These are the main tools we are
using in this study...
Most books of this nature have very
good introductions and 'how to use' sections...make sure to spend
the time and learn how to FULLY utilize each book. You can
purchase these at most any bible-bookstore; but you can save
money ordering from a wholesaler. You can find one such seller
(there are others) in the 'links' section of the mainpage.
Save money when ever you
can...borrow from your church library, check w/ a friend....Bible
study does NOT have to be expensive!
Speaking of which...try the online topical...But you may want to
bookmark (or add to 'favorites') before you do...
| GOSHEN Online Study Bible -- Nave's Topical Bible |
| Type in a word to
look for and choose "Lookup" to find that word or choose "Find Similar" to locate close matches. |
NOTE - using this search will cause another browser window to pop open...that way you don't have to leave these wonderful pages of mine (O: I'd really appreciate feedback on this... it will help me decide on the use of more on-line tools...
Now...on
to the methods...
Word study - *covered in exegesis section*.
Topical Study - When studying any biblical topic you must be thorough.
try to exhaust scripture (ha-ha). Don't think that by reading a
couple of verses from different places in scripture, you have a
complete picture. Check thru-out scripture to see if this is a
common thread; resist the urge to stomp around in the shallow
topical waters of the modern church. (making a scripture
reference fit an experience you had this week...etc.)
EXAMPLES - here are some words that can be followed from Genesis
to Revelation --LIGHT, FAITH, HOPE, LOVE, BLOOD, GRACE, WORD,
JUST, PERFECT, ATONEMENT, COVENANT, ALTAR, SHED, WINE, DRUNKEN,
PRAISE, PEACE, TITHES, VISION, SHIELD, REWARD, I AM, IMPUTED,
RIGHTEOUSNESS, WORSHIP, MERCY, FIRE, OBEY, SOW, SEED, SALVATION,
ANGEL OF THE LORD (the SEED is seen in Gen. 3:15; is born as
God/man in the gospel accounts; dies and produces fruit [the
church]; comes back for the harvest in Rev.)(that's a condensed
version, by the way).
SAMPLE - We'll take the word 'fellowship'. the greek word for
that is 'koinenia', (from the root 'koine' meaning
"common") After careful word study, ask some of the
following questions --
What is fellowship?
is it eternal?
is it temporal?
How does one fellowship with God?
How does one fellowship with people?
what about good fellowship?
what about evil fellowship?
How does it fit in with the rest of things? (the life of the
Church)
How do we exist in the world, yet avoid having fellowship with
the world?
These are some questions to start the process (more are bound to
arise!).
Make sure definitions and answers come from the Bible. Avoid
commentary until Scripture is exhausted, then check to see if
someone might have found something you missed (but test THEM
against Scripture as well!)
Biographical study - Basically, gleaning everthing about a
biblical character; first from Scripture, then historical or
archealogical information, and finally (use caution here) from
tradition .
If we wanted to do a Bio on the apostle John, for example, we
would want to start by reading everything written in scripture by
him (gospel of John; 1,2,3 John; the Revelation), then anything
written about him in scripture, etc.
For Paul, we would read most of the new testament, make some
charts of his missionary journeys, etc.
Also check the Old testament for prophetic references (did you
know that Judas Iscariot is mentioned in the O.T.? look it up!)
