Studying the Bible
Do you find personal Bible study a bit of a struggle? You’re certainly not alone.
The Bible is an ingenious collection of breathtaking literature that is inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16). You can dive into almost anywhere in the Scriptures and come up with something remarkable. However, anyone who attempts to read and study the Scriptures as a serious exercise comes to realise quickly that they need help.
The ancient literary genres used and the figures of speech and symbolism deployed have little connection with the modern-day genres and styles with which we’re familiar.
For this reason, it’s not difficult to misunderstand the Scriptures or to become frustrated in the attempt to study them.
One of my passions is to help people engage with the Scriptures in a meaningful way and I’ve created a fair share of my own resources over the years to do so. I’ve always kept a lookout for other resources that might prove helpful, too.
When I discovered the team at BibleProject, I was gobsmacked. Their knowledge of the Scriptures is unmatched and their visual presentation of the Scriptures is unparalleled. I wish this team were working their magic when I started following Jesus.
So, I’ve archived my own inferior resources and compiled this study plan to assist you in studying the Scriptures using the engaging videos created by the BibleProject with their permission.
If you’re blessed by the content, please consider contributing financially to the BibleProject.
Table of Contents
How to Read the Bible
I highly recommend starting with the How to Read the Bible series. Through 19 videos, each between four to seven minutes, we get a brilliant overview of the various literary genres used in the Scriptures. In my opinion, without this understanding of the ancient writing styles, we often miss (and misunderstand) the message conveyed through the books of the Bible.
Character of God
In the Character of God series, we explore the nature of God through one of the most frequently quoted passages in the Scriptures, Exodus 34:6, 7. Through the characteristics of God, we better understand His parent-heart and His wondrous personality.
Kingdom of God Themes
Next, I recommend the following standalone videos that shed light on the theme of the Kingdom of God. While not designed as a series by the BibleProject, these single-themed videos deepen our understanding of God’s purpose for creation and humanity’s purpose within that plan (aka the Gospel of the Kingdom of God).
The Human Condition
In this interesting series, we gain an important understanding of the meaning of the words, “sin”, “transgression” and “iniquity”—frequently used words in the Scriptures that have lost much of their meaning today. While it sounds like a gloomy subject, you’ll discover how brilliantly the Scriptures diagnose the human condition.
Atonement Themes
Next, I recommend the following standalone videos that shed light on the theme of the Atonement. While not designed as a series by the BibleProject, together these single-themed videos deepen our understanding of God’s loving response to the human condition and His faithful commitment to His partnership with humanity.
Creation Series
In this fascinating series, we deepen our understanding of God’s purpose for creation and humanity’s purpose within God’s grand plan. It builds on the ground covered above while adding interesting insight into five Biblical passages in the beautiful story of God.
The Royal Priest Series
In this intriguing series, we better understand the Biblical idea of priesthood and how it metaphorically speaks to our calling as human beings today, to represent God’s character and manifest His presence in the world.
Spiritual Beings Series
In this enlightening series, we learn about the spiritual beings that are so key to the Biblical story. By and large, our ideas of the spiritual realm and spiritual beings are often mere caricatures of what the Scriptures reveal. Better understanding the Biblical perspective helps us grasp the forces at work “behind the scenes” of the Biblical narrative and our world today.
Training for Reigning
Next, I recommend the following standalone videos that capture the idea of “training for reigning”; that is, walking with God in growing responsibility as a maturing Kingdom partner. While not designed as a series by the BibleProject, together they will enlighten and enrich your walk with God.
Word Studies
In this final section, we look at various Biblical words and discover their rich meaning. Unwrap the gift of each of these words as they shed light on God’s heart and purpose for His creation.
Wrap Up
While the above outline does not include all the videos made available by the BibleProject, it offers a suggested guideline that will broaden your knowledge and enrich your study of the Scriptures. Don’t rush through the videos. Work to a plan and savour the content. Once you’ve worked through it once, go back and dig deeper utilising the many resources provided by the BibleProject.
Developing a comprehensive view of the Scriptures, the genres used and themes deployed, will set you up for a lifetime of fruitful and enjoyable Bible reading.
Please consider contributing financially to the BibleProject; your contribution will allow the team to continue creating these incredible resources free of charge.