Paula Wiseman

Faith and life meet in a story

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Pick up a quick tip to get more out of your Bible study

I've taught for over twenty years and I can help you go deeper when you open up the Word.

Study Tip: Kay Arthur Resources

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For the next several study tips, we'll look at some resources to help you in your studies. Today, I'm focusing on Kay Arthur. Several years ago (over ten now, yikes!) I joined a Bible study group at church and my good friend introduced the group to Kay Arthur's inductive method. Needless to say, I was hooked. Kay's system focused on recognizing and marking key words, "interrogating" the text by answering some basic questions, identifying chapter and book themes, and carefully examining the context so the text speaks for itself – without the injection of our preconceptions.
 
 
At first glance, her method may seem completely overwhelming, but don't get discouraged. Nobody said you have to do all of it all the time. Start small. I'm doing a Hebrews study right now. I could simply mark all the occurrences of the word "better" and keep track of what Jesus is "better" than and why. If I read a chapter a day, that's about ten minutes of work per day. (Or less. Not every chapter has a "better".) 
 
She also has a study Bible especially suited for her method. The New Inductive Study Bible has some of those extra wide margins I mentioned last week.
 
Kay is also author or co-author on dozens of book and topical studies. You can find more at www.precept.org.
 
 
Have you used any of Kay's resources?
 
(Just so you know, I don't get any special goodies for recommending Kay's stuff. However, I've used them and benefited from them.)

Study Tip: Study Bibles

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stack of BiblesFor the next few study tips, we'll look at some resources to help you in your studies. I think one of the most important investments you can make along those lines is a good study Bible. A quick walk through your local bookstore or a browse online will give you a host to choose from. The question is – which one? In some ways it's like buying a car. You have to identify your needs, and the options you want. Here are some things to consider.
 
Necessities
 
Whitespace – This is one of the most important considerations for me. Is there enough room on the page to underline and make notes?
 
Notes – This is the whole purpose of getting a study Bible. Read through the notes on some of your favorite passages. Do the notes give you new insights and things to consider? If not, I'd choose a different one. Are there enough notes? It drives me crazy when my notes don't cover the very verses I have questions about.
 
Cross-references – Key ideas or words should be linked to similar passages with some kind of cross-reference. (Center column notes or footnotes usually.) 
 
Concordance/Dictionary – How easy is it to find what you're looking for? Mine has a topical index-which is not bad- but I have a separate concordance nearby. 
 
Book introductions – Your study Bible should give you a least a page of background and introduction for each book of the Bible.
 
Now some options 
 
Translation – I'm not going to get into a great translation debate, but I will say, some are better than others. By better, I mean, more faithful to the original text. I use a New King James Version. From time to time, I also use the New American Standard and the New Living. Although I haven't used the English Standard much, I like it so far. I used the King James for years too, and it is unsurpassed in beauty and richness of language. However, the English language has changed in 400 years, so it can be a little challenging.
 
Historical Background, Maps and Charts – I like the history and geography so I want lots of this stuff. (Someone gave us a study Bible that focused on archaeological finds. Very cool.) It may not be your thing. And that's okay.
 
Original language notes –  I like being able to check the Hebrew and Greek every now and then. Sometimes my footnotes address them. Sometimes I use my software to look them up. There are study Bibles designed to help you incorporate original language studies. 
 
The study Bibles I've used
 
MacArthur – My primary Bible. Fantastic notes, cross-references and introductions. 
 
Scofield – My first study Bible. Best concordance. Notes and introductions are good too.
 
Ryrie – This is a good all-purpose study Bible. 
 
Life Application – I love the notes in this one. It's not heavy on history or background but it's a great choice if you like to journal as you study.
 
 
Which Bible do you study from? What features led you to choose it?

Study Tip: Read Through the Bible

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Woman reading her Bible at the beach(Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and I wish you blessings in 2013! It was nice having a few days off, but I'm glad to be back.)
 
It's January 1 and that means it's time for the guilt trip about making a resolution to read through the Bible in 2013. I'm not going to guilt you. In fact, I'm going to confess. It's been YEARS since I've read through my Bible. Oh, I study and read nearly every day, but it's been a while since I've read the whole thing. So this is the year. Without the guilt and hard sell, here are a couple of key benefits from reading through the Bible.
 
You get a better idea of the big picture. Often, we tend to focus on the New Testament, because it seems more relevant to our Christian experience. However, we are only a small part of the epic story of mankind. God has been weaving all the details together for centuries and they fit in a beautifully intricate pattern that testifies to His grace and sovereignty.
 
You see more of God. In the Old Testament especially God reveals Himself through His words. We see His heart, His tender love and patience, and His holiness. 
 
Maybe you have a few reservations. What about the names? And the boring parts?
The pressure is off. You will not be tested nor will you be required to write a book report for your pastor or Sunday school teacher. 
 
Still a little intimidated? I hear you. Spend some time picking and choosing a plan that suits you. For example, YouVersion has dozens to choose from. I chose a plan that has 3 Old Testament chapters and 1 New Testament chapter each day. Just reading, not studying, that's a 10 or 20 minute commitment. (I easily spend 20 minutes a day waiting to pick up my kids from one place or another.) Some plans are OT, NT and Psalms each day. Some are chronological. Other plans are designed for 6 reading days and one catch-up day each week. 
 
Not ready for the whole Bible? I understand. However, the benefits of habitual reading and studying are huge. So why not try a Psalms plan? Or a New Testament plan? Or a Gospels plan? Try stacking several shorter plans together to fill out your year, then maybe you'll be ready for the whole Bible next year.
 
So what do you think? Are you in? Leave a comment. I'd love to hear your plans!

 

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Study Tip: Christmas

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Study Tip Christmas manger illustration

Just a quick Christmas study tip for this busy season-   

This week, take some time to read the Christmas story. Choose Matthew or Luke, whichever you prefer.   

Read slowly, out loud if necessary. Use a different translation, even. The key is not to rush over the familiar details. Savor them.  

Soak in the wonder, the joy and the anticipation.   

Follow the shepherds’ example. Follow the wise men’s example.  

You see, studying is useless if it doesn’t produce worship and a desire to tell others what we have discovered.  

May God bless you with fresh insight as you read and study the Christmas story.  

Merry Christmas!

Study Tip: Revelation (part 3)

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This week, we get into the heavy stuff in Revelation_the prophecies. Admittedly, this can be difficult to sort out, but the trick is to keep the big picture in mind. Don't get bogged down or try to interpret everything in light of current events, and be wary of anyone who claims to have all the answers. Remember, the book is the Revelation of Jesus Christ so focus on Him.
 
Here is a list of the major events in the vision. At different points, John fills in some background or gives details, but this list marks the chronological progression through the book.
  • The throne room
  • The seals (including the four horsemen)
  • The trumpets 
  • The bowls
  • The second coming of Jesus and the battle of Armageddon
  • The great white throne judgment
  • The New Jerusalem 
 
Without getting deep into the prophetic elements, here are some things to look for as you study.
  • Notice what is said about Christ, what happens to the saints, and how the non-believers (those who dwell upon the earth) respond to the events.
  • What do you learn about worship?
  • Angels are more visible and active in Revelation than any other book. What do you learn about them and their ministry?
 
If you want a more detailed study, follow those cross-references in your study Bible and incorporate passages from Daniel, Ezekiel, Zechariah, and the Olivet Discourse into your study.
 
 
Next week – A Christmas tip

Study Tip: Revelation (part 2)

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Last week, we began a closer look at the last book of the Bible and the only book of prophecy in the New Testament. The book was written down by the apostle John, and he was instructed to send to seven churches in Asia Minor. However, before the prophetic visions unfolded, Jesus had some very pointed words for believers in those churches. Chapters 2-3 are His messages. 
 
The churches
Are these seven real churches? Or do they represent seven eras of church history? Or are they a microcosm of believers found in all churches? I think the best answer is yes. If you are into history, the background on these seven churches is well worth the investigation. If not, don't worry. There is plenty of good stuff in the test.
 
The format
Imagine sitting down with Jesus for your performance review. He points out what you're doing right, what you need to fix and His recommendations. Each of the seven churches got that treatment. As you read the messages, look for these points:
  • How does Jesus identify Himself? (Notice, He picks one of the attributes described the chapter 1 vision.)
  • What does He "know" about the church? Is it good, bad or both?
  • What instruction or encouragement or recommendation or warning does He give?
  • What promises does He make to the overcomers?
  • How do these fit with the identification of Jesus?
(f you are a list or chart maker… this is your time to shine!)
 
The application
Why is it necessary to see the vision of Christ in chapter 1 before getting to these messages?
Which church do you most identify with? What do you take away from Jesus' words?
 
 
Next week – Chapter 4-22 The "things which will take place after this."