The Internet has a wealth of Bible study resources for the student of the scriptures, and most of them are available for free!
What: The Bible on your computer.
Why: Super-fast searching of the word, fast access to different commentaries, Bible versions, and even more.
There are several quality bible programs. These are programs that you download, and install on your computer. You do not have to be logged on to the Internet to use these programs. The software goes from freeware (no cost), shareware (try before you buy at low cost), to slick programs you'd buy a software store. Click on the Program name to visit the homepage.
| Program name | Description | Pros | Cons |
| SwordSearcher | SwordSearcher is a nice program. It has a good list of features. For those who like to read several different versions will find the versions they offer to be sparse. | Although this isn't free, the author will give away copies to people who cannot afford it. He also gives discounts for those involved in ministries. Also, this package works well on slower computers, and is easy to use. | Cost is $49.95. Few Modern Versions offered |
| E-Sword | E-Sword is an awesome program! While it has many more features than most could possible use, it is given away for free! | It's Free! Dozens of Versions of the Bible, Has many features to make bible study easier | All these features means that it a a little more difficult to learn to use. I would not recommend this program to people running slower computers. I ran it on a 300MHZ machine, and it was simply too slow. |
| QuickVerse | QuickVerse was one of the first commercial Bible programs offered. I've only used an older DOS version of this software, so I can't tell much about the newer Windows versions. From the one I used, it was quick, easy, and very useful. | Looking at all the different add-ons, studies, and other resources offered I don't know if there is a resource a student would want that's not there | This is commercial software. The "Starter Version comes in at a modest $9.95 for just a bible and some older study helps, while the full version comes in at a stunning $799.99! |
These are web sites that you can use, mostly for free. You must be connected to the internet to use these resources. Please understand that there are millions upon millions of web pages out there, offering page after page of studies and resources. This does not scratch the surface of the best of what is out there.
Study Aids |
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| Resource name | Description |
| Online Audio Bible! | This web site offers, for free, the King James Version of the bible narrated by Alexander Scourby. This is not only for those who have poor eyesight! (Thanks to John Soice for the link!) |
| Bible Gateway | Bible Gateway has many versions of the Bible online for study, not to mention several study tools |
| Insight for Living | This is Chuck Swindol's web site. It offers audio messages, not to mention bible studies |
| Thru the Bible | This is the ministry of J. Vernon McGee. They offer several resources, including the entire 5-year study on MP3! |
| In touch Ministries | This is the ministries of Charles Stanley. |
| Institute for Creation Research | Wonderful articles and research confirming God's role as creator |
| The Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry | This provides a great wealth of information on many different areas of apologetics and Bible study |
| The Baptist Start Page | This site have references to just about everything. There's references to theology, Christian Living, doctrine, Sunday School and Ministry aids and a whole lot more. |
Christian Living |
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| Resource name | Description |
| The Way of the Master | This is an evangelic ministry of Ron Comfort and Kirk Cameron (Growing Pains and Left Behind movies). Its purpose is to edify and encourage the Christian to have the confidence to share Christ with the lost, anytime, anywhere. |
| Larry Burkett's Crown Financial Ministries | Solid, Biblical financial teaching and resources by Larry Burkett's group. |
| Dr. James Dobson's Focus on the Family | Christian family resources, articles, and much more |
| Crosswalk.com | Crosswalk is a web site that offers bible study tools, bible study articles, Ministry Audio, Christ-Focused News, movie and music reviews from a christian perspective. This site has a ton of resources. It is worth a look. |
| Family Life | Family life Provides solid, fundamental, practical, Christ-Centered teaching on marriage and family. This is a WONDERFUL organization! |
Ministry Helps |
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| Resource name | Description |
| Spiritual Breakthroughs, with Elmer Towns | Called "Mr. Sunday School", Elmer Towns is the authority on Sunday School and other ministries. His site offers free books and tons of other resources. |
| ChildrensMinistry.Com | Ideas for skits, lessons, games, and much more. This is a great resource for the teacher |
| Sermonillustrations.com | This site has thousands of illustrations available. They fall into three broad categories. First, there are the short stories that impart a deeper truth, then there are the quotations and sayings, and lastly there are short essays. If you ever find yourself at a loss to explain a biblical truth, you may be able to find this site useful. |
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