The Old Testament is intimidating for beginner Bible readers, and many give up before Moses parts the Red Sea. To avoid this, read books in the New Testament that explain the life of Jesus, the free gift of grace, and his sacrifice. The Gospels describe and outline Jesus’ life, allowing you to walk in his shoes. Listed below are some resources for beginners. In addition to Bible study materials, you may also want to invest in Daily devotionals, dictionaries, encyclopedias, and Concordances.
Daily devotionals
There are many options for daily Bible study. A devotional book usually starts with a verse or short passage and ends with a short prayer or reflection. Other devotionals are simply lists of Scripture passages or themes. There are also nonfiction books that offer spiritual guidance for personal growth. These devotionals are great for beginners as well as those looking to deepen their relationship with God. You can choose a book to suit your preferences and reading level.
A good daily Bible reading plan will help you stay focused on your reading. Reading random passages will result in confusion and a lack of application. Ultimately, Bible reading should help you grow in your faith. It’s important to read the entire Bible for spiritual growth. A daily devotional will help you do that. A daily reading plan can make it easier to achieve your goal of deepening your faith and becoming more like Christ.
Dictionaries
Dictionaries for Bible study for beginners can be invaluable resources for those just beginning to learn about the scriptures. These Bible reference books include everything from articles on biblical times and events to translations and descriptions of Biblical words and phrases. For more information on specific Bible terms, you can also try the expository dictionary, which includes the original languages of the books. However, if you’re not sure about which one to choose, the following are a few good options.
Watson’s Dictionary of the Bible contains more than seven thousand entries on Bible terms and concepts. From “Aaron” to “Yoke,” this Bible dictionary covers topics important to the average student of the Bible. This Bible reference dictionary also includes helpful bibliographies for further reading. It also includes definitions for over six thousand Scripture passages. This Bible reference book is recommended for both everyday Bible study and in-depth lesson preparation.
Encyclopedias
You can learn about various topics by using encyclopedias. A good encyclopedia will contain over 100,000 entries that relate to the Bible and its topics. Some entries are very brief, while others are comprehensive and provide in-depth explanations of biblical places, people, and customs. You can also find summaries of key words and information about individuals and events in the Bible. For a more in-depth look at a certain topic, you may want to invest in a Bible Dictionary.
The Oxford New and Critical Bible Encyclopedia is the first in a series of specialized reference works. The goal of Oxford’s Bible encyclopedias is to provide high-quality, scholarly reference materials that go beyond the basics. Its articles are thorough and easy to read, and many include quotes from 6 Bible translations. The Encyclopedia is also an excellent reference tool, especially for those who are just beginning to study the Bible.
Concordances
For those who want more in-depth Bible study, concordances can help them find the words they’re looking for. This tool lists every word in a Bible verse and includes context words to help you understand what the words mean. Concordances are the most important tool for Bible study and greatly increase the ease of learning to study the Bible on your own. Other Bible reference works rely on others’ information, so they’re not as helpful for beginners.
There are three types of concordances available: Strong’s and Oxford. The Strong’s concordance assigns numbers to English words and the original Greek and Hebrew text. The concordance also includes Greek and Hebrew dictionaries so you can look up any word. Both concordances include definitions of Greek and Hebrew words. You can also print out a concordance’s text, so you can study the words without consulting a dictionary.
Lexicon
If you’re new to studying the Bible, a lexicon can be a great tool. A lexicon is a dictionary for a certain language, including Greek and Hebrew. It contains definitions of important words and citations of Bible verses where the word is used. Many lexicons are created by the ‘The Way International’, but some are specifically for Bible study. Lexicons also help you identify biblical terms and phrases.
The 1906 edition of Strong’s Concordance is a useful reference tool for those beginning to study the Bible. It includes every word in the Canonical Books and is easy to navigate with alphabetical hyperlinks. It includes both Old and New Testament names, as well as a comprehensive topic index. Several lexicons are available online, and some are even free. A good lexicon will help you learn to use a Bible study tool more effectively.
MacArthur Study Bible
A reputable resource, the MacArthur Study Bible is based on the English Standard Version of the Bible and contains notes from Dr. John MacArthur’s study of the Scriptures. In addition to a full length Bible, this edition includes notes that detail historical content and the meaning of biblical texts. John MacArthur is a popular conference speaker and has served as pastor of Grace Community Church for nearly four decades. His keen perception of Scripture translates well to the study Bible format.
The ESV student study Bible, ePub edition, provides the same content as the print edition, with a few notable differences in the footnotes and study notes. It includes an index of subjects and a doctrinal outline, as well as over 10,000 study notes written by Charles Ryrie, a professor of systematic theology and dean of doctoral studies at Dallas Theological Seminary. It has sold more than two million copies since its introduction in 1978.