Studying the Bible - Turning Mountains into Molehills
On my blog today, I am reviewing the latest edition of the Thompson Chain-Reference Bible. I received this Bible for free as a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid. To see more information about this reference Bible, please go to the Bible Gateway site here.
Why a Study Bible?
At the beginning of my writing career, I used a regular Bible and the internet to research my topics. But then I found a study Bible. Their purpose is to help you understand Scripture more clearly as we read. Most of them contain notes for biblical interpretation, book introductions to provide context, and maps for visual pictures of locations. Also, using a study Bible offers so much more detail of background information and context of the text.
Why the Thompson Cross-Reference Bible?
“Because this unique reference Bible enables you to follow Scripture’s teachings on thousands of topics throughout the entire Bible. Its Chain-Reference System is an ideal tool for comprehensive topical study, with over 100,000 references that are listed in the Bible’s margins covering over 8,000 topics that span the entire Bible.”
Once I received my copy, I went to work tracing several themes throughout the pages of this book. I started in the “Numerical Index” in the back and looked up the theme of “Christ Jesus as Creator.” The index number of 680 then referenced all the verses in Biblical order that support the idea. Linking the verses together gave me a more thorough picture of the topic. It offers so much information, all in one place.
What are some other benefits?
This reference Bible contains so many other resources also. The work includes maps, topical indexes, and so much more. Towards the back, I found a section called “The Christian Workers’ Text.” This section provides Bible references to use when someone makes excuses for not believing in Christ. It offers ten examples of reasons we might hear as we share the Gospel.
Studying the Bible – This remarkable Thompson Chain-Reference Bible allows us to study a Biblical theme or research based on a book, chapter, or verse within the Bible. It also includes a study on Biblical characters. Click To Tweet
For example: “I don’t need a Savior.” The verses listed to address this excuse include John 3:18, John 3:36, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, and Hebrews 2:3. Then this subject is crossed referenced with “Trusting in Works.” I think I will use this section frequently.
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
Additional Study Information
This remarkable reference Bible allows us to study a Biblical theme or research based on a book, chapter, or verse within the Bible. It also includes a study on Biblical characters. I could go on and on as I keep discovering new sections. In my blog next week, I am looking at the book of Exodus, and I can’t wait to use my new Thompson Chain-Reference Bible to dig in.
“16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
I received this Bible for free as a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid (BG2). You can find this Bible for purchase at the FaithGateway Store here. #BibleGatewayPartner
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, increase our desire to read Your Words to us. Help us to study and understand the messages of the Bible. Help us not to lean on our own understanding as we seek You more and more. Thank you for the Bible. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Grace and Peace to you,
Yvonne M. Morgan is a Christian #author, #blogger, and #speaker. #BibleGatewayPartner
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
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