The
Bible
is
the
inspired,
inerrant,
and
authoritative
Word
of
God.
God
gave
us
the
Bible
to
reveal
His
holy
character;
His
sovereign
power,
grace,
mercy,
and
love;
His
Son,
Jesus
Christ;
His
reason
for
creating
us;
and
as
a
“guide
book”
in
how
to
live
a
fulfilled
life.
But
there
is
much
more
to
the
Bible
that
most
persons
do
not
realize—it
is
a
spiritual
“conduit”
to
God,
and
a
transformative
tool
used
by
the
Holy Spirit to prepare Christians for eternity.
“For
the
word
of
God
is
living
and
powerful,
and
sharper
than
any
two-edged
sword,
piercing
even
to
the
division
of
soul
and
spirit,
and
of
joints
and
marrow,
and
is
a
discerner
of
the
thoughts
and
intents
of
the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
“All
Scripture
is
given
by
inspiration
of
God,
and
is
profitable
for
doctrine,
for
reproof,
for
correction,
for
instruction
in
righteousness,
that
the
man
of
God
may
be
complete,
thoroughly
equipped
for
every
good
work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
If
you
want
to
know
more
about
God;
if
you
want
to
learn
more
about
yourself;
and
if
you
want
to
accelerate
your
transformational
change
from
being
less
like
yourself
and
more
like
Jesus…you
must
read
the
Bible
from
Genesis
to
Revelation.
But
what’s
more
(and
revealing),
no
one
will
ever
complete
their
study
of
the
Bible.
God’s
word
is
so
profound
a
“toddler”
can
easily
wade
in
the
shallow
waters,
and
a
philosopher
will
never
touch
the
bottom.
As
such,
consider
reading
the
Bible
as
a
life-long
learning
experience.
For
example,
as
we
are
transformed
in
Christ
and
as
we
mature,
you
will
likely
find new spiritual meanings to scripture you read in the past.
However,
while
it
is
important
for
each
of
us
to
mentally
learn
God’s
word,
the
most
important
influence
of
God’s
word
is
to
transform
the
attitude
and
intent
of
our
heart
towards
Him.
As
such,
we
are
amiss
if
it
resides
in
our
mind
only.
For
there
are
many
who
can
quote
scriptures
and
portray
a
pseudo
spirituality—but their heart has not been touched and transformed by God.
Bible
scripture
may
be
allegorically
considered
as
spiritual
nourishment.
For
example,
consider
how
we
eat.
We
put
food
into
our
mouth
and
we
chew.
As
we
continue
to
chew
we
break
down
the
food
into
smaller
digestible
elements,
and
then
we
swallow
the
food
(1)
to
obtain
physical
nourishment,
and
(2)
to
get
rid
of
the
hunger
pains
in
our
stomach.
In
like
manner,
we
put
God’s
word
into
our
eyes
and
ears—and
then
mentally
“chew”
on
the
scripture
to
extract
its
deeper
meanings
and
how
it
relates
to
us—thereby
providing
spiritual
nourishment
for
our
heart
and
soul—as
our
faith
is
strengthened,
and
the
“hunger
pains”
of
stress
and
anxiety
are
replaced
by
His
peace
which
passes
all
understanding
(Phil. 4:7).
Textual and Topical
There are basically two ways the study the Bible: textual and topical.
•
Textual
learning
is
based
upon
studying
the
Bible
book-by-book,
verse-by-verse.
For
example,
a
textual study may be on a portion of or the entire Book of Matthew, or Genesis.
•
Topical
learning
is
based
upon
a
specific
subject
such
as,
“God’s
Grace
and
the
Hardened
Heart.”
Topical studies use scriptural references from different books in the Bible.
UniqueBibleStudies.com
provides
numerous
topical
Bible
studies—which
enhance
spiritual
learning
and
blessings.
But
what
is
more
important,
Christians
should
study
the
Bible
textually:
book-by-book,
verse-by-verse.
In
addition,
it
is
prudent
for
Christians
to
find
an
expository
teacher
that
may
assist
with learning and understanding.
Expository Teaching
Christian
pastors
and
teachers
will
use
textual
and
topical
content
to
teach
the
Bible.
However,
the
most effective instructors are expository in that they:
1
.
Explain the meaning and intent of the biblical text.
2
.
Provide commentary and relatable examples that make the passage clear and understandable.
3
.
Correlate how the scripture applies to our lives.
Chuck Smith Bible Teachings
Chuck
Smith
is
considered
by
many
(including
myself)
as
one
of
the
bes
t
expository
Bible
teachers.
His
lessons
are
simple,
relatable,
and
easy
to
understand.
Chuck
Smith
founded
one
of
the
largest
churches
in
the
United
States:
Calvary
Chapel.
He
would
teach
topically.
But
he
allocated
a
special
day
every
week
to
teach
the
Bible
textually
verse-by-verse—starting
with
the
Book
of
Genesis,
ending
with
the
Book
of
Revelation,
and
would
start
over
again
with
Genesis.
Chuck
Smith
went
to
be
with
the
Lord
in
2013.
His
recorded
teachings
are
available
for
free
on
the
Blue
Letter
Bible
website—which
provides
the
audio
and
transcript
for
each
study. Here is the link:
https://www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/smith_chuck/
Daily Study
It
is
prudent
to
allocate
a
period
of
time
each
day
to
pray
and
focus
upon
studying
God’s
word.
For
those
who
find
it
difficult
to
allocate
time…consider
listening
while
doing
activities
where
it
is
safe
for
your
mind
to
focus
on
the
lesson.
For
example,
there
have
been
many
times
I
would
listen
via
ear
plugs as I exercised. If doing other activities, I first read the scripture then listen to the lesson.
However,
when
possible,
I
prefer
to
read
the
corresponding
Bible
scripture
as
I
listen
to
Chuck
Smith
teachings.
To
do
this
I
use
Bible
Gateway:
https://www.biblegateway.com/
.
Bible
Gateway
provides
free
Internet
access
to
the
Bible—including
the
different
versions
and
in
different
languages.
My
personal preference is the New King James Version (NKJV).
If
you
are
a
new
Christian
(or
have
not
heard
Chuck
Smith
teach)
I
suggest
listening
to
the
following
Chuck
Smith
lesson:
1
John
1:1-2:11.
I
also
recommend
starting
with
the
books
in
the
New
Testament.
Once you have established a firm foundation, then study the Old Testament.
Additional Bible Study Tools
There are additional resources available that facilitate research and study of the Bible. For example:
•
A
Bible dictionary
defines key words in scripture.
•
A
Bible concordance
alphabetically lists words and phrases, including their verse locations.
•
A
Bible commentary
provides an expository explanation of verse-by-verse scripture.
Some of these resources are free via the Internet. Here is a list of websites:
•
BibleStudyTools.com:
https://www.biblestudytools.com/library/
•
Bible Gateway:
https://www.biblegateway.com/
•
Bible Hub:
https://biblehub.com/
•
Blue Letter Bible:
https://www.blueletterbible.org/
For
example,
let’s
say
we
want
to
research
the
word
“second
death”
by
using
the
free
resources
on
BibleStudytools.com.
•
Baker’s
Evangelical
Dictionary
of
Biblical
Theology
defines
where
the
words
“second
death”
are
found
in
the
Bible
by
verse,
explains
the
words
from
a
biblical
perspective,
and
provides
additional
referenceable words and sources.
•
Strongs
Exhaustive
Concordance
lists
all
of
the
scripture
verses
and
text
that
include
the
words
“second death.”
•
Matthew
Henry
Commentary
on
the
Whole
Bible
provides
an
expository
overview
of
each
verse
identified above—including an explanation of “second death” where it occurs in scripture.
I also use the following as research tools:
•
Google: For example, Google “Second Death” to view the results.
•
Got Questions.org:
https://www.gotquestions.org/
•
Christianity.com:
https://www.christianity.com/
Examples of how to use these too
ls is provided in the lesson exercise.
I pray this lesson provides you with valuable knowledge that will enhance your Bible study skill sets.
“Be
diligent
to
present
yourself
approved
to
God,
a
worker
who
does
not
need
to
be
ashamed,
rightly
dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
All for His Glory,
Harold D. Thomas
Bible Study Exercise
The
purpose
of
this
exercise
is
to
practice
using
some
of
the
Bible
research
tools
described
in
this
lesson. As such, the exercise should be completed after reading, “How to Study the Bible.”
The
exercise
is
based
upon
a
premise
that
we
want
to
learn
more
about
the
word
“salvation”
via
a
Bible
dictionary, concordance, and commentary.
Exercise
Bible Dictionary
1
.
Go to Bible Study Tools
https://www.biblestudytools.com/library/
and select Bible Dictionaries.
2
.
Select Quick Reference Dictionary.
3
.
Click on the letter “S”
4
.
In the filter search window enter “salvation.”
5
.
Select “Salvation.”
6
.
Actions:
•
Identify the Hebrew word that is used to signify salvation.
•
2nd
paragraph:
One
might
say
salvation
is
the
overriding
theme
of
the
entire
Bible.
Agree
or
disagree?
Bible Concordance
1
.
Go to Bible Study Tools
https://www.biblestudytools.com/library/
and select Bible Concordances.
2
.
Select Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance.
3
.
Scroll down to the “Search the Bible” window, enter “salvation” and press the search button.
4
.
Note Hebrews 2:3 (will use for Bible commentary below).
5
.
Scroll down to view all of the scriptural references that include the word “salvation.”
6
.
Scroll
to
the
top
of
the
window
to
see
additional
resources.
Select
Topics,
Bible
Study,
Pastors,
References, and Bible Stories.
7
.
Go
to
https://www.biblegateway.com/
enter
“salvation”
into
the
search
window
and
scroll
down
to
view the scriptural references that include the word “salvation.”
Bible Commentary
1
.
Go to Bible Study Tools
https://www.biblestudytools.com/library/
and select Bible Commentaries.
2
.
Select John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible.
3
.
Scroll down and select Hebrews 2, then Hebrews 2:3, and read the commentary.
4
.
Go to Bible Hub:
https://biblehub.com/
5
.
In the “Enter Reference or Keyword window (top of screen), enter “Hebrews 2:3”
6
.
Select “Comment” at the top of the page to read commentaries.
7
.
Open your browser and Google “What does salvation mean in the Bible.”
8
.
Scroll down and select GotQuestions.org to read additional expository content on salvation.
You may do
wnload a PDF version of the exercise by clicking on
this text
.
The words of Jesus Christ are in
red text.
The words of Jesus
are in red text.
The
Bible
is
the
inspired,
inerrant,
and
authoritative
Word
of
God.
God
gave
us
the
Bible
to
reveal
His
holy
character;
His
sovereign
power,
grace,
mercy,
and
love;
His
Son,
Jesus
Christ;
His
reason
for
creating
us;
and
as
a
“guide
book”
in
how
to
live
a
fulfilled
life.
But
there
is
much
more
to
the
Bible
that
most
persons
do
not
realize—it
is
a
spiritual
“conduit”
to
God,
and
a
transformative
tool
used
by
the
Holy
Spirit
to
prepare
Christians for eternity.
“For
the
word
of
God
is
living
and
powerful,
and
sharper
than
any
two-edged
sword,
piercing
even
to
the
division
of
soul
and
spirit,
and
of
joints
and
marrow,
and
is
a
discerner
of
the
thoughts
and
intents
of
the
heart.”
Hebrews 4:12
“All
Scripture
is
given
by
inspiration
of
God,
and
is
profitable
for
doctrine,
for
reproof,
for
correction,
for
instruction
in
righteousness,
that
the
man
of
God
may
be
complete,
thoroughly
equipped
for
every
good
work.”
2
Timothy 3:16-17
If
you
want
to
know
more
about
God;
if
you
want
to
learn
more
about
yourself;
and
if
you
want
to
accelerate
your
transformational
change
from
being
less
like
yourself
and
more
like
Jesus…you
must
read
the
Bible
from
Genesis
to
Revelation.
But
what’s
more
(and
revealing),
no
one
will
ever
complete
their
study
of
the
Bible.
God’s
word
is
so
profound
a
“toddler”
can
easily
wade
in
the
shallow
waters,
and
a
philosopher
will
never
touch
the
bottom.
As
such,
consider
reading
the
Bible
as
a
life-long
learning
experience.
For
example,
as
we
are
transformed
in
Christ
and
as
we
mature,
you
will
likely
find
new
spiritual
meanings to scripture you read in the past.
However,
while
it
is
important
for
each
of
us
to
mentally
learn
God’s
word,
the
most
important
influence
of
God’s
word
is
to
transform
the
attitude
and
intent
of
our
heart
towards
Him.
As
such,
we
are
amiss
if
it
resides
in
our
mind
only.
For
there
are
many
who
can
quote
scriptures
and
portray
a
pseudo
spirituality—but
their
heart
has
not
been touched and transformed by God.
Bible
scripture
may
be
allegorically
considered
as
spiritual
nourishment.
For
example,
consider
how
we
eat.
We
put
food
into
our
mouth
and
we
chew.
As
we
continue
to
chew
we
break
down
the
food
into
smaller
digestible
elements,
and
then
we
swallow
the
food
(1)
to
obtain
physical
nourishment,
and
(2)
to
get
rid
of
the
hunger
pains
in
our
stomach.
In
like
manner,
we
put
God’s
word
into
our
eyes
and
ears—and
then
mentally
“chew”
on
the
scripture
to
extract
its
deeper
meanings
and
how
it
relates
to
us—thereby
providing
spiritual
nourishment
for
our
heart
and
soul—as
our
faith
is
strengthened,
and
the
“hunger
pains”
of
stress
and
anxiety
are
replaced
by
His
peace
which
passes
all
understanding (Phil. 4:7).
Textual and Topical
There
are
basically
two
ways
the
study
the
Bible:
textual
and topical.
•
Textual
learning
is
based
upon
studying
the
Bible
book-by-book,
verse-by-verse.
For
example,
a
textual
study
may
be
on
a
portion
of
or
the
entire
Book
of
Matthew, or Genesis.
•
Topical
learning
is
based
upon
a
specific
subject
such
as,
“God’s
Grace
and
the
Hardened
Heart.”
Topical
studies
use
scriptural
references
from
different
books
in the Bible.
UniqueBibleStudies.com
provides
numerous
topical
Bible
studies—which
enhance
spiritual
learning
and
blessings.
But
what
is
more
important,
Christians
should
study
the
Bible
textually:
book-by-book,
verse-by-verse.
In
addition,
it
is
prudent
for
Christians
to
find
an
expository
teacher that may assist with learning and understanding.
Expository Teaching
Christian
pastors
and
teachers
will
use
textual
and
topical
content
to
teach
the
Bible.
However,
the
most
effective
instructors are expository in that they:
1
.
Explain the meaning and intent of the biblical text.
2
.
Provide
commentary
and
relatable
examples
that
make the passage clear and understandable.
3
.
Correlate how the scripture applies to our lives.
Chuck Smith Bible Teachings
Chuck
Smith
is
considered
by
many
(including
myself)
as
one
of
the
bes
t
expository
Bible
teachers.
His
lessons
are
simple,
relatable,
and
easy
to
understand.
Chuck
Smith
founded
one
of
the
largest
churches
in
the
United
States:
Calvary
Chapel.
He
would
teach
topically.
But
he
allocated
a
special
day
every
week
to
teach
the
Bible
textually
verse-by-verse—starting
with
the
Book
of
Genesis,
ending
with
the
Book
of
Revelation,
and
would
start
over
again
with
Genesis.
Chuck
Smith
went
to
be
with
the
Lord
in
2013.
His
recorded
teachings
are
available
for
free
on
the
Blue
Letter
Bible
website—which
provides
the
audio
and
transcript
for
each
study.
https://www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/smith_chuck/
Daily Study
It
is
prudent
to
allocate
a
period
of
time
each
day
to
pray
and
focus
upon
studying
God’s
word.
For
those
who
find
it
difficult
to
allocate
time…consider
listening
while
doing
activities
where
it
is
safe
for
your
mind
to
focus
on
the
lesson.
For
example,
there
have
been
many
times
I
would
listen
via
ear
plugs
as
I
exercised.
If
doing
other
activities,
I
first
read
the
scripture
then
listen
to
the
lesson.
However,
when
possible,
I
prefer
to
read
the
corresponding
Bible
scripture
as
I
listen
to
Chuck
Smith
teachings.
To
do
this
I
use
Bible
Gateway:
https://www.biblegateway.com/
.
Bible
Gateway
provides
free
Internet
access
to
the
Bible—including
the
different
versions
and
in
different
languages.
My
personal
preference is the New King James Version (NKJV).
If
you
are
a
new
Christian
(or
have
not
heard
Chuck
Smith
teach)
I
suggest
listening
to
the
following
Chuck
Smith
lesson:
1
John
1:1-2:11.
I
also
recommend
starting
with
the
books
in
the
New
Testament.
Once
you
have
established
a
firm
foundation,
then
study
the
Old
Testament.
Additional Bible Study Tools
There
are
additional
resources
available
that
facilitate
research and study of the Bible. For example:
•
A Bible dictionary defines key words in scripture.
•
A Bible concordance alphabetically lists words and
phrases, including their verse locations.
•
A Bible commentary provides an expository
explanation of verse-by-verse scripture.
Some of these resources are free via the Internet. Here
is a list of websites:
•
BibleStudyTools.com:
https://www.biblestudytools.com/library/
•
Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/
•
Bible Hub: https://biblehub.com/
•
Blue Letter Bible: https://www.blueletterbible.org/
For
example,
let’s
say
we
want
to
research
the
word
“second
death”
by
using
the
free
resources
on
BibleStudytools.com.
•
Baker’s
Evangelical
Dictionary
of
Biblical
Theology
defines
where
the
words
“second
death”
are
found
in
the
Bible
by
verse,
explains
the
words
from
a
biblical
perspective,
and
provides
additional
referenceable words and sources.
•
Strongs
Exhaustive
Concordance
lists
all
of
the
scripture
verses
and
text
that
include
the
words
“second death.”
•
Matthew
Henry
Commentary
on
the
Whole
Bible
provides
an
expository
overview
of
each
verse
identified
above—including
an
explanation
of
“second
death” where it occurs in scripture.
I also use the following as research tools:
•
Google:
For
example,
Google
“Second
Death”
to
view
the results.
•
Got Questions.org:
https://www.gotquestions.org/
•
Christianity.com:
https://www.christianity.com/
Examples
of
how
to
use
these
tools
is
provided
in
the
lesson exercis
e.
I
pray
this
lesson
provides
you
with
valuable
knowledge
that will enhance your Bible study skill sets.
“Be
diligent
to
present
yourself
approved
to
God,
a
worker
who
does
not
need
to
be
ashamed,
rightly
dividing
the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
All for His Glory,
Harold D. Thomas
Bible Study Exercise
The
purpose
of
this
exercise
is
to
practice
using
some
of
the
Bible
research
tools
described
in
this
lesson.
As
such,
the
exercise
should
be
completed
after
reading,
“How to Study the Bible.”
The
exercise
is
based
upon
a
premise
that
we
want
to
learn
more
about
the
word
“salvation”
via
a
Bible
dictionary, concordance, and commentary.
Exercise
Bible Dictionary
1.
Go to Bible Study Tools
https://www.biblestudytools.com/library/ and select
Bible Dictionaries.
2.
Select Quick Reference Dictionary.
3.
Click on the letter “S”
4.
In the filter search window enter “salvation.”
5.
Select “Salvation.”
6.
Actions:
•
Identify the Hebrew word that is used to signify
salvation.
•
2nd paragraph: One might say salvation is the
overriding theme of the entire Bible. Agree or
disagree?
Bible Concordance
1.
Go to Bible Study Tools
https://www.biblestudytools.com/library/ and select
Bible Concordances.
2.
Select Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance.
3.
Scroll down to the “Search the Bible” window, enter
“salvation” and press the search button.
4.
Note Hebrews 2:3 (will use for Bible commentary
below).
5.
Scroll down to view all of the scriptural references that
include the word “salvation.”
6.
Scroll to the top of the window to see additional
resources. Select Topics, Bible Study, Pastors,
References, and Bible Stories.
7.
Go to https://www.biblegateway.com/ enter “salvation”
into the search window and scroll down to view the
scriptural references that include the word “salvation.”
Bible Commentary
1.
Go to Bible Study Tools
https://www.biblestudytools.com/library/ and select
Bible Commentaries.
2.
Select John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible.
3.
Scroll down and select Hebrews 2, then Hebrews 2:3,
and read the commentary.
4.
Go to Bible Hub: https://biblehub.com/
5.
In the “Enter Reference or Keyword window (top of
screen), enter “Hebrews 2:3”
6.
Select “Comment” at the top of the page to read
commentaries.
7.
Open your browser and Google “What does salvation
mean in the Bible.”
8.
Scroll down and select GotQuestions.org to read
additional expository content on salvation.
You
may
download
a
PDF
version
of
the
exercise
by
clicking on
this text
.
