artwork and other useful facilities and has available apps for phone/iPad/iPod/tablet/PC & Mac.

UCB do really good free Bible study notes available as a hard copy or by email or online.

Biblegateway has free commentaries and a searchable Bible.

Biblex has great studies and online courses you can do

Wordlive is full of resources and is produced by Scripture Union

The FOR EVERYONE series by Tom Wright are commentaries on different books of the Bible to help you to think deeply, reflect and apply Bible to every day life.